Introduction
Synology Surveillance Station comes with a set of free default licenses built into every hardware unit
Don't crack the licenses. Don't rely on USB webcams. Either buy a second NAS, switch to open-source VMS, or pay the $50 per camera for professional-grade reliability.
Authentication: If your camera requires a login, select the camera in the list and click More > Authenticate to enter your credentials. Key License Facts
Option D: Shinobi
An open-source NVR that runs in Docker. Supports unlimited cameras, but the setup is technical. It lacks the polished mobile apps of Surveillance Station.
Part 5: How to push the free tier to its absolute limit
If you are determined to stay at zero cost, here is the advanced configuration to maximize your two free licenses.
Where to buy cheap licenses: