Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS Server User Manual

1. Introduction

The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is a high-performance 4-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution designed for small to medium businesses and advanced home users. It provides robust data management, backup, and synchronization capabilities, powered by the intuitive Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your DS920+.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your reseller.

• Synology DiskStation DS920+ Unit
• AC Power Adapter and Power Cord
• RJ-45 LAN Cable(s)
• Quick Installation Guide
• Accessory Pack (screws for 2.5" drives)

Note: Hard drives and memory upgrades are included separately and require installation. They are not pre-installed in the NAS chassis.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Front Panel

Image: Front view of the Synology DS920+ NAS, showing four drive bays, LED indicators for status and each disk, a USB 3.2 port, and the power button.

• Status Indicator: Displays the system status.
• Disk Indicators (1-4): Show the status of each installed hard drive.
• Drive Bays: Four hot-swappable bays for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives.
• USB 3.2 Port: For connecting external storage devices or other USB peripherals.
• Power Button: To power on or off the NAS.

3.2 Rear Panel

Image: Rear view of the Synology DS920+ NAS, showing two large cooling fans, two LAN ports, a reset button, power input, eSATA port, and an additional USB port.

• LAN Ports (2x RJ-45 1GbE): For network connectivity, supporting Link Aggregation and Failover.
• Reset Button: To reset the administrator password or reinstall DSM.
• eSATA Port: For connecting an expansion unit (e.g., DX517) to expand storage capacity.
• USB 3.2 Port: Another port for external devices.
• Power Input: Connects to the AC power adapter.
• System Fans: For cooling the internal components.

4. Setup

4.1 Hardware Installation

1. Install Hard Drives: Slide the drive trays out of the DS920+. Insert 3.5-inch SATA HDDs into the trays without screws, or secure 2.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs with the provided screws. Slide the trays back into the drive bays until they click into place.
2. Install M.2 NVMe SSDs (Optional): The DS920+ has two M.2 NVMe SSD slots on the bottom for cache acceleration. Carefully insert M.2 SSDs into the slots and secure them.
3. Connect Network Cables: Connect one or both RJ-45 LAN ports to your router or switch using the provided Ethernet cables.
4. Connect Power: Connect the AC power adapter to the power input port on the rear panel, then plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

4.2 Initial Configuration

1. Power On: Press the power button on the front panel. The STATUS LED will flash green.
2. Access Web Assistant: Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network and go to http://find.synology.com or http://diskstation:5000.
3. Install DSM: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system. This process will format the installed hard drives.
4. Create Storage Pool and Volume: After DSM installation, log in and use the Storage Manager to create a storage pool and volume. This is necessary before you can store data on the NAS.

5. Operating Your DS920+

5.1 Synology DSM Overview

Synology DSM is a web-based operating system that runs on your DiskStation. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage your NAS, install applications, and configure various services. Access DSM through your web browser after initial setup.

5.2 Key Features

• File Storage and Sharing: Centralized storage for all your data, with easy file access and sharing across different platforms.
• Backup Solutions: Utilize applications like Hyper Backup for comprehensive data backup to various destinations, and Snapshot Replication for point-in-time recovery.
• Multimedia Server: Stream 4K multimedia content to compatible devices with built-in transcoding capabilities.
• Virtual Machine Manager: Run multiple virtual machines, including Windows, Linux, or virtual DSM, directly on your NAS.
• Surveillance Station: A professional surveillance solution supporting IP cameras for home or business security.
• Security Features: Enhanced data protection with AES 256-bit encryption and 2-Factor Authentication.
• Cache Acceleration: Improve random I/O performance by installing M.2 NVMe SSDs as a read/write cache.
• Synology Drive: Create your private cloud for file synchronization and sharing across devices.

6. Maintenance

• DSM Updates: Regularly check for and install DSM updates via Control Panel > Update & Restore to ensure system stability and security.
• Disk Health: Monitor the health of your hard drives using Storage Manager > HDD/SSD. Replace failing drives promptly.
• System Health: Use Resource Monitor to check CPU, memory, network, and disk usage.
• Backup Configuration: Regularly back up your DSM configuration to a safe location.
• Cleanliness: Ensure proper airflow by keeping the NAS and its surroundings free of dust.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your DS920+, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Power: Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the NAS and the power outlet. Test the outlet with another device.
• Network Connectivity Issues: Verify that Ethernet cables are properly connected to both the NAS and your network device (router/switch). Check network settings in DSM.
• Disk Errors: If a disk indicator shows an abnormal status, check Storage Manager for details. A failing drive may need replacement.
• Cannot Access DSM: Try accessing http://find.synology.com to locate your NAS. Ensure your computer is on the same network segment.
• Forgotten Password: Use the reset button on the rear panel to reset the administrator password (refer to the Quick Installation Guide for specific steps).

For more detailed troubleshooting and support, please visit the official Synology support website.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Your Synology DS920+ is covered by a limited warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty information provided with your product or visit the official Synology website.

For technical support, software downloads, and additional documentation, please visit the Synology Support Center:

• Synology Official Website: https://www.synology.com
• Synology Support: https://www.synology.com/support