Initial Setup

Connect all essential cables to the NAS (power and Ethernet one) after installing the HDDs, power it up, and you are ready to go. The easiest way to set the NAS up is to type "find.synology.com" or "diskstation:5000" into your browser. Both of the aforementioned URLs will fire up the easy-to-follow set-up process.


The initial set-up process can take a while, so sit back and relax or make yourself a cup of coffee and read a newspaper. You will, once set-up is complete, be forwarded to the DSM login page, where you will input your credentials to access the administrative interface.

Software

Synology didn't include a software disc in the bundle to make sure owners of this product download the latest versions of these software packages off their Download Center. The latter hosts the with the DS214play compatible software packages, and we highly recommend you download and install all of them since they provide a ton of features.


The Synology Assistant will, once installed, find the NAS on your network, identify its model and serial number, and will, if an operating system hasn't been installed yet, guide you through the installation process. You have to have access to the net to download the latest version of DiskStation Manager (DSM) off Synology's FTP, since no software disc is included. But downloading the operating system will make sure your install is up-to-date. You can directly connect to the NAS through the Synology Assistant to set up all parameters, which also gives you the ability to check on the resources of your NAS, upload photos, or check on the printers attached to it. You even have the option to run a memory test to figure out whether the unit's memory is working properly should you experience any weird issues.


The Data Replication application allows you to easily and quickly backup and restore files.


The Synology Cloud Station software allows you to synchronize files between your NAS and your workstation, or all client PCs.


Synology says the Evidence Integrity Authenticator to allow third-party investigators or law enforcement authorities to validate and review videos captured by the Synology Surveillance Station. Videos which have not been tampered with will be verified by the authentication test as original recordings since all recorded videos and Live View snapshots by Surveillance Station include an invisible watermark.


Photo Station Uploader allows you to upload a bunch of photos to your photo album.