Backing up your file server to a Synology NAS is one of the best ways to protect business data from loss or disaster. Whether you use Windows or Linux servers, this guide will help you create reliable backups that keep your files safe and easy to recover when needed.
What is File Server Backup to Synology NAS?
A file server backup to Synology NAS means copying or synchronizing your important data from a server onto a network-attached storage device made by Synology. This process creates an extra copy of your files in another location on your network. If something happens to your main server—like hardware failure or accidental deletion—you can restore lost files quickly from the NAS backup.
Why Backup File Server to Synology NAS?
Backing up your file server data to a Synology NAS offers many benefits for businesses of any size. First, it gives you centralized storage that is always available on your local network. Second, it protects against threats like ransomware attacks or disk failures because you have another copy of critical files elsewhere. Third, features like versioning let you roll back changes if someone overwrites or deletes something by mistake. Finally, remote access options make recovery fast even if you are offsite.
Pre-requisites: Configuring Your Synology NAS
Before starting any backup job from your file server to a Synology NAS, some setup is required on the NAS itself so everything works smoothly later.
Start by logging into the web interface of your Synology device using its IP address in a browser window. Create a dedicated shared folder—such as “ServerBackups”—using the Control Panel under Shared Folder settings; this keeps backup data organized and separate from other files stored on the device.
Next, create a user account just for backups (for example: “backup_user”). Assign this user read/write permissions only for the new shared folder; limiting access helps keep other folders secure if credentials leak out somehow.
For Windows servers that use SMB/CIFS protocol for sharing files over networks, enable SMB support in Control Panel, then go into File Services > SMB/AFP/NFS tab and turn on SMB service if it isn’t already running.
For Linux servers planning to use rsync for transfers, enable rsync support in Control Panel, then select File Services > Rsync tab and check “Enable rsync service.” You may also need to set up an rsync module—a special name used during transfer commands—to point at your shared folder.
By preparing these settings now, you avoid headaches later when connecting from different operating systems during backup jobs.
Method 1: Using Windows Backup Tool
Windows Server Backup lets administrators save copies of their data directly onto network shares such as those hosted by Synology devices—a practical way to backup file server data without extra software costs or complexity.
First things first: On many versions of Windows Server (especially newer ones), Windows Server Backup is not installed by default! To add it:
Once installed:
1. Make sure your previously created shared folder (“ServerBackups”) is accessible via SMB from the Windows machine.
2. Open Windows Server Backup found under Administrative Tools.
3. Select either Backup Once (for immediate jobs) or set up regular protection with Backup Schedule.
4. When asked where you want backups saved choose “Remote shared folder.”
5. Enter full UNC path (e.g., \\NAS_IP\ServerBackups).
6. Provide credentials for “backup_user” created earlier.
7. Pick which volumes/folders/files should be protected.
8. Review all settings carefully then click Finish; watch progress as initial copy runs!
You can schedule daily or weekly jobs so new changes get copied automatically going forward—no manual work needed after setup unless requirements change later!
If errors occur during connection attempts double-check firewall rules both on Windows side (allow outbound SMB traffic) AND within DSM’s built-in firewall controls under Security settings; sometimes these block legitimate connections until adjusted properly.
Method 2: Using Rsync on Linux Servers
Linux admins often rely on rsync—a powerful command-line tool—for efficient incremental backup between machines across networks including backing up file servers directly onto Synology devices supporting rsync protocol natively!
Before running commands make sure:
Rsync service enabled via DSM’s Control Panel
A module name assigned pointing at correct shared folder
User account exists with permission granted only where needed
There are two main ways you can run rsync:
Backing Up Over Native Rsync Daemon Mode
This approach uses module names configured earlier:
rsync -avz /path/to/source/ backup_user@NAS_IP::module_name
Replace /path/to/source/ with directory containing files needing protection; substitute backup_user, NAS_IP, module_name accordingly based upon what was set up inside DSM interface earlier (“module_name” matches whatever label was given when enabling rsync).
Backing Up Over SSH For Extra Security
Many prefer encrypting transfers using SSH tunnel instead:
rsync -avz -e ssh /path/to/source/ backup_user@NAS_IP:/volume1/ServerBackups/
Here /volume1/ServerBackups/ points directly at destination path inside shared folder structure rather than using module name syntax; SSH keys can be generated ahead of time so passwordless logins work smoothly during scheduled cron jobs later (use ssh-keygen followed by copying public key into .ssh/authorized_keys).
No matter which method chosen always test connectivity first! Run small dry-run (--dry-run) job before launching full-scale production syncs; this avoids surprises due wrong paths or permission issues mid-transfer!
To automate regular protection simply edit crontab (crontab -e) adding line like:
0 2 * * * /usr/bin/rsync -avz --delete /data/source/ backup_user@NAS_IP::module_name
This example runs every night at 2am keeping target perfectly matched with source—including deletions if desired (--delete). Adjust timing/frequency per business needs!
Rsync preserves timestamps plus owner/group info making restores accurate down road should disaster strike unexpectedly someday—isn’t peace-of-mind worth five minutes’ prep today?
Vinchin: Enterprise File Server-to-NAS Protection Made Simple
For organizations seeking advanced performance and flexibility beyond built-in tools, consider Vinchin Backup & Recovery—an enterprise-grade solution designed specifically for fast and reliable file server-to-NAS backups including seamless support for both Windows/Linux file servers and mainstream platforms such as Synology NAS and S3 object storage. Thanks to proprietary technologies like simultaneous scanning with merged transmission streams, Vinchin Backup & Recovery delivers industry-leading speeds that far surpass typical competitors in large-scale environments.
Key features include incremental backup strategies, wildcard filtering for precise selection, multi-level compression options, robust cross-platform restore capabilities (so any file backup can be restored between file servers, NAS devices, or object storage), and strong encryption standards—all working together to maximize efficiency while ensuring security and flexibility across diverse infrastructures.
The intuitive web console makes operation straightforward:
Step 1: Select the Synology NAS files you wish to back up
Step 2: Choose your preferred storage destination
Step 3: Define detailed backup strategies
Step 4: Submit the job—it’s that simple
Recognized globally with top ratings among enterprise customers worldwide, Vinchin Backup & Recovery offers a fully featured 60-day free trial—experience best-in-class protection today by clicking below!
Backup File Server to Synology NAS FAQs
Q1: Can I encrypt my backups when transferring files from my Linux server?
A1: Yes—run rsync over SSH (rsync -e ssh) so all traffic stays encrypted end-to-end between source/destination hosts without extra steps required beyond initial key setup.
Q2: How do I limit access so only my designated user writes backups onto my shared folder?
A2: In DSM assign read/write rights solely for "backup_user" account within Shared Folder Permissions panel leaving everyone else denied—even admin accounts if possible—for maximum isolation/security benefit long-term!
Q3: What should I do if my scheduled nightly job fails unexpectedly?
A3: Check logs both locally (/var/log/syslog), remotely inside DSM Log Center app then re-test manual connection using same credentials/path details correcting typos/firewall blocks promptly before next scheduled run occurs again...
Conclusion
Backing up your file server to a Synology NAS keeps business data safe against loss or attack while simplifying recovery tasks later on demand—whether relying upon built-in OS tools OR advanced solutions like Vinchin trusted globally every day! Try Vinchin now for streamlined enterprise-grade results.
