How to build your own NAS server can be a rewarding DIY project, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive pre-built systems like the Synology DS218 Play.
Utilizing basic components such as an old laptop or spare hard drives, this guide will take you through the steps to create a customizable storage solution.
From installing Open Media Vault software to setting up hardware and configuring the system, you’ll learn how to assemble a fully functional NAS that supports media streaming and secure file storage, accessible from anywhere in your home network.
How to Build Your Own NAS Server?
You might know that you can buy a NAS server like the 4 TB Synology DS218 Play, or get an enclosure like the Synology DS220j 2 Bay and put your hard drives in it.
But these options can be expensive. Instead, you can build a NAS yourself, which could be free or at least much cheaper.
What Do You Need to Build a NAS Server?
To build a NAS server, you need these essential parts:
- An old laptop or computer
- At least one hard drive
- A small USB drive (1 GB or more) for booting the system
- A larger, high-performance USB drive (32 GB is best) or a 120 GB SSD
- An Ethernet cable
- Open Media Vault (OMV) software image
- Etcher software for writing images
- A monitor or TV
- A keyboard
Step to Build NAS
Following are steps to build NAS at home:
1: Creating a Bootable USB Drive
1: First, download the Open Media Vault (OMV) ISO from their official site, ensuring you select the most recent stable version. You’ll need a USB drive, preferably with at least 1GB of space.
Before you proceed, remember to back up any files on the USB drive as it will be formatted. Next, download and install a program called Etcher to make the ISO file bootable. Here’s how to use Etcher:
2: Choose the ISO file you downloaded by clicking “Flash from file.”
3: To select your USB disk, click “Select target.” To prevent data loss, choose the right drive carefully. Etcher helps by identifying if the selected drive is too large, minimizing the risk of errors.
4: Click “Flash!” to begin the process.
2: Preparing Your Computer
Ensure any important data on the computer is backed up before you shut it down. Connect a monitor, a keyboard, and an Ethernet wire to your computer. If you plan to install additional hard drives, follow these steps:
Step 1: Unplug the computer.
Step 2: Disconnect all peripherals.
Step 3: Press the power button several times to discharge any residual electricity.
Step 4: Open the computer case.
Step 5: Ensure you have enough SATA cables for the new drives.
Step 6: Put the drives in and fasten them firmly.
Step 7: Close the case and reconnect the display, power, ethernet, and keyboard. Note: For guidance on these steps, consider watching tutorial videos on YouTube specific to your computer model.
Step 8: Remove any unnecessary hardware like graphics or sound cards as they are not needed for this setup.
3: Installing Open Media Vault
Connect the USB drive with OMV to your computer and access the BIOS to enable USB booting commonly with the “F2” key, though it may vary.
Choose the USB drive from the boot menu after restarting the computer and making sure the USB boot option is enabled. Proceed with the installation:
Step 1: Choose your installation language.
Step 2: Select your geographic location.
Step 3: Choose your keyboard layout.
Step 4: Specify a hostname for the system.
Step 5: Enter a domain name if needed.
Step 6: For the administrator account, create and verify a root password.
Step 7: Choose the disk where OMV will be installed, preferably an SSD for better performance.
Step 8: Select your location and a mirror for the package manager, skip the proxy settings, and continue.
Step 9: To make sure the system can boot from the disk, install the Grub boot loader.
Step 10: After installation, reboot the system and, while still connected to the monitor, note down the IP address to access the system through a web browser.
4: Setting Up the NAS using the Web Interface
NAS servers are mostly controlled using a web interface as opposed to direct input devices like a mouse or keyboard. To set up your NAS, follow these steps:
- Open your web browser and enter the IP address you noted earlier to access the NAS interface.
- A login screen will appear. Use the following default credentials:
Username: admin
Password: openmediavault
- Upon successful login, you’ll see the Dashboard, which serves as the central hub for configuration.
4a. Update the Web Administrator Password
- Change the default administrator password first to improve security. Navigate to General Settings > Web Administrator Password, enter a new secure password, and click save.
4b. Configure a Static IP Address
- To prevent issues from IP changes, set a static IP by going to Network > Interfaces, select your interface, and click edit.
Scroll to IPv4 settings; select ‘Static’ as the method, and fill in the details:
Address: Type in the server’s preferred static IP address.
To find the Netmask and Gateway:
- On Windows, type cmd, hit enter, and press the Windows key + R.
- In the command prompt, type ipconfig to see your network configuration.
- Enter the required details, then click Save > Apply > Yes to confirm.
4c. Initialize and Configure Storage
- Prepare the Disk:
Under Storage, navigate to Disks, select the disk, and click Wipe. Choose Quick and confirm.
- Create a File System:
Go to File Systems, select the disk and click Create.
Choose the disk, label it, and set the file system to EXT4 (or your choice). Click Ok, confirm, and close.
- Mount the Storage:
Find the newly created file system, select it, and click mount. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Setup Shared Folders:
Under Access Rights Management, go to Shared Folders and click Add.
Name the share (e.g., Media), select the mounted storage drive, and set permissions as needed. Click Save > Apply.
4d. Enable and Configure SMB/CIFS Service
- Navigate to Services, select SMB/CIFS, and enable it.
- Save the changes and proceed to Shares under the same section.
- Click Add, select the shared folder, set public permissions, and finalize by clicking Save > Apply.
5. Access the NAS from Windows
Open File Explorer, type the NAS IP address in the Quick access bar (e.g., \192.168.0.1), and press enter to connect.
For easier access, map the network drive:
- Right-click ‘This PC’ go to the Ribbon and select “Map network drive.”
- Choose a drive letter, ensure ‘Reconnect at sign-in’ is checked, and click Finish.
This will integrate the NAS into your network, allowing you to store, access, and manage files conveniently from any connected device.
Setting Up Remote Access and Security
Secure remote access is crucial for managing your NAS from anywhere in the world, while also protecting it from security risks. This section explains how to safely enable remote access.
Using Secure Remote Access Tools
Security is key when accessing your NAS from afar. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your NAS from outside threats. It’s important to use strong passwords, keep your software updated, and use firewalls and other security measures.
- Installing Media Server Software like Plex and Emby
Learn about popular media server software like Plex and Emby, which allow you to install and set them up on your NAS. These programs turn your NAS into a media centre, letting you stream movies, music, and TV shows to different devices.
- Making the Most of Your NAS
With the right setup and software, your NAS becomes a very useful tool. It keeps your data safe, makes it easy to access, and lets you enjoy your digital media, keeping your digital life organized and protected.
Conclusion
Building your own NAS server is an economical and rewarding endeavour that allows for a high degree of customization.
Following the steps outlined from assembling the necessary hardware to installing and configuring Open Media Vault software can create a robust, secure storage solution.
This DIY project not only enhances your technical skills but also results in a versatile NAS system that supports seamless media streaming and data management, tailored specifically to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need to Build a NAS Server?
You’ll need an old computer or a Raspberry Pi, some hard storage drives, a small USB drive (1GB or more) to start the system, a larger USB drive or an SSD for better performance, an Ethernet cable, a monitor or TV, and a keyboard.
How Do I Make the NAS Startup?
First, download the Open Media Vault (OMV) software from its website. Then, use a program like Etcher to put this software on your small USB drive. This makes the USB drive ready to start up your NAS.
What Should I Do After Installing the NAS Software?
Use a web browser and the NAS’s IP address to establish a connection. Enter “admin” as your username and “openmediavault” as your password to log in. Change the admin password, set up a static IP, organize your storage disks, and create network shares and services like SMB/CIFS.
Can I Use any Hard Drive in my NAS?
You can use most hard drives, but drives made for NAS are best because they last longer and work better for constant use. Standard desktop hard drives can work too, especially for a simple home setup.
How Do I Access my NAS When I’m not at Home?
To access your NAS securely from anywhere, you can set up a VPN. This keeps your connection safe and private. You’ll need to adjust your router settings to handle VPN connections and install VPN software on the devices you want to connect from.
