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Hi, I am from US, I need a suggestion. I am using a Wifi that my landlord provides for free. I dont have physical access to it, however.
I need a NAS that can connect to that wifi router, backup my phone and PC which are also connected to that router. Also, When I am away, I want to be able to access the files (especially from an Android phone.
Please suggest a Wifi NAS that enables the above. Thanks a bunch!
Regards
Andrew
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To connect a NAS (Network Attached Storage) to Wi-Fi, most models don't come with built-in Wi-Fi functionality. However, you can connect it to Wi-Fi using a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Here's a step-by-step guide for connecting your NAS to a Wi-Fi network:
Steps to Connect a NAS to Wi-Fi:
Check NAS Compatibility with Wi-Fi Adapters:
Synology: Synology NAS devices generally don’t have built-in Wi-Fi. However, they support Wi-Fi USB dongles, but you should check Synology's compatibility list for supported adapters on your specific model.
QNAP: Similar to Synology, QNAP doesn’t include Wi-Fi in most NAS models, but they support USB Wi-Fi dongles. You’ll need to check the QNAP support page for a list of compatible adapters.
WD My Cloud: Some WD models like My Cloud Home come with built-in Wi-Fi, so you won’t need a USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Get a USB Wi-Fi Adapter:
Choose a Wi-Fi USB adapter that is compatible with your NAS. It should be plug-and-play and compatible with Linux-based systems (since most NAS OSes are built on Linux).
Popular options include adapters from brands like TP-Link, Edimax, or ASUS, but ensure the model is compatible with your NAS brand.
Plug the USB Wi-Fi Adapter into the NAS:
Insert the USB Wi-Fi adapter into one of the available USB ports on the NAS. You may need to refer to your NAS manual for specific instructions.
Log into the NAS:
Access your NAS through its web interface. You’ll need to know the IP address of the NAS or use the manufacturer's setup tool to find it.
Configure Network Settings:
Once logged in, navigate to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface (or similar in your NAS settings).
You should see an option to set up a new network connection.
Choose Wi-Fi as your connection type and enter the SSID (network name) and Wi-Fi password for the network you want to connect to.
Test the Connection:
Once connected, you should see the NAS connected to the Wi-Fi network in the Network Interface section of the NAS settings.
Test it by browsing the internet or accessing files from other devices on the same network.
Set Up File Sharing and Backups:
After establishing the Wi-Fi connection, you can start setting up backup tasks and file sharing as you would on any other NAS connected to a wired network.
Additional Tips:
Speed: Wi-Fi will likely provide slower transfer speeds compared to wired Ethernet. For high-volume data transfers or streaming, a wired Ethernet connection is preferable.
Stability: Wi-Fi may also be less stable than a wired connection, so keep this in mind for long-term use.
Wi-Fi USB Dongle: Make sure the USB dongle supports the correct Wi-Fi version (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6, depending on your router capabilities).
Alternative (For Synology/QNAP):
If you're using Synology or QNAP, and you don’t want to use a USB adapter, another option is to use an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge device. This device connects to your router wirelessly and provides an Ethernet port for your NAS to plug into, effectively connecting your NAS to Wi-Fi without using an internal USB Wi-Fi dongle.
