Question 1

do you have to have a static IP or does a dynamic ip work?

Accepted Answer

I let it use DHCP but have the DHCP server (my router) assign it a static IP address. This is not necessary as the drive can be attached via its assigned name. The potential disadvantage to using the assigned name is if it's rebooted and your workstation is not, the workstation may not find it if DHCP gives it a new address.

Question 2

What is the storage capacity?

Accepted Answer

The DS214+ is a two bay NAS which means it can support up to two hard drives at one time. Depending on the option you select when installing the drives this device has the following capacity.

1)RAID 0: The space of the NAS is equal to two times the smallest drive. So if you put in a 1 TB and 3 TB the total space would equal 2 TB. Figuring your going for the most space possible the DS214+ is capable of supporting 4 TB hard drives. This means in RAID 0 your theoretical space would be 8 TB total. Just as a caution, this option offers no data protection and if one of the drives fail you lose your data.

2)RAID 1: The data is split evenly across the two drives you install into the NAS. Total space in the NAS is equal to that of the smallest drive. Again if you install a 1 TB and a 3 TB your total space would be 1 TB. Although you have less space, your data is protected if one of the drives fail.

I know this was more information that you probably required. Just wanted to keep you informed on the options of this NAS. To answer your question once and for all the NAS is capable of supporting up to 8 TB without data protection.

Question 3

Please explain how this is diskless when there are two bays. Does that mean it ships without drives? If needed, which drives should be purchased?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

It is diskless because the unit ships without drives.  What type of drives you purchase is entirely up to you decide based on the cost-performance characteristics you desire to meet.  Look for HDDs on NewEgg and you'll see they are segmented into different performance characteristics suited for things like surveillance, or enterprise applications, or run-of-the-mill home/business applications.   The first two options generally provide better speed and durability than the latter.  You can also use SSDs if maximum speed is your priority.

Question 4

Does this NAS offer a way to lock the power button to ensure it won't be shut off?

Accepted Answer

The off/on button must be held in for about 2 seconds to initiate shutdown.  This should prevent inadvertent shutdowns from an unintentional brief push of the button.

Question 5

I currently have a DS411j and want to replace it with a newer NAS and use the 411 as a back up to the newer NAS. The office it will be used in has 2-3 PC's running (max). Is the 214+ OK for this or should I go to a larger NAS?

Accepted Answer

Mike, I am happy with synology.  I put 2 x WD red 3 TB drives in the unit, ad so far no issues.  I am using it for backups, media server , as sync my phones with it (pics/videos)  I also used it for capturing one IP camera.  Depending on the price deal at the time. If you need more than 4 TB of space, go with the 4 bay unit, otherwise 4012  is good unit.

Question 6

What hard drive mfr. and model do you recommend?  Looking to start with 1 drive and expand if needed to another drive later.  I would like to start with a 3TB-4TB drive.

Accepted Answer

I went for 2 Seagate 4GB NAS drive. I initially want to buy the WD 4 GB Red drive but I went with Seagate drive on sale. I think either one is fine. I got the NAS and Drives in April 2014 and it has been running fine since then. The only reboot needed for the DS214+ is to install new NAS OS.

Question 7

Does this model come with a camera license and iTunes server?

How do you purchase the add on software?

Accepted Answer

This model comes with the iTunes Server with no limitations.  It also comes with one (1) complementary camera license.  You'll have to pay a one time license fee for each additional camera.

If you plan use these primarily surveillance Synology has models specifically for that that have HDMI output other goodies.

VS240HD
VS 80

Question 8

Are the drives hot swappable, should one of the drives fail in a RAID 1?

Accepted Answer

According to the spec sheet for the DS214+ specifications, the unit features screwless drive bay design and hot-swappable support.  You may not like the rebuild time after swapping a drive so if the information is critical you should have an alternative data duplication/replication (backup) strategy because if you lose the remaining drive during the rebuild, you will lose ALL of your information.

Question 9

Does Synology make a diskstation I can use solid state drives in?
I want to put this in my motorhome.

Bill

Accepted Answer

MOST OF SYNOLOGY DISKSTATION SUPPORT SSD DRIVES. THE ONLY ISSUE MIGHT BE THE LIMITED CAPACITY OF THE CURRENT SSD AND THEIR HIGHER COST VS A CONVENTIONAL HARD DRIVE. MANY OF THE CURRENT HD COME IN CAPACITY WELL OVER 1 TB TO 6 TB. IT MIGHT DEPEND FOR WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO USE THEM. TO YOU WANT CAPACITY VS A SMALLER BUT PERHAPS FASTER DRIVE.

Question 10

Can external hardrives be attached?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 3.0 USB Ports and 1 USB 2.0 port along with (if you happen to have) an eSATA connection - shows 2 ports.  Standard portable USB drives (preferrably USB 3.0) will connect to this drive and can be shared with no problem at all.   WONDERFUL units - EXCELLENT software/interface!!

Questions & Answers