Connecting Synology NAS to a Mac and Staying Connected to the Internet via WiFi

Many home users are intrigued by the idea of connecting their Synology NAS server to a Mac iMac 2012 running OS X 10.11.6 while maintaining an active internet connection for tasks like web browsing and email checks.

Understanding the Concept

This setup is completely feasible and aligns with how Synology and similar NAS manufacturers intend for home users to leverage these devices. Most households have a router and a switch – often combined in a single device. Your Synology NAS can be connected to the same router that your Mac is connected to, enabling you to easily access your NAS files via a local network. Similarly, the WiFi connection can be seen as another network interface on your router, just like a wired Ethernet port.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Connect the NAS to Your Router

Begin by plugging the Synology NAS into one of the Ethernet LAN ports on your Wi-Fi access point/router. This will allow your NAS to become part of the local network, providing a direct connection for file sharing and data retrieval.

2. Configure Static IP Address for the NAS

To ensure a stable and predictable network connection for your NAS, it is recommended to set a static IP address. This means assigning a fixed IP address that is within the same subnet as the router, without a gateway. This makes it easier to connect to the NAS from your Mac, as you won't have to deal with automatic IP assignment changes.

Note: Connecting the Synology NAS directly to an Ethernet port in your wall will allow you to complete the setup from another device, such as a laptop or keyboard/mouse.

3. Connect Your Mac via Wi-Fi

Once your NAS is configured, it’s time to connect your Mac to your home Internet via WiFi. Your Mac will already be connected to the router for local network access, and this same router will also provide internet access to the rest of your devices, including the Synology NAS.

4. Accessing Data from Your Mac

To access your NAS files from your Mac, you can simply open a web browser and enter the static IP address that you set for your Synology NAS. This method works just as well with other NAS devices, such as a Netgear NAS, for instance.

Conclusion

By setting up your Synology NAS in a static connection to your router, you can easily access your data from your Mac while still maintaining the ability to surf the web and check your emails via WiFi. This configuration maximizes your network's efficiency and flexibility, making your NAS and Mac work seamlessly together.

Keywords: Synology NAS, Mac Connection, Static IP Configuration, Wireless Internet Access