Introduction 🎯 This guide outlines the optimal first-time setup for a UGREEN NAS, covering hardware installation to advanced configurations. Initial steps involve physically installing hard drives and connecting an Ethernet cable. The NAS is then located and accessed via a local network URL.
Core Setup ⚙️ The initial web-based setup involves naming the NAS, accepting terms, creating an administrator account, and optionally binding an email. UGOS operating system installation follows, requiring a system reboot. Storage pool creation is next: select all drives and choose a RAID type. RAID 5 (4-bay, single redundancy), RAID 6 (6/8-bay, dual redundancy), and RAID 1 (2-bay, mirroring) are common choices. A hard drive test is recommended. BTRFS is generally preferred for snapshots over ext4. Confirming data deletion and password authentication initiates pool creation and syncing. For network stability, a static IP address for the NAS is paramount, ideally via router DHCP reservation, or manually as a fallback.
Access & Permissions 🤝 User and group management is crucial. New users should be added as "common users" to restrict admin access, with personal folders enabled. For multiple users, creating groups (e.g., "editors") simplifies permissions. Enabling the SMB service is vital for network access from Windows/macOS. Shared folders are created via the Files app:
- Personal Folders: Auto-enabled for selected users, providing private storage.
- Shared Folders: Created for collaboration (e.g., "media"), with options for limits, hidden visibility, and a recycle bin. Permissions (read/write, read-only) are assigned to specific users or groups, enabling granular control. Both personal and shared folders are then accessible via SMB.
Data Integrity & Security 🔒 For data integrity, install the Snapshot Utility (requires BTRFS). Configure snapshot plans for all folders, ideally daily, with retention policies (e.g., 30 days) to manage storage. Manual snapshots can be taken and locked. Snapshots act as a primary defense against accidental deletion, enabling quick restoration, but are distinct from true backups. Account security requires enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for admin accounts, specifically for web portal logins. Firewall setup is recommended but can be deferred. Essential for every NAS is UPS integration; connect a UPS via USB for automatic detection and graceful shutdown during power loss, preventing data corruption.
Advanced Topics & Apps 🚀 Remote access offers UGREEN's UG Link (easy, relay-based, slower, requires 2FA and cloud account) or a more secure VPN (recommended). The App Center features tools like Sync & Backup. Remember: RAID and snapshots are not backups. The Sync & Backup app's current limitations (rsync/WebDAV to another NAS) highlight the need for robust backup strategies. Cloud Drive facilitates syncing data to services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), but is not a true backup, as deletions sync. Users must leverage destination-side versioning if relying on cloud sync. Once storage pool sync completes, schedule quarterly "Storage Pool Organization" (data scrubbing) to ensure data consistency. Lastly, the UG Mobile application provides comprehensive mobile management, often proving more convenient than the web portal.
Final Takeaway Establishing a robust UGREEN NAS setup demands meticulous attention to storage, permissions, data integrity via snapshots, and strong security. Understanding the distinction between syncs, snapshots, and true backups, alongside critical hardware like UPS, is paramount for comprehensive data protection and optimal operation.