I'm with the device itself - what hardware, functionality, usability and software concerns - very satisfied. I would also like to take this opportunity to emphasize once the German Synology forum, in which I have frequently received advice and answers to issues related to NAS, network, server. Next I would like to point out the very informative and clear German website of Synology. This provides a real added value when it comes to the preliminary information about the products as well as FAQs, Help, data sheets etc..
A key feature of Synology devices concept is the intuitive operation combined with a powerful and reliable technique. This makes the product both for first-time NAS (one facility) and suitable professionals. The initial setup of the NAS and the integration into the LAN really worked without any problems and self-explanatory. Since my introduction to the world of NAS / Network / Server topic 4 years ago this is for the DS 211+, DS212 + now my third device from Synology.
The first move (migration) with the same hard disks of the DS211 + to the DS212 + lasted incl. All pre and post only 90 minutes. This year migration of the DS212 + to the DS214 + was by the simultaneous purchase new hard drives somewhat more complex, but overall not a problem. Here took eg. The data consistency check of the RAID1 network depending 2TB drive for about 6 h. The process was then a matter of course for both disks overnight.
Other positive points:
- Very quiet operation (living / study room or compatible)
- Low power consumption (slightly more than in the DS212 +, but probably the more powerful processor owed); 18.7 watts in operation, 7.9 W in sleep mode of the hard disks
- Apps for iOS and Android (DS file DS audio, DS photo, DS finder, etc.) work reliably and make the access of mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, iPod and Android devices in LAN, WLAN and possible from the outside
- Discreet and elegant design
- High reliability: my predecessors used 211 + / 212 + and 214+ running and running without significant problems always reliable
- WOL capability (Wake on LAN)
- Hot-swapping capability (hot-swap refers to the exchange and the interchangeability of system components and modules during operation of the system)> here one must of the warning sounds of the device not be irritated and in all (RAID1 in danger!) rest within the DSM / storage manager under management the process of so-called RAID1 repair trigger (in this way I changed individually after installing the new Disk Station with the old plates, the new plates.
- External interfaces (2x USB3.0, 1x USB2.0, 2x LAN, 1x eSATA, 1x SD card slot)
Secured power side I have the NAS and router (PBX incl. Router) with a so-called UPS (independent power) APC (APC Back UPS ES 700VA 230V).
Perhaps for consideration before purchase not unimportant: the high resale value! (See the well-known auction portal).
My final conclusion: strong buy recommendation!
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Tips / small digression for the file format "ext4"
First of all: The Disk Station Manager (DSM) operating system of the NAS itself is yes Linux-based (via Windows Choose to via IP or SynologyAssistenten in the DiskStation and has a Linux-based user interface of the DS in front of him). The disks themselves are of the station in a Linux-based file format formatted ("ext4"). The Disk Station Manager provides regular access to the station and the data in the "cooperation" with Windows7 or Windows8.
Anyone who has a Windows user but ever wondered what happens to the data on the hard disk (ext4 format) when the station is defective (read data from a withdrawn from the DiskStation hard drive?).
When formatting in the formatting "NTFS" or "FAT32" is not a problem. For "ext4" but you need to read data under Windows, an extra program. I can recommend the following programs here:
- Linux Reader (read access only)
- Paragon ExtFS (read and write access)
Both programs are freeware. Just take a search engine to help and enter the terms into the search field.
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