UniFi UNAS Pro Setup & Review: Better than Synology?

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on setting up and managing the UniFi UNAS Pro, a NAS device by Ubiquiti. With its unique features and a user-friendly interface, the UNAS Pro is an excellent alternative to traditional NAS solutions like Synology. This guide will walk you through the setup process, dashboard navigation, file management, and more.

Step 1: Setting Up the UNAS Pro

1. Unbox and Connect

   • Remove the UNAS Pro from its packaging.
   • Connect the device to your router using an Ethernet cable.
   • Plug in the power adapter and turn on the device.

2. Access the UniFi Site Manager

   • Download the UniFi Network app on your mobile device or access it through a web browser.
   • Ensure your device is connected to the same network as the UNAS Pro.
   • Follow the prompts to discover the UNAS Pro on your network.

3. Complete the Initial Configuration

   • Once discovered, select the UNAS Pro and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
   • Create an admin account and configure initial settings such as network preferences.

Step 2: Navigating the UNAS Pro Dashboard

1. Access the Dashboard

   • Log into the UniFi Site Manager.
   • Navigate to the UNAS Pro section to view the dashboard.

2. Understand Key Features

   • Familiarize yourself with the dashboard layout, including:
     • System status
     • Storage capacity
     • Running services

3. Customize Your Dashboard

   • You can rearrange widgets or add new ones based on your preferences for easier access to important information.

Step 3: Managing Shared Drives

1. Create Shared Drives

   • Click on the "Shared Drives" section in the dashboard.
   • Select "Add Drive" and specify the drive name and permissions for users.

2. Configure Drive Settings

   • Set up access rights for different users.
   • Enable or disable specific features like file versioning or access controls.

Step 4: File Services Configuration

1. Enable File Services

   • Go to the "File Services" section in settings.
   • Enable services you want to use, such as SMB or NFS.

2. Set Up User Access

   • Assign specific users or groups to access the file services.
   • Ensure proper permissions are set to maintain data security.

Step 5: Setting Up Backups

1. Access Backup Settings

   • Navigate to the "Backups" section in the settings menu.

2. Configure Backup Schedule

   • Choose the frequency of backups (daily, weekly, etc.).
   • Select the drives or folders that need to be backed up.

3. Set Backup Destination

   • Specify where backups will be stored, whether locally or on a remote server.

Step 6: Utilizing Snapshots

1. Access Snapshot Settings

   • Go to the "Snapshots" section from the dashboard.

2. Create Snapshots

   • Choose the drives or folders for which you want to create a snapshot.
   • Schedule regular snapshots to ensure data integrity.

Step 7: Managing Users

1. User Management

   • Navigate to the "Users" section in the settings.
   • Add new users by entering their details and assigning roles.

2. Control Permissions

   • Adjust user permissions to ensure they have appropriate access to shared drives and file services.

Step 8: Monitoring Performance and Power Consumption

1. Check Performance Metrics

   • Use the dashboard to monitor CPU usage, RAM usage, and network activity.

2. Review Power Consumption

   • Access power settings to view consumption statistics and optimize performance.

Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS Pro offers an efficient solution for home and business file storage needs, combining powerful features with ease of use. By following this guide, you can effectively set up and manage your NAS device, ensuring your data is secure and easily accessible. For further exploration, consider adjusting settings based on your specific requirements and monitoring performance for optimal operation.