How to install the Fing Agent on a NAS

This guide will walk you through the process of installing the Fing Agent package on a Docker-compatible NAS such as QNAP or Synology NAS.  Follow these step-by-step instructions to successfully install the docker image and set up the Fing-Agent container.

Prerequisites

• Ensure that Docker Manager / Docker Container is available on your NAS operating system, such as QTS for QNAP and DSM for Synology. For instructions, refer to the QTS and DSM.
• An active internet connection.

At this time, the Fing Agent image is compatible with ARM-64 and AMD-64 with a single, multi-architecture image. Additional architectures may be added in the future, as the product improves and evolves.

Before you begin

Please note the following restrictions before proceeding with the installation:

• Single Agent per Device: Only one instance of the Fing Agent can run per device.

Running the Fing Agent on QNAP NAS

The Fing Agent can also be run on NAS devices such as QNAP and Synology through Docker. Follow these specific steps to set up the Fing Agent on your NAS.

1. Open Container Station: In the QNAP interface, open the Container Station application.
2. Search for Fing Agent: In the Container Station search bar, look for "fing/fing-agent".
3. Configure Network Mode: Before running the container, set the network mode to HOST. This will allow the container to access your network directly.
4. Start Container: After setting up, start the container. The Fing Agent should now be running on your QNAP NAS.

Running the Fing Agent on Synology NAS

• Open Docker Application: In the Synology DSM, open the Docker application.
• Search for Fing Agent: In the Docker registry, search for "fing-agent" and download it.

• Configure Network Mode: Under container settings, set the network mode to "Host". Leave the port settings unmodified.

• Start Container: Start the container, and the Fing Agent will be active on your Synology NAS.

How to activate your Fing Agent

You have now successfully started the container running the Fing Agent image on your device. To activate the agent you will need:

• The Fing App running on your mobile
• An active subscription

Open the Fing App on your mobile, select the "Account" tab, tap on "Add monitoring unit" and follow the on-screen instructions to start the activation procedure.

Keeping your Fing Agent up-to-date

Docker containers are created using Docker images, which are essentially filesystem snapshots that include the operating system along with the pre-installed packages for the Fing Agent. These base images are regularly updated to incorporate security patches, bug fixes, and feature improvements.

However, once a Docker container is built, it doesn’t automatically inherit updates from its base image. As a result, containers can become outdated and potentially vulnerable to security threats unless they are manually updated. Automating the update process helps ensure containers stay secure and efficient without requiring constant manual intervention. 

We strongly recommend to install a solution for automating Docker container base image updates, such as Watchtower.