Network Connectivity for Synology NAS: Ensuring Smooth Operations

IT Infrastructure and Storage

Every modern business or home relies on seamless network connectivity for productivity, communication, and data access. When network issues arise, Synology NAS devices may experience slow file transfers, limited remote access, or interrupted backup processes. Checking basic connectivity is the first step toward resolving these issues efficiently, ensuring reliable performance across your NAS environment.

Why Network Connectivity Matters for Synology NAS

Stable network connections are critical for accessing shared folders, cloud sync, DSM management, and remote services like QuickConnect. Poor connectivity can affect:

File sharing and collaboration
Backup and restore operations
Surveillance Station video streaming
Remote access via Synology Drive or QuickConnect

Routine checks help detect weak links, configuration errors, and potential security risks before they affect your NAS environment.

Start with Physical and Hardware Checks

Before troubleshooting software, inspect your physical setup:

Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely connected to your NAS and switches.
Verify that NAS network LEDs indicate active connections.
Restart your router, switch, and Synology NAS if necessary.
For wireless access to your NAS, confirm strong Wi-Fi signal strength.

Verify IP Configuration

Correct IP settings are essential for NAS visibility on the network:

Confirm your NAS has a valid IP address (avoid 169.x.x.x auto-assigned addresses).
Check subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server settings via DSM > Control Panel > Network.
Use Synology Assistant to detect and map your NAS devices.

Test Connectivity with Ping

Ping your NAS to ensure it responds correctly:

Ping the NAS IP (e.g., ping 192.168.1.50) to confirm connectivity.
Use ping 8.8.8.8 to check external network access.
Test DSM port access (5000/5001) through a browser.

Successful ping responses indicate healthy connectivity; packet loss or high latency suggests network or routing issues.

Trace the Route

Use traceroute to identify where delays or drops occur between your devices and the NAS:

Windows: tracert [NAS IP]
macOS/Linux: traceroute [NAS IP]

Analyzing each hop helps detect misconfigured routers or problematic segments affecting NAS performance.

Check DNS Resolution

If DSM or QuickConnect cannot be accessed externally:

Use nslookup [NAS hostname] to verify DNS resolution.
Switch to public DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) if needed.

Evaluate Network Speed and Latency

Slow connections may impact NAS file transfers or cloud sync:

Use tools like iperf or Synology Resource Monitor to measure throughput.
Compare results with your ISP’s speed and verify local network performance.
Address high latency, Wi-Fi interference, or outdated firmware if detected.

Secure Your Network After Troubleshooting

After connectivity is restored, ensure NAS security:

Change default admin credentials and enable two-step verification in DSM.
Configure the firewall, VLANs, and access control for connected devices.
Update NAS firmware regularly and disable unused ports.
Schedule periodic network and NAS health checks.

Document Your Findings

Maintain records of:

NAS IP addresses, subnets, and port configurations.
Network diagrams and diagnostic logs.
Scheduled backups, sync tasks, and remote access settings.

Documentation streamlines future troubleshooting and ensures compliance with IT governance standards.

The Epis Technology Advantage

At Epis Technology, network connectivity management is enhanced using Synology NAS as the backbone of enterprise and SMB infrastructures. Their solutions provide automated monitoring, real-time diagnostics, and smart alert systems. Epis Technology ensures:

Immediate detection of packet loss or IP conflicts.
Optimized routing and traffic management for NAS environments.
Secure remote access and backup orchestration.

By combining Synology hardware with Epis Technology’s monitoring tools, organizations gain proactive control, improved uptime, and secure, high-performance networks across all devices.