I use a Synology NAS in my daily workflow to store high quality versions of my YouTube videos for archival purposes. Yet, I’ve been wanting to relocate the NAS to a shelf in the back of my office to save space on my desktop. Unfortunately, access to Ethernet from my shelf wouldn’t be easy. I didn’t want to go through the process of running cable from my router to my NAS, so a wireless solution seemed like the obvious choice.
The good news is that as long as you select the right USB wireless adapter, wireless connectivity from a Synology NAS to your network is virtually effortless.
Selecting the right wireless adapter
Synology keeps a running list of wireless devices that play nice with its hardware. I wanted a device that could be easily installed and tucked away within the tight confines of my shelf. Thus, I looked for a USB adapter that featured a dongle for connecting it indirectly to the NAS’ rear USB port.
Asus’ USB-AC56, a dual-band wireless adapter with included USB3.0 cradle, fit the bill perfectly. It’s compatable with my NAS, sporting speeds of 867/400 Mbps, and features an external and internal antenna. Wireless connectivity isn’t as fast as being connected to my Synology RT2600ac router directly via Ethernet, but I can live with that given the way I use my NAS as a large storage device for videos.
Video walkthrough
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Unboxing and setup
Inside the box you’ll find the dual-band USB-AC56, an external antenna, and a USB 3.0 cradle. Installing the NAS is literally as simple as plugging the cradle into one of the NAS’ USB 3.0 ports, and plugging the wireless adapter into the cradle.
Once the wireless adapter is connected to the NAS, simply head over to DSM’s Control Panel and select Wireless. From there just click Wi-Fi to add a new wireless network. You’ll then be asked to connect to your router’s SSID.
Throughout the initial setup process you’ll need to be connected to the wired network so that you can interface with DSM. But once the wireless adapter is configured, you are free to relocate the NAS anywhere within range of your wireless router.
If you don’t absolutely require the full speed made possible by interfacing through Ethernet, then the $56 USB-AC56, or any Synology-compatible wireless adapter can add a great deal of flexibility to your environment.
Would you consider going the wireless route with your Synology NAS? Sound off in the comments with your thoughts and opinions.
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