The Synology DS1512+ Five-Bay Diskless System is a high-performance, cost-effective, network-attached storage solution specifically designed for small- and medium-sized businesses. A Dual Core processor, an abundant amount of memory, and two Gigabit LAN ports enable an ultra- smooth, lag-free response, while SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports and eSATA ports allow instant, lightning-fast storage expansion. Running on the renowned operation system Synology DSM, and featuring an abundance of applications and features, this system provides an efficient way to centralize data protection, simplify data management, and rapidly scale storage capacity with minimal time required for setup and management. Complete with the high reliability and stability Synology is renowned for, you can rest assured that your business will be performing at top efficiency with minimized issues and maximized up time.
High Performance, High Data AvailabilityWith the Link Aggregation enabled, Synology DS1512+ delivers an average 194.83 MB/sec writing speed under RAID 5 configuration in a Windows environment, and 200.31 MB/sec reading1. Coming with USB 3.0 support – which offers transmission speeds of up to 5 Gbps, namely 10 times faster than USB 2.0 – DS1512+ takes less time for data transfer for external hard drives and consumes less power.
Synology DS1512+ brings you the high performance that your data-intensive applications demand for a storage system, and offers the ability to scale the storage capacity.
High ReliabilityReliable functioning of commercial systems is of paramount concern to business users who depend on these servers every day. Synology DS1512+ is now introduced with a fanless CPU heatsink to prevent the single point of failure. With the CPU passive cooling technology, Synology DS1512+ achieves the high reliability system design. When one of your system fans malfunctions, the built-in system fan redundancy mechanism can extend service uptime by keeping the remaining fan running and your DS1512+ performing basic operations until the replacement fan arrives. The 2 LAN with failover support and hot-swappable drives will ensure continual service uptime should the drives need replacement or the unexpected LAN failure occurs.
Robust and Affordable Scalability up to 60TBWhen the storage capacity of the Synology DS1512+ is nearing its limits, it can easily be expanded with the Synology DX5132. The Synology DX513 securely connects to the Synology DS1512+ via an eSATA cable of specially-designed connectors on both ends to ensure maximum throughput. The Synology DX513 can directly expand the existing storage on the Synology DS1512+ to a maximum 60TB capacity.
iSCSI and Virtualization ReadyWith the iSCSI support in DSM, the Synology DS1512+ provides a seamless storage solution for virtualization servers, such as VMware, Hyper-V, and Citrix. It is the ideal alternative to SAN solution for businesses. Affordable and cost-effective, iSCSI allows SMB users to consolidate storage into data center storage arrays, while providing hosts with the illusion of locally-attached disks.
Full-featured Business ApplicationsThe Synology DS1512+ runs on the renowned operation system Synology DSM, offering applications and features designed specifically for SMBs. Comprehensive network protocol support assures seamless file sharing across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Windows ADS and LDAP integration allows the DS1512+ to quickly and easily fit in an existing business network environment, with no need to recreate user accounts. The Directory Server package can turn the DS1512+ into an LDAP-based directory server within minutes. Windows ACL support on DS1512+ provides much finer-grained access control and efficient privilege settings, allowing IT staffs to set up privileges to files and folders on the DS1512+ through their familiar Windows user interface. Internet file access is simplified with the included encrypted FTP server and the web-based file explorer, Synology File Station.
Energy Efficient DesignSynology DiskStation is designed and developed with energy efficiency in mind. Compared with the average PC counterparts, Synology DS1512+ consumes only 50.6 watts in operation. The support of wake on LAN, scheduled power on/off, and hard drive hibernation can further reduce power consumption and operation costs. All Synology products are produced with RoHS compliant parts and packed with recyclable packaging materials. Synology acknowledges its responsibility as a global citizen to continually work to reduce the environmental impact of every product produced.
Pros: Software, software, software! That's what makes this NAS as great as it is. So yeah, the software is top notch which is a pleasant surprise when dealing with a product like this. Usually you get stuck with clunky, non intuitive software when you start dealing with network devices like this one but such is not the case here. The UI is well thought out and there are plenty of features available for the power users while not being overly complicated to the average user. This creates a different atmosphere then what many network admins may be used to when dealing with this device, but that is not to say it is bad. Honestly it is refreshing for a change and I suspect even the home user will appreciate the thought that went into the software design. Moving on from the software, I feel the need to praise the hardware itself. Before I even start, let me say that the average component quality of most consumer electronics are just that...average. Average is something that I have come to live with when it comes to the components typically used in your low to mid level electronics. Heck, even some upper end devices (im looking at you DVR's) have some of the lowest quality components that you could possibly use and this is always reflected in stability and longevity. The surprise that I got when I took the cover off of the DS1512+ was almost pure shock. In place of the usual capacitors that pop after a couple thousand hours I was greeted with solid state caps. In place of 5 pounds of plastic I got metal. Where you normally see some Chinese knockoff power supply you see a SeaSonic 80+ Bronze certified unit. Overall, the entire unit in and out is built like an 800+ dollar unit as opposed to the all too common looks good on the outside but is pure junk on the inside. The Synology DS1512+ has a very ample amount of processing power and shows no hesitation no matter what I request it to do. It runs very quiet and is almost inaudible to my ears. Granted I don't mind noise as much as many others might but this unit does not disturb my sleep at all. The unit comes packaged well and is a piece of cake to set up. Simply download the latest DSM from Synology's website and use the Synology Assistant to install it on the unit. In 10 minutes or less your unit is ready to set up the array of your choosing.
Cons: As with every device there will always be pet peeves. I have installed seven or so Synology NAS products for various customers and one of the biggest annoyances is the start up time. Depending on the unit, start up can take seven minutes or more. This is not enough to get too upset over since I understand it is a computer and will take some time to become ready to use. Another con is the power led. In a data closet its not an issue but in a bedroom that blue led will shine like the brightest star in the night sky. Its a minor issue that can be solved with a very small piece of electrical tape but it would be great if that light could be disabled. The locks for the drive trays are going to stop no one determined to take the drives. This holds true for most things though and it should be locked in a data closet if you need that kind of security. Don't rely on the plastic locking thing to keep anything but the honest people honest.
Overall Review: After installing a few Synology products for some of my customers I decided to get one for the house and I do not regret it at all. As far as money spent, sure it was a lot but it was worth it for what I got. I am the person who would usually build a freenas box for myself but after using this unit I am completely fine with having not taken that path. This unit comes with 1GB of ram and can be upgraded to 3GB without voiding the warranty of the unit. The specifications for the ram are sort of specific so I figured I would include what ram I used so that others can be sure they are getting something that will work with this unit. I used Kingston KVR1066D3S8S7/2G with successful results. I also went ahead and upgraded the two 80mm fans that come with the unit. The fans that are included are not bad fans its just that I wanted something a tad more silent and what I thought to be a much more reliable fan. I ended up swapping two 80mm Noctua fans in the unit and they work beautifully. If you are looking for a powerful NAS that is built well, has a great feature set and will serve you well for many years then look no further. This is the company to get it from. *I used 5 3TB Western Digital RED drives. They perform great in my raid 6 array.*