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Knowledge Center

How do I copy data from a file server to Synology NAS?

Last updated:Dec 20, 2023

How do I copy data from a file server to Synology NAS?

Details

You can copy files from a file server to Synology NAS using Active Backup for Business or file transfer protocols.1 2 3 

Active Backup for Business

File transfer protocols

Pros
  • Schedulable tasks
  • Flexible backup file formats
  • No redundant files are created if interrupted
  • Supported on all Synology NAS models

Cons
  • Only supported on certain Synology NAS models
  • Only supported for certain file protocols
  • Files must be copied manually
  • No backup schedules
  • Files must be copied again if interrupted

Resolution

Copy data using Active Backup for Business

  1. Make sure your Synology NAS supports Active Backup for Business.
  2. On your NAS, install Active Backup for Business if you haven't already.
  3. Copy data to Synology NAS via SMB or rsync. Refer to file server backup and restoration for more details.

Copy data using File Station

You can mount remote folders from file servers to File Station and manually copy files to your Synology NAS via CIFS or NFS.

Copy data using file transfer protocols

Choose a protocol that is supported on your file server:4 5

File Transfer Protocols

Details

SMB

Compatible with Windows file servers or servers that support CIFS. Refer to Store files from a Windows PC or consider using third party software such as FastCopy.

rsync

Compatible with Linux file servers or servers that support rsync. Refer to Back up data from Linux to NAS.

FTP

Refer to Access files on Synology NAS via FTP.

WebDAV

Refer to Access files on Synolgoy NAS via WebDAV.

NFS

Refer to Access files on Synology NAS within the local network (NFS).

Notes:

  1. Users, groups, and file permissions from a file server can't be directly copied for use on a Synology NAS due to structural differences. However, you can back up this data using Active Backup for Business and then restore it to your file server.
  2. The account that copies files will be the file owner.
  3. We recommend using the "copy" function instead of "cut" or "move" when copying files.
  4. We recommend enabling file transfer logs for the file transfer protocols before copying files to track file changes.
  5. When using file transfer protocols or packages other than Active Backup for Business, you must manually copy unprocessed files in the event of interruption.
Details
Resolution
Copy data using Active Backup for Business
Copy data using File Station
Copy data using file transfer protocols