United States
Q
What is a Synology Storage Server?
A
A Synology Storage Server is a network-attached storage (NAS) appliance running DiskStation Manager (DSM) that provides centralized file sharing, data protection, and scalable storage for home offices and businesses.
Q
How do I choose the right Synology NAS model for my needs?
A
Select a Synology NAS based on drive bay count, processor, memory, workload type (file sharing, virtualization, surveillance) and scalability options to match performance, capacity, and future growth requirements.
Q
What RAID configurations are supported on Synology NAS?
A
Synology NAS supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) and SHR2, offering balanced performance and redundancy to protect data against single or dual drive failures.
Q
How do I perform the initial setup of a Synology Storage Server?
A
Connect drives, power and network cables, then use Synology Web Assistant at find.synology.com to install DSM, create an administrator account, configure storage pools and create shared folders.
Q
How can I upgrade or expand the storage capacity on a Synology NAS?
A
Install higher-capacity drives or attach a Synology expansion unit, then use Storage Manager to expand volumes or migrate RAID arrays online without service interruption.
Q
Can I access my Synology Storage Server remotely?
A
Yes. Enable QuickConnect in DSM or configure VPN/port forwarding to securely access files and services from anywhere using Synology mobile and desktop apps.
Q
What backup solutions does Synology offer for data protection?
A
Synology provides Hyper Backup for multi-version backups, Active Backup for Business, Snapshot Replication for near-instant recovery, and Cloud Sync for offsite synchronization with public clouds.
Q
How do I secure my Synology Storage Server against unauthorized access?
A
Enable HTTPS, two-factor authentication, firewall, auto-block, security advisor scans, and encrypt shared folders and volumes to protect data from external threats.
Q
What is Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)?
A
DSM is Synology’s web-based operating system for NAS devices, providing an intuitive interface to manage files, applications, backups, virtualization, and network services.
Q
How do I update DSM on my Synology NAS?
A
Go to Control Panel > Update & Restore in DSM, check for the latest version, and click Update. Optionally enable automatic updates with scheduled installation.
Q
How do I create and manage shared folders on a Synology Storage Server?
A
In DSM’s Control Panel > Shared Folder, click Create, set folder name, enable encryption/quota, define user or group permissions, and apply advanced settings like recycle bin.
Q
Does Synology support cloud synchronization with public cloud services?
A
Yes. Use Cloud Sync in DSM to sync or back up data with AWS S3, Azure, Google Drive, Dropbox and other public or private cloud providers in real time.
Q
How do I troubleshoot performance issues on a Synology Storage Server?
A
Monitor CPU, memory, disk I/O and network stats in Resource Monitor, optimize RAID scrub schedules, configure SSD cache, update DSM and check network latency for bottlenecks.
Q
What applications and services can I run on a Synology NAS?
A
Synology NAS supports Office suite, Drive file sync, MailPlus, Surveillance Station, Docker, Virtual Machine Manager, multimedia servers and third-party packages via Package Center.
Q
How does Synology High Availability (SHA) ensure continuous uptime?
A
SHA pairs two identical Synology NAS devices in an active-passive cluster. If the active server fails, the passive one instantly takes over with minimal service interruption.
Q
How do I monitor system health and storage usage on Synology NAS?
A
Use Resource Monitor and Storage Manager in DSM to track real-time metrics, set up email or SMS notifications, and configure SNMP for third-party monitoring tools.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for Synology Storage Servers?
A
Synology offers a standard 2- to 5-year limited warranty with optional extended coverage, plus access to online knowledge base, community forums and direct technical support.
