Synology DiskStation DS224+ 2-Bays NAS Enclosure

The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is a compact and powerful 2-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) enclosure designed for home and small office users who need reliable, scalable, and easy-to-manage storage. As part of Synology’s DiskStation series, the DS224+ combines solid hardware specifications with Synology’s intuitive DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system to provide a versatile storage solution for personal files, backups, and media management.

Key Features:

• 2-Bay Design: The DS224+ supports two 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard drives or SSDs, offering a flexible storage solution. It can support up to 36TB of total storage capacity (18TB per drive) when using the largest drives available.
• Processor:
  • Powered by an Intel Celeron N4505 dual-core processor, which offers improved performance, energy efficiency, and faster data processing.
  • This processor enables the DS224+ to handle everyday tasks, file management, and multimedia processing with ease.
• Memory: Equipped with 2GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 6GB), the DS224+ provides sufficient memory for multitasking and running several applications or services simultaneously without compromising performance.
• Network Connectivity:
  • 1 x 2.5GbE Ethernet Port: The DS224+ comes with a 2.5GbE port for faster network speeds compared to traditional 1GbE, enabling quicker file transfers and smoother media streaming. This is especially beneficial for environments that need faster data access and backup performance.
  • USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports allow for easy external device connections, such as USB drives, printers, or UPS devices for power backup.
• RAID Support: The DS224+ offers several RAID configurations (RAID 1, RAID 0, JBOD) to suit users’ needs for data redundancy or performance. RAID 1 mirrors data across both drives for redundancy, protecting against data loss in case one drive fails.
• Hardware Encryption Engine: The built-in AES-NI encryption engine helps accelerate encrypted file transfers and backups without significantly impacting system performance, making it ideal for users who need secure storage for sensitive data.
• Energy Efficiency: The DS224+ is designed for low power consumption, making it an efficient solution for continuous 24/7 operation. Features like scheduled power on/off and smart fan control also help reduce power consumption during idle times.
• Software and Applications:
  • DiskStation Manager (DSM): The NAS runs Synology’s DSM operating system, which is renowned for its user-friendly interface and rich feature set. DSM provides a comprehensive suite of apps for file sharing, backup, media streaming, data protection, and more.
  • Backup and File Management: Supports Time Machine for Mac backups and Synology Hyper Backup for comprehensive system backups. It also offers cloud synchronization, file sharing, and remote access.
  • Multimedia Streaming: The DS224+ can be used as a media server supporting Plex, DLNA, and other streaming protocols for easy access to your movies, music, and photos from any compatible device.
  • Synology Drive: Allows for seamless file syncing and sharing across devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
• Security Features:
  • SSL Encryption: Protect your sensitive files and data transmissions with secure SSL encryption for local and remote access.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication in addition to a password.
  • Firewall and Antivirus: Built-in protection from malware, viruses, and external attacks to ensure data integrity.

Applications:

• Home Use: Ideal for managing personal files, storing photos, videos, and music, as well as offering a secure backup solution.
• Small Office: Perfect for small businesses that need an affordable, reliable storage solution for file sharing, backups, and collaboration among a few users.
• Multimedia Storage: The DS224+ can serve as a media server for streaming videos, music, and photos to TVs, computers, or mobile devices.
• Data Protection: Provides data redundancy and secure backups, reducing the risk of data loss.

Conclusion:

The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an excellent choice for users seeking a high-performance, easy-to-manage NAS for personal or small business use. With its fast 2.5GbE network port, expandable RAM, and robust software features, the DS224+ ensures fast, secure, and reliable access to your data. Whether for file sharing, backup, or media streaming, it offers a solid and cost-effective solution that grows with your storage needs.