Connecting your PoE camera to a Synology NAS is a seamless process that enhances your surveillance system with reliable, centralized storage. With just a few clicks in Surveillance Station and proper network configuration, you can integrate your camera in under 5 minutes—no extra power cables needed. Ensure your Synology supports PoE or use a PoE switch for hassle-free setup and 24/7 monitoring.

How to Connect Poe Camera to Synology in 5 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways

• Use a PoE switch: Connect cameras directly via PoE switch for power and data.
• Verify Synology compatibility: Ensure your Synology NAS supports Surveillance Station.
• Enable ONVIF protocol: Set cameras to ONVIF mode for seamless Synology integration.
• Add cameras in Surveillance Station: Use IP or auto-discovery to link devices.
• Adjust recording settings: Customize motion detection and storage schedules immediately.
• Test remote access: Confirm live feeds work via Synology’s mobile/desktop apps.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Setting up a home or office security system shouldn’t feel like solving a tech puzzle. But if you’ve ever tried to connect a PoE camera to a Synology NAS, you know it can be confusing. Cables, network settings, and software configurations often trip people up.

That’s where knowing how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps comes in handy. With the right setup, your Synology NAS becomes a full-featured NVR (Network Video Recorder), letting you record, view, and manage your cameras from one central hub.

Whether you’re protecting your front porch, monitoring a retail space, or keeping an eye on a warehouse, a PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera connected to your Synology gives you reliable, high-quality video with minimal hassle.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a network engineer. This guide walks you through every detail—from unboxing to live viewing—using plain language and real-world examples. No fluff, no jargon overload.

By the end, you’ll not only know how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps, but you’ll also understand why this combo is one of the smartest choices for DIY surveillance.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather everything you’ll need. Having all tools ready saves time and avoids mid-process frustration.

• PoE IP Camera(s): Make sure it’s ONVIF-compliant (most modern ones are). Brands like Reolink, Hikvision, Dahua, and Amcrest work great.
• Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage): Models like DS220+, DS423+, or any that support Surveillance Station (check compatibility on Synology’s site).
• PoE Switch or PoE Injector: A PoE switch (like TP-Link TL-SG108PE) powers and connects multiple cameras. A single injector works for one camera.
• Ethernet Cables (Cat 5e or Cat 6): Use high-quality cables for stable connections and longer runs (up to 100 meters).
• Router (already set up): Your NAS and cameras must be on the same network.
• Computer or smartphone: For initial setup and accessing Surveillance Station.
• Optional: PoE Tester: Helps verify power delivery before connecting to the NAS.

Pro Tip: Always buy cameras and switches from reputable brands. Cheap knockoffs may not support PoE properly or lack ONVIF compatibility, which is essential for Synology integration.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Connect PoE Camera to Synology in 5 Easy Steps

Now that you’ve got your gear, let’s get your security system up and running. This guide breaks down the entire process into five clear, doable steps. Each one builds on the last, so follow them in order.

We’ll cover physical connections, network setup, software configuration, and testing. By the end, your PoE camera will be streaming live footage straight to your Synology NAS.

Step 1: Set Up Your Physical Network and Connect the Hardware

Start with the foundation: wiring. A solid physical connection means fewer headaches later.

First, decide where your cameras will go. For outdoor use, make sure they’re weatherproof (IP66 or higher). Indoors, pick spots with good coverage—corners often give the best angles.

Next, run Ethernet cables from each camera location back to your central hub (where the NAS and switch will live). Use cable clips or conduits to keep things neat and protected.

Now, connect everything:

• Plug the PoE switch into a power outlet.
• Connect one end of an Ethernet cable from your router to the PoE switch’s uplink port.
• Run Ethernet cables from the PoE switch to each camera location.
• Connect the other end to the camera.
• Link your Synology NAS to the same router (via Ethernet for stability).

Once powered, the PoE switch automatically sends both data and power over the same cable. Most cameras have a status LED—green or blue means it’s receiving power and connecting to the network.

Warning: Never plug a non-PoE device into a PoE port without checking. Some devices can be damaged by PoE voltage. If unsure, use a PoE splitter or injector.

At this point, your cameras should be live on the network. But they aren’t talking to your Synology yet. That’s next.

This step is critical for anyone learning how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps—because without proper wiring, nothing else works.

Step 2: Access Your Synology NAS and Install Surveillance Station

Now that your hardware is connected, it’s time to set up the software side.

Open your web browser and type in the IP address of your Synology NAS (usually found on the label or via Synology Assistant software). Log in with your admin account.

Once inside DSM (DiskStation Manager), go to Package Center and search for Surveillance Station.

Click Install. The package downloads and sets up automatically. This may take a few minutes, depending on your NAS model and internet speed.

After installation, launch Surveillance Station from the main DSM desktop. The first time you open it, you’ll see a setup wizard.

The wizard asks for basic info:

• Time zone
• Recording schedule defaults (you can change later)
• Storage location (choose a volume with enough free space)

Complete the setup. Don’t worry about perfection—you can tweak everything afterward.

Pro Tip: Assign your NAS a static IP address (via your router or Synology settings). This prevents connection drops if the IP changes later.

Surveillance Station is now active and ready to discover cameras. This is a major milestone in how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps.

Step 3: Discover and Add Your PoE Cameras to Surveillance Station

Here’s where the magic happens. Surveillance Station scans your network for compatible cameras.

In Surveillance Station, click on Camera in the left menu, then Add > Add Camera (Auto).

The system starts scanning. Wait 30–60 seconds. You should see your PoE camera(s) appear in the list.

Select the camera(s) you want to add. Click Next.

Surveillance Station tries to connect using the default ONVIF profile. If it works, great! You’ll see a preview window.

But sometimes, the auto-detect fails. That’s okay. Here’s what to do:

• Check camera model: Go to the camera’s web interface (type its IP into a browser) and log in (default credentials are usually admin/admin or admin/password).
• Verify ONVIF is enabled: In the camera settings, look for “ONVIF” or “Integration” and make sure it’s turned on.
• Create an ONVIF user: Some cameras require a dedicated user for third-party apps. Create one with admin rights.
• Back in Surveillance Station: Instead of “Auto,” choose “Manual” and enter:
  • IP address of the camera
  • Port (usually 80 or 8080)
  • Username and password (from the ONVIF user)
  • Protocol: HTTP or HTTPS (try HTTP first)

Click Next. If everything matches, you’ll see a live preview. Success!

Common Mistake: Forgetting to enable ONVIF on the camera. This is the #1 reason cameras don’t show up. Always double-check this setting.

Repeat for each camera. Once added, they appear in your camera list with status indicators (green = online, red = offline).

This step is crucial in mastering how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps—because without proper camera discovery, you can’t record or view anything.

Step 4: Configure Recording Settings and Motion Detection

Now that your camera is connected, it’s time to make it useful. Just seeing live video isn’t enough—you want recordings you can review later.

In Surveillance Station, select the camera from the list. Click Edit > Recording.

You’ll see two main options:

• Continuous Recording: Records 24/7. Best for critical areas (front door, cash register).
• Event-Based Recording: Only records when triggered (e.g., motion, sound). Saves storage and makes reviewing easier.

For most users, a mix works best. Set Continuous for high-priority zones and Event-Based for others.

Next, enable Motion Detection:

1. Go to Camera > select your camera > Edit > Event > Motion Detection.
2. Click Configure and draw zones where motion should trigger recording (e.g., driveway, entryway).
3. Exclude areas with frequent false alarms (trees, shadows, pets).
4. Adjust sensitivity (start at 50%, then test).

Set up Recording Schedule:

• Go to Recording > Schedule.
• Create a weekly schedule. For example:
  • Monday–Friday: Continuous from 8 PM to 6 AM
  • Weekends: Motion-based only
• Assign different schedules per camera if needed.

Finally, check Storage settings:

• Go to Storage > Recording Database.
• Choose a volume with enough space (e.g., 1TB for 4 cameras, 720p, 30-day retention).
• Enable Auto-delete recordings older than X days to prevent filling up your NAS.

Pro Tip: Use Synology’s Surveillance Station Calculator (online tool) to estimate storage needs based on camera count, resolution, and retention period.

With these settings, your system will record only when it matters—saving space and making searches faster. This is a key part of how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps and use it effectively.

Step 5: Test, Access Remotely, and Optimize

You’re almost done! Now it’s time to test your setup and ensure it works when you need it.

First, do a live test:

• Move in front of a camera. Check if motion detection triggers a recording.
• Go to Timeline in Surveillance Station. Look for a red bar (event) or continuous blue bar (recording).
• Play the clip. Verify audio (if supported), clarity, and timestamp.

Next, set up remote access so you can check cameras from anywhere:

• In DSM, go to Control Panel > External Access > QuickConnect.
• Enable QuickConnect and register a QuickConnect ID (e.g., yourname.synology.me).
• On your phone, download the DS cam app (iOS/Android).
• Log in using your QuickConnect ID and password.
• You should see your cameras and recorded clips.

If QuickConnect fails, try port forwarding (advanced, but reliable):

• Forward port 5000 (HTTP) and 5001 (HTTPS) from your router to your NAS’s IP.
• Use a dynamic DNS service (like Synology DDNS) if you don’t have a static public IP.

Now, optimize for performance:

• Check camera health: In Surveillance Station, go to System Health. Look for offline cameras or high CPU usage.
• Update firmware: Check for updates for your NAS, cameras, and Surveillance Station.
• Adjust stream quality: If your NAS struggles, lower the camera’s resolution or bitrate in the camera settings.
• Enable email alerts: In Notification settings, set up alerts for camera disconnections or motion events.

Finally, create a backup plan:

• Enable Surveillance Backup to copy recordings to another NAS or cloud (e.g., Google Drive).
• Use Synology’s Snapshot Replication for extra protection.

Warning: Never rely solely on local storage. A fire or theft could destroy both cameras and NAS. Always have an off-site backup.

After testing, you’re ready to rely on your system. This final step completes your journey on how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best guide, things can go wrong. Here are insider tips and pitfalls to dodge.

• Use VLANs for security: If your router supports it, put cameras on a separate VLAN. This limits access and improves network performance.
• Label everything: Tag each Ethernet cable with the camera name and location. Saves time during troubleshooting.
• Test before mounting: Set up the camera on a table first. Confirm it works before drilling holes.
• Check cable length: PoE works up to 100 meters (328 ft). Longer runs may need a PoE extender or fiber converter.
• Don’t overload the PoE switch: Check the switch’s total power budget. Most 8-port switches provide 60–120W. High-res cameras can use 10–15W each.
• Use static IPs for cameras: Assign each camera a fixed IP via your router’s DHCP reservation. Prevents IP conflicts.
• Monitor NAS resources: 4K cameras can max out a NAS. Use Task Manager in DSM to watch CPU and RAM usage.

Common Mistake: Assuming all PoE cameras are plug-and-play. Some require firmware updates or ONVIF user creation. Always check the manufacturer’s guide.

Pro Tip: Use Synology’s Surveillance Station License Manager to buy additional camera licenses if you have more than 2 cameras (free tier supports 2).

These tips help you avoid the “it worked yesterday” syndrome. A little planning goes a long way in mastering how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps.

FAQs About How to Connect PoE Camera to Synology in 5 Easy Steps

Let’s tackle the questions we hear most often.

1. Can I use a regular router instead of a PoE switch?

Yes, but you’ll need a PoE injector for each camera. Plug the injector between the router and camera. It adds power to the Ethernet signal. Less elegant, but works for 1–2 cameras.

For more than two, a PoE switch is better—it’s cleaner and more scalable.

2. What if my camera isn’t ONVIF-compliant?

Surveillance Station supports many non-ONVIF cameras, but setup is trickier. You’ll need to manually enter the RTSP stream URL (find it in the camera’s manual).

Example: rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/1

Enter this in Surveillance Station under Add Camera > Manual > RTSP.

3. How much storage do I need?

It depends on resolution, frame rate, and retention. As a rule of thumb:

• 1 camera, 1080p, 15 fps, 30-day retention: ~1.5 TB
• 4 cameras, 720p, 10 fps, 14-day retention: ~1 TB

Use Synology’s online calculator for exact numbers.

4. Can I view cameras on my TV?

Yes! Use the Surveillance Station app for Smart TVs (available on Samsung, LG, and others) or cast from the DS cam app via Chromecast or AirPlay.

5. What if my NAS goes offline?

Cameras will stop recording. To prevent this:

• Use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your NAS and switch.
• Enable Surveillance Backup to another device.
• Some cameras (like Reolink) have built-in microSD card slots for local backup.

6. Is remote access secure?

QuickConnect uses encryption, but for extra security:

• Enable 2FA on your Synology account.
• Use a strong, unique password.
• Change default camera passwords.
• Keep firmware updated.

7. Can I use multiple brands of cameras?

Absolutely! Surveillance Station supports hundreds of brands. As long as they’re ONVIF-compliant, they’ll work together. Great for mixed environments.

Final Thoughts

Connecting a PoE camera to your Synology NAS might sound technical, but as you’ve seen, it’s totally doable—even for beginners.

By following these 5 easy steps, you’ve built a powerful, centralized security system. No monthly fees. No cloud dependency. Just reliable, local recording with remote access.

Remember, the key to success is attention to detail: proper wiring, correct ONVIF settings, smart recording schedules, and regular testing.

Now that you know how to connect PoE camera to Synology in 5 easy steps, don’t stop here. Explore advanced features like facial recognition (with compatible cameras), license plate detection, or integration with Home Assistant.

Start with one camera, get comfortable, then expand. Your peace of mind is worth the effort.

Got questions? Leave a comment or check Synology’s official forums. And if this guide helped, share it with someone who’s struggling with their setup. Security should be simple—and now it is.