How to Set Up a NUT Server on UGREEN NAS for UPS Protection
In our previous guide, we explained how to connect and configure a UPS for UGREEN NAS. But what if several NAS devices share the same UPS?
If multiple NAS devices share one UPS, only one NAS needs a direct USB data connection to the UPS. That NAS can act as the NUT Server (Network UPS Tools) and share UPS status with the other NAS devices over the local network.
The other NAS devices act as NUT clients. They receive the UPS status from the server and follow their own protection settings during a power outage. This guide shows you how to enable the NUT Server, connect another UGREEN NAS as a client, and set the shutdown timing correctly.
Quick Guide: UGREEN NAS NUT Server Setup
| Check | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| NUT Server | Connect the primary NAS directly to the UPS via USB and enable NUT Server in UGOS Pro. |
| Client NAS | Keep it on the same LAN and select Network UPS Slave as the UPS type. |
| Server address | Enter the NUT Server NAS IP address and port 3493. |
| Network | Keep the NAS devices and the network equipment between them powered during an outage. |
| Protection mode | Configure the protection action and wait time separately on the server and each client. |
| Shutdown order | Clients should complete their protection action before the NUT Server shuts down. If both use Auto Shutdown, set the client wait time at least 10 seconds shorter. |
What Is a NUT Server on UGREEN NAS?
NUT is used to monitor UPS status and make that information available to other devices over a network. In a UGREEN NAS setup, the NAS connected directly to the UPS through USB acts as the NUT Server. It receives information such as the UPS power state and makes that status available to other devices on the LAN.
A second NAS does not need its own USB communication connection to the UPS. Instead, it operates as a network UPS client and periodically checks the NUT Server for UPS status.
Note: NUT clients periodically poll the NUT Server for UPS status, typically detecting power loss within ~5 seconds to trigger shutdown.
Before You Configure the NUT Server
The screenshots in this guide are based on the UGOS Pro interface and Control Panel application version 1.6.1.2846. Menu labels or available options may vary slightly with later system and application versions.
Before starting, check the following:
- UPS compatibility: Not every UPS model provides the same level of support. Check the latest UGREEN NAS Products Compatibility List and confirm driver support before purchasing or configuring a UPS.
- Same local network: The NUT Server and UGREEN NAS clients must be on the same LAN.
- UPS connection: The NAS acting as the NUT Server must be connected directly to the UPS through USB.
- Network power: Network equipment such as switches between the NAS devices should also be connected to the same UPS so the LAN remains available during an outage.
The final point is easy to overlook. NUT shares UPS status over the network; it does not replace the power connection itself. If the switch between the server and client loses power immediately, the client can no longer receive updated UPS status from the NUT Server.
How to Enable the NUT Server in UGOS Pro
Use the UGREEN NAS that is directly connected to the UPS as the NUT Server.
- Log in to the UGREEN NAS connected to the UPS via USB.
- Open Control Panel > Hardware & Power > UPS and enable NUT Server.
- Configure the protection mode and the wait time after a power failure.
For the protection mode, choose Auto Shutdown or Standby according to how you want the NAS to respond.
For the wait time, select a custom delay in minutes or hours, or choose Immediate if appropriate for your setup.
- Click Apply to save the settings.
The NAS can now act as the NUT Server for other supported devices on the local network.
How to Connect Another UGREEN NAS to the NUT Server
On each additional UGREEN NAS that needs to receive UPS status:
- Log in to the NAS. It should be on the same LAN as the NUT Server and should not be connected to the UPS through the same USB communication connection.
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware & Power > UPS.
- Under UPS Type, select Network UPS Slave.
- Enter the NUT Server IP (e.g., NAS1’s IP: 172.17.70.69) and Port (default: 3493).
- Configure the protection mode and wait time for this client NAS.
- Click Apply.
The server and client protection settings are configured independently, so each NAS can have its own response timing.
Set the Shutdown Timing So Clients Finish First
The shutdown sequence is one of the most important parts of a NUT configuration.
A client NAS depends on the NUT Server to receive UPS status. Once the server NAS completes an automatic shutdown, its NUT Server service also stops. A client that has not yet acted may therefore lose the status source it relies on.
For this reason, the client NAS should complete its power-protection action before the NUT Server shuts down.
UGREEN recommends the following configuration:
- If the NUT Server uses Auto Shutdown or Standby Mode, configure the client NAS devices for Auto Shutdown.
- If both the server and client use Auto Shutdown, set the NUT Server wait time longer than the client wait time.
- As a practical margin, configure the client wait time to be at least 10 seconds shorter than the server wait time.
For example, if the NUT Server is configured to shut down 10 minutes after power is lost, the client should begin its automatic shutdown earlier rather than waiting for the same 10-minute point. This gives the client time to react while the server and network connection are still available.
How to Verify That the NUT Client Is Receiving UPS Status
After configuring the server and client NAS devices, confirm that UPS information is reaching the client before relying on the setup during a real power cut.
On the client NAS, open:
Control Panel > Hardware & Power > UPS > About
Check that the NAS is displaying the expected UPS status information.
You can also perform a controlled power-loss test. Pause important transfers, backups or other storage-intensive work first, then disconnect the UPS mains input and observe how the server and client NAS devices respond.
Do not disconnect the communication or power connection between the NAS and UPS during the test. Confirm that each NAS follows the protection mode and timing you configured.
If the test does not behave as expected, restore mains power and check the NUT Server status, client IP and port settings, LAN connection and power to the network switch before testing again.
When a NUT Server Setup Makes Sense
A NUT Server is particularly useful when several devices in the same home or small-office network depend on one UPS.
For example, you may have a primary NAS running file services and a second NAS used for backups. Rather than relying on only one device to recognise the outage, the primary NAS can share the UPS state with the backup NAS so that each device can carry out its own configured protection action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the NAS running the NUT Server have a fixed IP address?
Yes. UGOS Pro clients are configured using the NUT Server's IP address. If that address later changes, the client may no longer be able to reach the server using its saved configuration.
What should I check if a client NAS stops receiving UPS status?
First confirm that the NUT Server NAS is online and that the NUT Server feature is still enabled. Then check the configured server IP address and port, confirm that both NAS devices remain on the same LAN and make sure the network equipment between them is powered and operational.
Conclusion
A NUT setup lets multiple NAS devices respond to the same UPS status through one shared connection. Once configured, make sure the client devices are set to shut down before the NUT Server goes offline.
If you later change the UPS, network equipment or IP settings, test the setup again to confirm that every device still receives the correct UPS status and shuts down as expected.