How to Install a USB-to-5GbE Adapter to Your Synology NAS

Last updated on 11 Oct 2024 📧 Subscribe
Contents hide
1 Guide: Using the Wavlink USB-to-5GbE Adapter on a Synology NAS
2 Step-by-Step Instructions
3 Issues You Might Encounter
4 Wavlink USB-to-5GbE NIC Review – Conclusion
5 Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Guide: Using the Wavlink USB-to-5GbE Adapter on a Synology NAS

If you’re looking to upgrade your Synology NAS’s network speed without investing in expensive native solutions, you can connect a Wavlink USB-to-5GbE adapter. While this adapter isn’t officially supported by Synology, users have developed workarounds to make it function. This guide will walk you through how to set up the adapter and get faster speeds on your NAS.

Note – Full Video Installation of the USB-to-5Gb/s and Synology NAS Setup Guide HERE on YouTube

Important Warning: Proceed with Caution!

Before diving into the steps, it’s critical to understand the risks involved:

  • Warranty Void: Installing a third-party driver and modifying your NAS could void your Synology warranty. If anything goes wrong, Synology won’t provide support, and you may lose access to official updates and assistance.
  • System Instability: Using unsupported hardware can cause system crashes, network instability, or make your NAS unusable. Proceed at your own risk and always back up your data before attempting any changes.

You can buy the Wavlink USB-to-5GbE Network adapter HERE for $39.99 on AliExpress, or HERE on Amazon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Backup Your Data

Make sure to back up all important data from your NAS before proceeding. Any system modification runs the risk of data loss.

Use the video below to see every kind of way to Backup your Synology NAS in DSM:

2. Download the Modified Driver

  1. Go to the bb-qq’s GitHub repository and download the Realtek r8152 modified driver package (SPK) that corresponds to your NAS’s CPU architecture.

  1. To find your NAS’s CPU and architecture:

    • Navigate to Control Panel → Hardware & Power → General in the Synology DSM.
    • Take note of the CPU model and version of DSM (likely DSM 7.2.x).

3. Enable Third-Party Applications

  1. Go to Package Center on your Synology NAS.
  2. Click on Settings in the top right corner.
  3. Check the box that says Allow installation of packages published by unknown developers.
    • Acknowledge the warning regarding third-party apps.

4. Install the SPK File

  1. In Package Center, click Manual Install and upload the SPK file you downloaded from GitHub.

  1. The installation will guide you through the process, but don’t panic if it fails on the first attempt. This is expected.

5. Enable SSH

  1. Go to Control Panel → Terminal & SNMP.
  2. Enable SSH Service.

  1. Leave the default port number (22), and apply the settings.
  2. Download an SSH client like PuTTY for Windows or use Terminal on macOS to SSH into your NAS.
    • Use the NAS’s IP address and your admin credentials to log in.

6. Run the Necessary Command

  1. Copy the command from the GitHub page:

sudo install -m 4755 -o root -D /var/packages/r8152/target/r8152/spk_su /opt/sbin/spk_su

sudo chmod a+rx /opt /opt/sbin

  1. Paste the command in your SSH client and run it. This will install the necessary back-end support for the driver.

  1. Once the installation is complete, return to the Package Center on your NAS and reinstall the SPK file. This time, it should work without issues.

7. Connect Your Wavlink Adapter

  1. Connect the Wavlink USB-to-5GbE adapter to a USB 3.0 port (preferably one on the back of the NAS for better performance).
  2. If your NAS only has USB Type-A ports, use a Type-C to Type-A adapter that supports USB 3.2 speeds.
  3. After connecting the adapter, check if it’s recognized in the Control Panel under Network.

8. Testing the Adapter

Once connected, you can monitor the new 5GbE adapter’s performance:

  1. Open Control Panel → Network → Network Interface to verify the new interface.
  2. You may need to restart the NAS for the adapter to become fully operational. If it’s not immediately recognized, re-enable the driver via Package Center.

Issues You Might Encounter

While using the Wavlink adapter, you could experience several issues, which are important to be aware of:

  1. Driver Instability: Each time DSM is updated, the driver may stop working. You’ll need to re-run the installation steps or wait for the community to provide an updated version.
  2. Performance Bottlenecks: The 5GbE speed potential depends on the internal setup of your NAS. If you’re using mechanical hard drives or a CPU with limited performance, you might not see the full speed benefits. In some cases, speeds may be limited to around 350-400 MB/s due to the internal hardware.
  3. Network Interface Issues: You might face occasional issues like:
    • The adapter not showing up after a reboot.
    • MTU settings disappearing from the network interface configuration.
    • The driver occasionally disabling itself after DSM updates or restarts, requiring manual reinstallation.
  4. Potential Data Loss: As with any system modification, instability could lead to data corruption or loss. Always keep regular backups, especially when using unofficial drivers or performing system changes.

While this workaround enables you to improve the networking speed of your Synology NAS using a Wavlink USB-to-5GbE adapter, it comes with significant risks, including potential voiding of your warranty and system instability. If you’re comfortable with these risks and need the network speed boost, this guide can help you achieve your goal. However, this solution isn’t recommended for mission-critical systems or long-term stability. Always monitor performance closely and back up your data frequently to avoid losing important files. By following the steps above, you can increase your network speeds, but proceed with caution. You’re essentially bypassing Synology’s support and using your NAS in an unsupported manner, so make sure this modification is truly worth it for your setup. If you are interested in learning more about this USB to 5GbE adapter, you can read the full review HERE, the YouTube Review HERE, or just catch he review conclusion below:

Wavlink USB-to-5GbE NIC Review – Conclusion

I think you know what I’m going to say! I really don’t think you can question this device for its $30 price tag, given that you have to spend three figures for a Thunderbolt/USB4 10G adaptor, or maybe buy a 2.5G adaptor and save yourself $5… there really is no competition here, and although the Wavlink is a very good product, we also have to acknowledge that chances are we are about to see an absolute sea of similarly priced and near-identical architectured adaptors like this one arriving on the market anytime now. Bottom line, if they are all going to be as reliable as the Wavlink USB 5G adaptor, let them arrive. I could complain about the lack of a USB Type-A adaptor or the rather modest packaging, but for just $30, this thing is an absolute bargain and a reliable network upgrade if ever I saw one!

Wavlink USB-to-5GbE NIC PROS Wavlink USB-to-5GbE NIC CONS
  • Increases network speed up to 5GbE, 5 times faster than standard gigabit adapters.
  • Affordable price point, typically around $30.
  • USB-C interface with backward compatibility for USB 3.1 and higher.
  • Supports multiple network speeds: 1GbE, 2.5GbE, and 5GbE.
  • Compact, lightweight design with aluminum casing for durability and heat dissipation.
  • Plug-and-play functionality for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
  • Passive cooling system ensures silent operation without the need for a fan.
  • Bus-powered, eliminating the need for external power sources.
  • No USB Type-A adapter included in the package, limiting compatibility with older devices.
  • Limited NAS system compatibility as of now, with some platforms requiring manual driver installation.

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      112 thoughts on “How to Install a USB-to-5GbE Adapter to Your Synology NAS”

      1. Hi mate, I found out that there is still some problem for this NIC on my ds918+. After updating to the latest drive and installing the NIC, I found out that NIC worked but not 100%. It seems like my ds918+ is not able to show its statues, while when I was using my 2.5G usb NIC (RTL8125), it was clear that the NIC runs on 2500M full duplex mode.
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      2. Have you tried using this with Unraid? I’ve bought one and will work fine at 5Gbs for about 10 mins and then will drop down to 10mbs which is a bit of a pain in the dick. I’ve not been able to work out how to keep it at full speed and I’ve followed the instructions included with the driver.
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      4. I have DS918+ with a USB 2.5GbE adapter connected to LAN 3 network status 2500 Mbps, Full duplex, MTU 9000. with the static IP setup. Also, have a 2.5Gbe network card in the PC and a 2.5GbE network switch. I tried to connect without the switch (direct connection), and with the switch, my file transfer speed rate was the same as with the 1gig network card; nothing changed (transfer speed 90.2 MB/s).

        I tried everything nothing changed. I would appreciate your help. Please advise if there is something that I’m missing. I watched all the YouTube videos and followed step-by-step instructions. Im confused. Please help.
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      6. Correct me if wrong but you can’t get this to work on all synology? I have a ds1019 and have had 2.5 working for years but trying to get 5gbe with RTL8125B device doesn’t work because of a limitation of the driver on Linux kernel 4.4?
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      8. Any ideas on how to password-protect an external drive and make it compatible with a Synology NAS? I’m also wondering if hardware-encrypted and password-protected hard drives are compatible with Synology NAS.
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      11. Hi I bought a Realtek 2.5Gbe USB gaming controller dongle using it on windows 11 24H2 machine on USB 3 connection, I also installed the latest driver from Realtek site. My router has 1G lan ports and my boardband is 1000m. However when I tested the internet speed I only got 300+mbps on bothe download and upload. I wonder if there is any setting on device mangaer I need to set eg jumbo frames etc I have to do. Also is there anything to do with my router setting? Thanks
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      23. if you got a Synology with a pci expansion port,.
        The better choice would be “Mellanox MCX311A” 10GBE SFP+ network card from ebay for the same money and double speed and no need to install third party software either.
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      28. Synology you’re embarrassing. Your a NAS company / server! C’mon! I’m using Synology just for my photos, I’m not investing on more hardware from the same brand if they keep nip picking on stuff like 2.5 Ethernet, video/photo codecs
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      37. Turn SSH access back off after using it ????.
        Im probably not going to bother with this one as I don’t know of any other system at this time that uses 5gb connection on my network so it becomes a bit pointless.
        Interested to know if synology are (supposedly) dropping the “home” user and concentrating on SMB’s as a minimum, wether they start to support this anyway as 1gb connections as standard aren’t really going to give them a great market share…. Unless they are scrapping the smaller capacity NAS drives altogether? ????????
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      40. I’m so torn! I need to upgrade my NAS and Synology hardware is just plug-N-play. I’m using Xpenology now, so Synology should be as simple as moving my drives over. BUT… Their hardware is lagging behind and stupid issues like this rub me the wrong way.
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      41. Hey mate. Enjoying the videos a ton. Maybe you can help. I just started this process and i am not tech savvy. Bought a buffalo 710. 4 tb nas and was able to get my movies to it. When I access it and watch a 1080p movie all is well but when I try a bigger 4k atmos movie I stutters constantly. Do I need a more powerful nas?
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      42. It’s a sad state of affairs with Synology when users have to come up with kluges like this to attempt to bring Synology’s outdated hardware somewhat in line with current hardware expectations. Synology falling behind in hardware makes it look like they are struggling to stay in business.
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      43. Maybe it’s worth to do a new roundup of 1/2.5/5/10g switches, i think many are on the lookout for higher than 1g home network but lack an affordable 8 to 16 port fast enough switch.
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      45. sorry… could you try to talk not only for people leaving in UK? you are so fast, and that potatoe you keep in your mouth while speaking, make listening you in certain moment a challange! 🙁
        thks in advance
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      51. I tested that my DS923+ supports USB 3.2 10gbps although Synology is only listing it as 5gbps capable. Having 10gbps means that 5gbe adapters and future usb external expansion would run at full speeds.
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      52. I have ds 423+ which has 2 USB ports. I use one for UPS a other for daily backup of critical files to external HDD (it is connected 24/7) Can I use this with USB hub to get more USB slots?
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      54. Why did they disable this option to begin with? Is it running too much power through the USB port that will damage it over time or is it just to make customers upgrade to a NAS that supports 10gb?
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      55. I did this with a 2.5gb adaptor to a 918, been stable since for 6 months, and don’t have to repair from a restart, so I’d hope the 5gb setup can get a little more of a stable driver, with luck at least, and do the same thing. BTW don’t forget once your setup is done, to disable SSH, don’t want to leave that running if you can help it!
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      60. Or Synology could stop being stingy and offer more than middling 1 GbE for their lineup and join the rest of the NAS hardware club at 2.5 GbE at a bare minimum or 10 GbE standard. But that would mean they can’t sell you the solution in the form of an overpriced 10 GbE network card!
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      61. What are the security implications for using these (mainly Chinese) USB to Ethernet adapters? Could they install malware or alter the system configuration unnoticed?
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      62. I purchased one of these, and the USB drops out every time it is going full 5Gb during a LAN speed test. (System = AMD B550M) This is with the latest driver available from Realtek and chipset drivers from AMD. Gonna test on an older intel laptop next, but it’s totally unreliable now.
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      63. Everybody with a machine that doesn’t have a rj45 (and even that is no guarantee) should have at least one usb to Ethernet adapter. It saved me when havingbto reinstall windows on my sons laptop. Windows didn’t recognize the wifi during setup. if I hadn’t bought such a usb device for my camera I would have had to send the machine away for installing windows. This saved us a week at least
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      76. (Me swimming in my pile of coins…) OK, I’ll give you 5GbE for a laptop is sweet for not a lot of dosh. Not good enough for a NAS where the bandwidth is shared possibly among a small office or even home. Most of the time it would be fine, except when it’s just frustrating. Better than 1 and 2.5, yeah, no doubt.
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      77. Finally something affordable to upgrade my nas and other networked devices with thanks for bringing this to our attention. Was considering 10Gbps but the price was making me hesitate.
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      80. Go large or go home… start from the core infrastructure as much B.Width as possible and future proof as far as possible… as often said buy cheap you’ll buy twice, so what’s cheaper in the long run ? Buy once, buy the best you can…
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      82. I guess it’s the USB 3.2 that’s changed, baecause I’ve had two 5GbE USB adapters and the USB overhead meant they were barely any faster than 2.5GbE LAN.

        I know TrueNAS doesn’t like Realtec multi-gigabit NICs, so that could be an issue. It’s still a gateway product though and will probably spark a new price point for these devices from other brands.
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      84. I guess this unit does not support VLAN-tagging (IEEE 802.1Q) nor enforcement.
        Nor WOL (802.1X). For that price that would be a wee bit too much I gather but something I personally would require in my home-environment. But the price is very nice, especially when you compare it to the (now legacy) QNAP QNA-UC5G1T.
        Which also ran quite hot, btw.
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      97. Great review. Thanks a lot. Did you get a feel for the temperature under load and idle? I have a QNAP 5Gbps adaptor (you probably know it well) and it is super toasty both in operation and at idle. Wonder how this compares.
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      98. I am clearly not understanding the Synology demo part of this video. I totally understand when he had it hooked to his laptop, but I think that was a DS923 and that comes with a 1 GBE port; wouldn’t that be the bottle neck here? What am I missing?
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      99. I bought OWC 10GbE Thunderbolt Adapter for my Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge but snapdragon doesnt comminucate with thunderbolt, i only have 2 USB4 ports, i think this is the best adapter for me, bye bye 2.5 ugreen 🙂 hello 5GbE , ordered from amazon de for 30,49 Euro ( if you read this, please reply me with a 10GbE usb 4 adapter link or name, not thunderbolt 3 or 4.Thank you)
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      101. Weird question…. i would maby like to use such an adapter on the nas side.(10gbit) if it is posible in the future enyways… sinse i want to use it and my ups and posibly an expanding unit in the future can i attach an usb dongle on the usb port and connect the ups and 10gbit in tendam?
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      104. I have my NAS set up nicely and I even have it getting backed up to a remote location via a Tailscale application. However, I am confused on what application I need for backing up, and syncing a few folders from my PC to the NAS. I am currently using Microsoft Synctoy. I have read about Active Sync for business, as well as Synology Drive. Which is the best to go with?? If I simply want an automated backup of my computer folders to my NAS, what is the best way to go?? Thank you !!!
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      105. I’m a super brand new NAS user; I just got my first machine (Synology DS1821+; thanks for recommending this unit for video creation). Super great videos!!! I started on your 2024 Setup Guides. I’m on a MacBook Pro, and I’m starting to get lost in this video because you’re using Windows (beginning at the 7:45 timestamp). Do you recommend I watch some other tutorials that cater to Macs? I’ve been learning a lot from your channel, but now I’m second-guessing whether this is the right move for me because of the learning curve on a Mac. Your thoughts and/or suggestions. Thank you!
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      106. Just got my DS1821+ and populated 5 bays with 22TB Seagate Ironwolf pro drives. Also added 2 TB WD SN850 NVMe for cache and 10 Gbe pci card.
        I’m debating what to do with the last 3 bays: either go 3 SSD or just put another 3X 22TB Seagate ironwolf pros.
        Can’t wait to watch all the videos in this series to learn more about my new NAS.
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      109. I’m definitely interested in a backup NAS for my current QNAP NAS but specifically with the capability to backup to a remote location. I see that Synology NAS software does support backing up a QNAP NAS to a remote Synology NAS but I’m unimpressed by the hardware Synology offers for the price. I guess with Synology it’s more about their software suite for the price. Does QNAP have same capabilities specifically regarding remote NAS backup/sync?
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      110. a nas to nas back up utilizing synology or rsync wouldnt give us usable folders would it? it would give us a hyperbackup style file .hbk that contains everything within it? i want to backup my nas to a remote offsite nas weekly/monthly but allow the files to be used on that nas as they would on the local one. something akin to sync i guess
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