Set Up a Second NAS for Network & Remote Access
Deploying a Second NAS for Secure Network Access
As businesses grow, a single NAS often isn’t enough. Whether you’re adding redundancy, supporting a remote office, or building a disaster-recovery site, setting up a second NAS with proper network and remote access is a smart move. However, without the right configuration, a multi-NAS environment can introduce complexity, security risks, and performance issues.
This guide walks through how to plan, configure, and securely connect a second NAS focusing on networking, remote access, and best practices for business-grade reliability.
Why Add a Second NAS?
A second NAS is typically deployed for one or more of the following reasons:
Offsite backup and disaster recovery
Remote office or branch storage
High availability and redundancy
Load distribution for users or applications
Regulatory or data-residency requirements
Instead of treating the second NAS as an isolated device, the goal should be to integrate it cleanly into your existing infrastructure.
Step 1: Plan the Network Architecture
Before powering on the second NAS, define how it will connect to your network and users.
Key Questions to Answer
Will the second NAS be on the same LAN or at a remote site?
Will access be site-to-site or user-based remote access?
Do you need real-time sync, scheduled replication, or backup only?
For on-site deployments, VLAN segmentation may be useful. For remote sites, VPN or encrypted tunnel connectivity is strongly recommended.
Step 2: Assign IP Addressing and DNS
Each NAS must have:
A unique static local IP address
Correct gateway and DNS settings
Consistent hostname naming for clarity
Avoid DHCP for NAS devices. Static IPs prevent connectivity issues during reboots, updates, or replication jobs.
Step 3: Configure Secure Remote Connectivity
Remote access should never rely solely on exposed ports.
Recommended Options
Site-to-site VPN between locations
Client VPN access for admins and users
Encrypted replication services between NAS units
Avoid direct public exposure of management interfaces unless necessary, and even then, use strict firewall rules and MFA.
Step 4: Set Up Data Sync or Replication
Decide how data should move between NAS systems.
Common Scenarios
One-way replication (primary → secondary for backup)
Two-way sync for collaboration across offices
Snapshot replication for point-in-time recovery
Replication schedules should account for bandwidth limits, business hours, and retention requirements.
Step 5: Align User Accounts and Permissions
Inconsistent permissions are a common source of confusion.
Best practices include:
Centralized identity management (directory services)
Matching user/group structures on both NAS devices
Consistent shared folder naming and ACLs
This ensures seamless access regardless of which NAS users connect to.
Step 6: Test Failover and Access Scenarios
Once configured, test real-world scenarios:
Can users access data if the primary NAS is offline?
Do backups restore correctly from the secondary NAS?
Is remote access stable under load?
Testing validates not just connectivity, but operational readiness.
Synology-Focused Solution Overview
Synology provides native tools designed specifically for multi-NAS environments. Through its operating system and integrated services, administrators can configure encrypted replication, snapshot-based backups, secure VPN access, and centralized management without relying on third-party software. Synology’s approach allows multiple NAS systems, whether local or remote, to function as a coordinated storage ecosystem, supporting business continuity, secure collaboration, and scalable growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Exposing NAS management ports directly to the internet
Using inconsistent user permissions between devices
Ignoring bandwidth constraints during replication
Failing to test restore and failover processes
Treating the second NAS as “set and forget.”
A second NAS only adds value if it’s properly integrated and maintained.
How Epis Technology Helps Deploy Multi-NAS Environments
While setting up a second NAS is straightforward on paper, real-world environments often involve firewalls, VPNs, compliance rules, and performance constraints. Epis Technology helps businesses design and deploy secure multi-NAS architectures tailored to operational needs. The team evaluates network topology, access requirements, and recovery objectives, then configures replication, remote access, and security controls accordingly. Epis Technology also ensures that multi-NAS setups align with backup strategies, cloud integration, and business continuity plans, reducing risk while improving resilience and performance.
Best Practices for Long-Term Success
Monitor replication and network health regularly.
Keep firmware and security patches up to date.
Review access logs and permissions periodically.
Document failover and recovery procedures
Reassess capacity and bandwidth as data grows.
Setting up a second NAS with proper network and remote access is a powerful way to improve resilience, scalability, and data protection. When planned correctly, a multi-NAS environment supports growth without adding unnecessary complexity.
By leveraging Synology’s built-in tools and expert deployment support from Epis Technology, organizations can build secure, reliable, and future-ready storage architectures that protect data and keep teams connected wherever they work.
About Epis Technology
Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, data protection, and Synology consulting services. The company specializes in scalable storage solutions, hybrid cloud integration, fully managed backups, and disaster recovery planning. Epis Technology helps businesses design, deploy, and optimize NAS environments that are secure, compliant, and built for long-term growth.