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Getting Started with Synology Drive on DSM 7.2: Comprehensive Setup and Configuration Guide

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Chris Culligan
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With DSM 7.2, Synology has raised the bar for its NAS ecosystem, delivering improved performance, enhanced security, and more refined tools. Among the standout features is Synology Drive, which transforms your NAS into a private cloud with secure file sharing, synchronization, and collaboration capabilities. This guide dives deep into the latest version of Synology Drive for DSM 7.2, providing step-by-step instructions for setup, advanced configuration, and optimization.

What’s New in DSM 7.2 for Synology Drive?

DSM 7.2 introduces several updates and enhancements that impact Synology Drive:

  • Immutable Shared Folders: Enable write-once, read-many (WORM) protection to safeguard critical data.
  • Improved Performance: Enhanced indexing and file transfer speeds.
  • Enhanced Security: FIDO2 two-factor authentication and stricter access controls for users and groups.
  • Better Integration with Backup: Seamless integration with Active Backup for Business for comprehensive file protection.

These features make Synology Drive even more powerful for both home and business users.

Step-by-Step Setup and Configuration

1. Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure the following:

  1. DSM 7.2 is installed on your Synology NAS.
  2. Sufficient storage capacity for the files you plan to manage with Synology Drive.
  3. QuickConnect or DDNS configured for external access (optional, but recommended).
  4. Admin privileges to install and configure packages.

2. Install Synology Drive Server

  1. Access DSM:
    • Log in to your DSM using the NAS’s IP address or QuickConnect ID.
  2. Go to Package Center:
    • Open Package Center from the main menu.
    • Search for “Synology Drive” and click Install.
  3. Launch the Synology Drive Admin Console:
    • Once installation completes, open the Synology Drive Admin Console to start the setup process.

3. Configure Synology Drive Server

  1. Run the Setup Wizard:
    • Follow the prompts to enable Synology Drive.
  2. Enable Team Folders:
    • Go to the Team Folder tab.
    • Select the shared folders you want to use with Synology Drive.
    • Assign appropriate permissions for users and groups.
  3. Configure Advanced Folder Options:
    • Enable file versioning and set policies for version retention.
    • Configure WORM protection for critical data if needed.

4. Set Up Synology Drive Client for Desktop

  1. Download the Synology Drive Client:
  2. Install and Launch the Client:
    • Enter your NAS’s QuickConnect ID or IP address.
    • Log in with your credentials.
  3. Choose Sync Preferences:
    • Select the local folder and shared folder for synchronization.
    • Configure sync type:
      • Two-Way Sync: Keeps files updated in both locations.
      • One-Way Sync: Syncs files in one direction only.

5. Set Up Mobile Access

  1. Install Synology Drive App:
    • Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play Store).
  2. Connect to Your NAS:
    • Enter your NAS details and log in.
    • Access files, upload documents, and share links directly from your mobile device.

Advanced Features and Configuration in DSM 7.2

1. Secure Remote Access

  • Enable HTTPS:
    • Go to Control Panel > Security > Certificate and install an SSL certificate.
  • Firewall Rules:
    • Restrict Synology Drive access to specific IP addresses or countries.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
    • Enable FIDO2 authentication in Control Panel > Security > Account for an extra layer of protection.

2. File Versioning and Retention

  • Versioning Policy:
    • Set retention rules in the Synology Drive Admin Console under Versioning Settings.
    • Choose how many versions to keep and for how long to minimize storage usage.
  • Restore Previous Versions:
    • Users can revert to earlier versions of files directly from the Synology Drive portal.

3. WORM Protection (Immutable Shared Folders)

  • Use the new Immutable Shared Folder feature in DSM 7.2 to protect critical data from accidental or malicious modification.
  • Configure this option when enabling Team Folders in Synology Drive.

4. Backup and Disaster Recovery

  1. Integrate with Active Backup for Business:
    • Use Active Backup to schedule backups of Synology Drive data to another location or external drive.
  2. Hybrid Backup Sync:
    • Combine local and cloud backups to ensure your files are always safe.

5. Optimize Performance

  • Selective Sync:
    • Enable selective sync to reduce unnecessary file transfers and save local storage.
  • Bandwidth Throttling:
    • Configure bandwidth limits in the Synology Drive Client to avoid network congestion.
  • Indexing Performance:
    • Regularly check Resource Monitor for indexing activity and optimize folder indexing under Control Panel > Search.

6. Monitor Usage and Reports

  • Use the Drive Admin Console to monitor user activity, view logs, and analyze file access patterns.
  • Schedule automated reports for administrative insights.

Best Practices for DSM 7.2 and Synology Drive

  1. Regular Updates:
    • Keep DSM and Synology Drive updated to benefit from the latest features and security fixes.
  2. User Training:
    • Provide users with guides on accessing files, sharing data, and collaborating effectively.
  3. Integrate with Synology Office:
    • Install Synology Office to enable real-time co-editing of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations within the Drive environment.
  4. Automate Backups:
    • Use Synology Hyper Backup to create scheduled backups of Drive data to external devices or cloud storage.

Conclusion

DSM 7.2 has brought significant enhancements to Synology Drive, making it an indispensable tool for file management, collaboration, and data security. By following this guide, you can fully leverage Synology Drive’s potential and create a robust private cloud tailored to your needs.

Whether you’re a small business looking to improve teamwork or a home user safeguarding personal data, Synology Drive on DSM 7.2 delivers a flexible and secure solution.

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