Ubiquiti NAS: Setup and Integration
Published onby Iron
Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a game-changer for home and business networks. Pairing it with Ubiquiti's UniFi system takes it to the next level. Whether you want a central hub for files, backups, or media streaming, Ubiquiti NAS makes it happen.
Let's dive in!

Table of Contents
- Introduction to Ubiquiti NAS
- Hardware Requirements
- Step 1: Setting up the Ubiquiti Console
- Step 2: Connecting Your NAS
- Step 3: Configuring NAS in UniFi Network
- Step 4: Security Tips for Ubiquiti NAS Integration
- Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Benefits of Using a Ubiquiti NAS Setup
- Final Thoughts
Introduction to Ubiquiti NAS
A NAS device allows you to store, manage, and access files from any device on your network. Think of it as your personal cloud server. With Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem, NAS integration becomes even more seamless.
By using devices like the UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro) or the UniFi Network Video Recorder (UNVR), you can manage both networking and storage in one unified system.
Why Use a NAS?
- File Storage: Centralize your family or business files in one place.
- Media Streaming: Store movies, music, and photos to stream on any device.
- Backup Solution: Automate backups for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.
- Remote Access: Access files from anywhere with UniFi's remote access capabilities.
Ubiquiti NAS solutions work well with third-party devices like Synology or QNAP, but Ubiquiti also provides internal storage options like HDDs for the Dream Machine Pro and UNVR.
Hardware Requirements
To integrate a NAS with Ubiquiti, you’ll need the following equipment:
- NAS Device (like Synology, QNAP, or Ubiquiti's UNVR)
- Ubiquiti Console (Dream Machine Pro, Cloud Key Gen2 Plus, or Dream Router)
- Hard Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD) (for internal storage, like in a UDM Pro)
- Network Switch (optional, but useful for connecting multiple devices)
- Ethernet Cables (to connect devices to your network)
If you’re using the Dream Machine Pro or UNVR, you can install hard drives directly into these devices. Otherwise, you’ll need an external NAS connected to your UniFi network.
Step 1: Setting up the Ubiquiti Console
-
Power On Your UniFi Console:
- Plug in and power up your UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro), Cloud Key G2 Plus, or other UniFi Console.
-
Access the UniFi Network Controller:
- Log into the UniFi Controller from a web browser or the UniFi app.
- Use the credentials for your UI Account or Local Account to sign in.
-
Connect to the Internet:
- Ensure that your UniFi device has a working internet connection.
- If necessary, update the UniFi OS to the latest version for compatibility and security.
-
Insert HDDs (If Using a UDM Pro or UNVR):
- Open the hard drive tray on the UDM Pro or UNVR.
- Insert a compatible 3.5" HDD or SSD.
- Ubiquiti recommends using CMR drives for optimal performance.
-
Format and Set Up Storage:
- Go to Settings > Storage in the UniFi Controller.
- Initialize and format your new drive.
- If RAID support is required (for redundancy), you can configure RAID directly on the UNVR.
Step 2: Connecting Your NAS
If you're using a third-party NAS (like Synology or QNAP), follow these steps.
-
Connect NAS to Your Network:
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect the NAS to the same network as your UniFi devices.
- If you have a managed switch (like the UniFi Switch), plug the NAS into it.
-
Assign a Static IP (Optional but Recommended):
- Go to UniFi Network Controller > Devices.
- Select your NAS from the list of connected devices.
- Click Settings > IP Address and assign a static IP address.
- This makes it easier to access your NAS using a consistent IP.
-
Enable Remote Access:
- On your NAS (Synology/QNAP), enable Remote Access for file sharing.
- Enable services like SMB, NFS, or AFP for network file sharing.
-
Map NAS Drive on Windows or macOS:
- On Windows, map the network drive via File Explorer > Map Network Drive.
- On macOS, go to Finder > Go > Connect to Server and enter "smb://[IP Address]".
Step 3: Configuring NAS in UniFi Network
If you want to use your NAS as part of the UniFi Protect system (to store camera footage) or as a file server, here’s how to integrate it with the UniFi Network.
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Set Up VLAN for NAS Traffic (Optional but Smart):
- In UniFi Controller, go to Settings > Networks.
- Create a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) specifically for NAS traffic.
- This isolates NAS traffic from other network traffic, increasing security.
-
Set Up File Sharing Services:
- If you want your NAS to serve files, enable SMB (for Windows) or AFP (for macOS) file sharing.
-
Link NAS to UniFi Protect (for Camera Footage):
- If you want to use your NAS as storage for camera footage, connect it to UniFi Protect.
- In UniFi Protect, select Settings > Storage.
- Link the NAS to store video footage from UniFi cameras.
Step 4: Security Tips for Ubiquiti NAS Integration
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Use VLANs for Isolation:
- Create a separate VLAN for NAS traffic to protect it from the rest of your devices.
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Enable Access Control:
- Limit which devices can access the NAS.
- You can configure this directly on the NAS or using UniFi Access Control features.
-
Create Unique User Accounts:
- On your NAS, create different user accounts for each person who will access it.
- Use strong passwords and avoid using "admin" as a username.
-
Enable Remote Access Securely:
- If you want to access your NAS remotely, consider using a VPN rather than opening ports.
- Ubiquiti consoles like the Dream Machine Pro offer built-in VPN functionality.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
NAS Not Detected | Ensure the NAS is powered on and connected via Ethernet. |
Drive Not Showing | Reformat the drive in the Storage Settings of the UDM Pro. |
Slow Speeds | Use a Gigabit Ethernet connection and check network switches. |
Cannot Access NAS | Verify permissions on the NAS for file sharing (SMB/NFS). |
Connectivity Issues | Check if VLANs are configured correctly. |
Benefits of Using a Ubiquiti NAS Setup
- Centralized Management: Manage networking, storage, and surveillance in one system.
- File Backup: Use Ubiquiti’s built-in backup tools for regular snapshots.
- Video Surveillance: Store footage from UniFi cameras on the NAS or UNVR.
- Network Security: Utilize VLANs and access control to protect NAS data.
- Easy Expansion: Upgrade storage by swapping HDDs or adding external storage.
Final Thoughts
Setting up and integrating a NAS with Ubiquiti devices opens up a world of possibilities. You can store files, host media, and even record surveillance footage. The best part? You manage everything from a single UniFi dashboard.With a UniFi console like the Dream Machine Pro or UNVR, you can install hard drives directly into the console, giving you local storage without the need for a separate NAS device
With UniFi and UniHosted, managing your network and storage is effortless. Our hosting service ensures 24/7 uptime, automatic backups, and seamless updates. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.
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