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Best Practices for Using Synology Assistant for Smarter NAS Management

Best Practices for Using Synology Assistant

Managing network storage efficiently is vital for maintaining secure, scalable, and accessible data systems. Synology Assistant, a free desktop utility from Synology, simplifies the process of locating, connecting, and managing your Synology NAS devices across a network. It’s especially useful for administrators handling multiple units or large-scale infrastructures.
Whether you’re deploying a new NAS or optimizing an existing one, following best practices for Synology Assistant ensures smoother operations, stronger security, and better performance.

1. Keep Synology Assistant Updated

Always use the latest version of Synology Assistant.
Regular updates introduce new features, bug fixes, and improved compatibility with DSM (DiskStation Manager). To avoid version mismatches, sync updates across all workstations and devices that access your NAS environment.

Tip: Enable automatic update notifications in Synology Assistant preferences.

2. Use Static IP Addresses for Stable Connections

For reliable network discovery, assign static IP addresses to your Synology NAS units. This prevents them from appearing as “unknown” devices after reboots or DHCP renewals.
Static IPs make it easier for Synology Assistant to locate NAS systems consistently, especially when managing multiple devices.

Best Practice: Document all IP assignments for quick troubleshooting.

3. Enable Device Discovery Securely

Synology Assistant scans the local network to find NAS devices. For security:

  • Restrict discovery to trusted network segments.

  • Avoid running open scans on public or guest Wi-Fi.

  • Pair with Synology’s Secure SignIn and 2-step verification for user authentication.

This minimizes exposure to unauthorized detection and ensures all devices are discovered safely.

4. Optimize Network Performance

For faster discovery and smoother file transfers:

  • Use Gigabit or 10-Gigabit Ethernet connections where possible.

  • Connect NAS units and workstations on the same subnet.

  • Disable unnecessary background applications before large data transfers.

This helps Synology Assistant respond faster and ensures optimal throughput when mapping shared drives.

5. Utilize Drive Mapping Features

One of Synology Assistant’s most practical tools is drive mapping, allowing users to assign NAS folders as network drives for seamless access.
To maximize performance:

  • Map drives using SMB or AFP, depending on your OS.

  • Keep credentials encrypted and avoid saving passwords on public devices.

  • Periodically review mapped drives for outdated links or unused shares.

6. Monitor Device Health and Status

Synology Assistant provides real-time information such as device temperature, firmware version, and connection status. Regularly review these metrics to catch issues early, such as disk warnings, firmware mismatches, or degraded RAID arrays.
Scheduling periodic system checks helps ensure consistent performance across all units.

7. Leverage QuickConnect and Remote Access

For administrators managing off-site systems, QuickConnect integration in Synology Assistant allows easy access without manual port forwarding.
To maintain security:

  • Enable SSL/TLS encryption.

  • Use Synology DDNS for reliable address resolution.

  • Limit remote privileges to essential users only.

8. Backup Configuration Settings

Before performing major updates or migrations, back up your NAS configuration files through Synology Assistant.
This ensures that IP settings, user permissions, and mapped drives can be restored quickly if something goes wrong.

Pro Tip: Store configuration backups securely in a secondary NAS or Synology C2 cloud storage.

9. Integrate with Epis Technology Solutions

At Epis Technology, we help businesses elevate their NAS environments by integrating Synology Assistant with broader network management systems. Through advanced monitoring dashboards, automated alerts, and performance analytics, Epis Technology enables organizations to gain unified visibility and control over their entire storage ecosystem. Our solutions enhance Synology’s capabilities with added layers of security, redundancy, and automation, ensuring that every NAS operates at peak performance while staying compliant and protected.

10. Test Discovery and Access Regularly

Run scheduled network scans using Synology Assistant to verify that all devices remain visible and accessible.
If a NAS fails to appear:

  • Check firewall settings or antivirus exclusions.

  • Verify subnet alignment.

  • Restart the Synology Assistant service.

Routine testing guarantees continuous availability and faster recovery in case of network disruptions.

Synology Assistant is a powerful yet simple tool for managing NAS devices efficiently. By following best practices, such as maintaining updates, securing discovery, monitoring health, and backing up configurations, organizations can streamline workflows and strengthen network reliability. With expert integration from Epis Technology, users can unlock the full potential of Synology ecosystems, achieving intelligent, secure, and future-ready data management.

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