Synology DS1821+: A Powerful NAS for Home and Business

Synology DS1821+ is a high-performance network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for users seeking a reliable and scalable solution for data storage, backup, and sharing. This powerful NAS offers a wide range of features, including robust hardware, flexible storage options, and a user-friendly operating system. The DS1821+ caters to a diverse audience, from individuals needing a centralized storage hub to businesses requiring a secure and efficient file server.

The DS1821+ boasts a powerful processor and ample RAM, enabling it to handle demanding tasks like video transcoding, virtualization, and large file transfers with ease. Its flexible storage options allow users to choose from various drive types and configurations to meet their specific needs. Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides a comprehensive suite of features, including file sharing, backup solutions, and cloud synchronization, all accessible through a user-friendly interface.

Synology DS1821+ Overview

The Synology DS1821+ is a powerful and versatile Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for small and medium businesses, creative professionals, and home users seeking high-performance storage and data management capabilities. This NAS offers a robust platform for centralized data storage, backup, sharing, and collaboration, catering to a wide range of user needs.

Key Features and Specifications

The DS1821+ boasts a comprehensive set of features and specifications that cater to demanding storage and data management requirements. Here are some key highlights:

• Eight Drive Bays: The DS1821+ provides eight drive bays, allowing users to configure RAID arrays for redundancy and performance optimization. This flexibility enables scalability and allows for the storage of large amounts of data.
• Intel Xeon Processor: Equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon D-1521 4-core processor, the DS1821+ delivers high processing power for demanding tasks such as video transcoding, virtual machine hosting, and demanding applications.
• Abundant RAM: The DS1821+ comes with 8GB of DDR4 ECC memory, which can be upgraded to 32GB, ensuring smooth and efficient operation even under heavy workloads.
• Multiple Network Interfaces: With dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the DS1821+ offers high-speed network connectivity, enabling rapid data transfers and seamless integration into existing network infrastructure.
• Advanced Storage Management: The DS1821+ supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID). This provides flexibility in data protection and performance optimization, allowing users to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.
• Comprehensive Software Suite: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of applications for data management, backup, sharing, multimedia streaming, and more. The comprehensive software suite includes tools for file sharing, cloud synchronization, multimedia streaming, virtualization, surveillance, and more.

Target Audience

The Synology DS1821+ is designed to meet the storage and data management needs of a diverse range of users, including:

• Small and Medium Businesses: Businesses can utilize the DS1821+ for centralized data storage, backup, and file sharing, streamlining operations and enhancing data security.
• Creative Professionals: Photographers, videographers, and graphic designers can leverage the DS1821+ for large-scale media storage, backup, and collaboration, ensuring efficient workflows and data protection.
• Home Users: Home users seeking a reliable and high-performance storage solution for their digital library, backups, and multimedia streaming can benefit from the DS1821+’s versatility and ease of use.

Hardware and Performance

The Synology DS1821+ is a powerful NAS (Network Attached Storage) device designed for demanding users and businesses. Its robust hardware components and efficient software contribute to its exceptional performance across various tasks.

Hardware Components

The DS1821+ boasts an impressive hardware configuration that underpins its performance capabilities.

• Processor: The DS1821+ is powered by an Intel Atom C3538, a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.1 GHz. This processor offers ample processing power for demanding tasks such as file transfer, video transcoding, and virtualization.
• RAM: The DS1821+ comes standard with 8GB of DDR4 ECC (Error Correction Code) RAM, ensuring data integrity and stability. This amount of RAM is sufficient for handling multiple concurrent tasks and managing large file sizes. The RAM can be upgraded to 32GB, providing even more headroom for resource-intensive applications.
• Storage Capacity: The DS1821+ supports up to 18 drives, offering a maximum raw storage capacity of 144TB. This expansive storage capacity is ideal for large businesses, media professionals, or anyone requiring significant storage space.
• Network Connectivity: The DS1821+ features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling high-speed network connectivity and load balancing. This allows for efficient data transfer and network performance, especially when dealing with large files.
• Expansion Slots: The DS1821+ offers two PCIe slots, enabling expansion options such as a 10GbE network card or a dedicated SSD cache card. This allows for increased network speeds and enhanced performance, catering to specific user needs.

Performance in File Transfer

The DS1821+ excels in file transfer tasks, thanks to its powerful processor, ample RAM, and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. It consistently achieves high transfer speeds, making it ideal for large file transfers and data backups. The DS1821+ can reach transfer rates of up to 220 MB/s, enabling efficient data movement between the NAS and connected devices.

Performance in Video Transcoding

The DS1821+ supports real-time video transcoding, allowing you to convert video files to different formats and resolutions on the fly. This feature is particularly useful for streaming media to devices with different capabilities or for creating different versions of video content. The DS1821+ can transcode 1080p video streams at high frame rates, ensuring smooth playback on various devices.

Performance in Virtualization

The DS1821+ supports virtualization, enabling you to run multiple operating systems and applications simultaneously on the NAS. This feature is beneficial for businesses that require a dedicated virtual environment for specific tasks or applications. The DS1821+ can handle multiple virtual machines efficiently, thanks to its powerful processor and ample RAM.

Storage Options and Expansion

The DS1821+ offers a flexible storage configuration, allowing you to tailor your storage setup to your specific needs. The system supports a wide range of hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs), providing you with the flexibility to choose the storage solution that best fits your requirements.

Drive Types

Choosing the right type of drive for your DS1821+ depends on your priorities.

• HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are generally more affordable and offer larger storage capacities. They are suitable for storing large amounts of data, such as backups, media files, and documents. However, they tend to be slower than SSDs.
• SSDs (Solid-State Drives) are significantly faster than HDDs, resulting in quicker file transfer speeds and improved system performance. SSDs are ideal for applications that require high read and write speeds, such as databases, virtual machines, and video editing. However, SSDs are typically more expensive than HDDs and have lower storage capacities.

Expanding Storage Capacity

The DS1821+ offers several options for expanding your storage capacity beyond the eight internal drive bays.

• External Drives: You can connect external drives via USB or network connections to expand your storage space. This provides a convenient and cost-effective way to add additional storage without requiring additional hardware.
• Expansion Units: Synology offers dedicated expansion units, such as the DX517, that can be connected to the DS1821+ to provide additional drive bays. This allows you to seamlessly expand your storage capacity without having to purchase a new NAS.

Software and Features

The Synology DS1821+ runs on Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM), a powerful and user-friendly operating system designed specifically for network-attached storage (NAS) devices. DSM provides a comprehensive suite of tools and features, enabling users to manage their data, share files, back up their systems, and access a variety of applications.

DSM’s intuitive interface and straightforward navigation make it easy for users of all skill levels to manage their NAS. Its comprehensive features cater to both home and business users, offering a wide range of solutions for data storage, sharing, and management.

File Sharing

The DS1821+ excels in file sharing, offering a variety of protocols and features for seamless data access. Users can share files with other users on the network, remotely access their data from any location, and collaborate on projects with ease.

• SMB/CIFS: This widely used protocol allows users to access files on the DS1821+ from Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
• FTP: The DS1821+ supports FTP for transferring files to and from the NAS, providing a secure and reliable way to manage data.
• AFP: Apple File Protocol (AFP) enables seamless file sharing between the DS1821+ and Apple devices, such as Macs and iPhones.
• NFS: Network File System (NFS) allows Linux and Unix systems to access files on the DS1821+ as if they were local drives.
• WebDAV: WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) allows users to access and manage files on the DS1821+ through a web browser, providing a convenient way to work with files from any device.

Backup and Data Protection

The DS1821+ provides robust backup and data protection features, safeguarding valuable data from accidental loss or hardware failure.

• Time Machine Backup: Users can back up their Macs directly to the DS1821+ using Apple’s Time Machine feature, ensuring a complete and reliable backup solution.
• Cloud Sync: The DS1821+ supports cloud sync services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, enabling users to synchronize data between their NAS and their cloud accounts.
• Snapshot Replication: DSM’s snapshot technology creates point-in-time copies of data, allowing users to restore their data to a specific point in time in case of accidental deletion or data corruption.
• Version History: The DS1821+ keeps track of all changes made to files, allowing users to restore previous versions of files as needed.

Applications and Packages

The DS1821+ comes with a vast collection of pre-installed applications and a vast library of packages available through Synology’s Package Center. These applications and packages extend the functionality of the DS1821+, enabling users to perform a wide range of tasks.

• Synology Photos: A powerful photo management application that allows users to organize, store, and share their photos. It features facial recognition, automatic tagging, and a variety of photo editing tools.
• Synology Drive: A comprehensive file syncing and sharing service that allows users to access their files from any device, collaborate on projects, and share files securely with others.
• Synology Surveillance Station: A professional-grade video surveillance system that allows users to monitor their home or business with IP cameras. It features motion detection, recording, and live viewing capabilities.
• Synology Download Station: A versatile download manager that allows users to download files from the internet using a variety of protocols, including FTP, BitTorrent, and NZB.
• Synology Audio Station: A powerful audio streaming server that allows users to organize, store, and stream their music collection. It features support for a wide range of audio formats, including FLAC, ALAC, and MP3.

Security and Data Protection

The Synology DS1821+ is designed with robust security features and data protection options to safeguard your valuable data. The NAS offers a comprehensive suite of security measures, including hardware-level encryption, user authentication, and access controls, along with advanced data protection mechanisms like RAID configurations and snapshots.

Security Features

The DS1821+ incorporates several security features to protect your data from unauthorized access and malicious threats.

• Hardware-Level Encryption: The DS1821+ supports AES-NI hardware encryption, which encrypts data at the hardware level, ensuring that even if the hard drives are physically stolen, the data remains inaccessible without the encryption key. This provides an extra layer of security for sensitive data.
• User Authentication: The NAS allows you to create multiple user accounts with different access levels. This enables you to control who can access specific folders and files, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches. You can also configure two-factor authentication (2FA) for an additional layer of security.
• Access Controls: The DS1821+ offers granular access control options, allowing you to define specific permissions for each user. You can control read, write, and execute permissions for folders and files, ensuring that only authorized users can access and modify data.
• Anti-Virus Protection: The Synology DSM operating system includes built-in antivirus protection that scans incoming files and data for known malware threats. This helps prevent malware from infiltrating your NAS and compromising your data.
• Firewall: The DS1821+ has a built-in firewall that protects your NAS from unauthorized network access. You can configure the firewall to block specific IP addresses or ports, enhancing the security of your NAS.

RAID Configurations

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that combines multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, providing data redundancy and improved performance. The DS1821+ supports various RAID configurations, each offering different levels of data protection and performance.

• RAID 0 (striping): This configuration combines multiple drives into a single larger drive, increasing performance but offering no data redundancy. If one drive fails, all data is lost.
• RAID 1 (mirroring): This configuration mirrors data across two drives, providing full data redundancy. If one drive fails, the other drive can take over, ensuring data availability.
• RAID 5 (striped with parity): This configuration distributes data across multiple drives and includes a parity block. In case of a drive failure, the parity block can be used to reconstruct the lost data. This provides good data protection and performance.
• RAID 6 (dual parity): Similar to RAID 5, but with two parity blocks, RAID 6 provides even higher data protection, allowing for the failure of two drives without data loss. However, RAID 6 has slightly lower performance compared to RAID 5.
• RAID 10 (RAID 0 + RAID 1): This configuration combines mirroring (RAID 1) with striping (RAID 0). It offers both high performance and data redundancy. However, it requires a minimum of four drives.

Snapshots

Snapshots are point-in-time copies of your data, allowing you to revert to a previous state in case of data corruption or accidental deletion. The DS1821+ supports creating snapshots for volumes and LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers), providing an additional layer of data protection.

• Data Recovery: Snapshots can be used to restore data to a previous state, even if the original data has been corrupted or deleted. This is especially useful for recovering from accidental deletions or ransomware attacks.
• Versioning: Snapshots allow you to create multiple versions of your data, providing a history of changes. This is useful for tracking changes, auditing data, and reverting to previous versions.
• Disaster Recovery: Snapshots can be used for disaster recovery purposes. If your NAS is damaged or destroyed, you can use snapshots to restore data to a new NAS or server.

Best Practices for Securing the NAS and Protecting Data

• Use Strong Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for your NAS administrator account and user accounts. Avoid using common passwords or personal information.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for your NAS administrator account and any other sensitive accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second authentication factor, such as a code sent to your phone or email.
• Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly update your NAS firmware and applications to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. This helps protect your NAS from vulnerabilities and exploits.
• Restrict Network Access: Limit network access to your NAS by configuring your firewall to block unauthorized connections. Only allow access from trusted devices and networks.
• Implement Regular Backups: Regularly back up your data to an off-site location, such as a cloud storage service or external hard drive. This ensures that your data is protected even if your NAS is damaged or lost.
• Monitor System Logs: Regularly review system logs to identify any suspicious activity or security breaches. This helps you detect and respond to potential threats promptly.

Networking and Connectivity

The Synology DS1821+ is designed for robust network connectivity, offering multiple options for connecting to your network and managing access. It provides a range of network interfaces and configuration options to ensure seamless integration into your existing infrastructure.

Network Interfaces

The DS1821+ comes equipped with a variety of network interfaces, allowing for flexible connectivity options:

• Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports: These ports provide high-speed connectivity for standard network connections. You can use them for connecting to your router, switch, or other network devices.
• Two 10 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: These ports offer significantly faster data transfer speeds, ideal for demanding tasks such as large file transfers, video editing, and high-performance applications.
• Link Aggregation: The DS1821+ supports link aggregation, allowing you to combine multiple network interfaces into a single, high-bandwidth connection. This can significantly increase network throughput and improve reliability.

Connecting to a Network

There are several ways to connect the DS1821+ to your network:

• Direct Connection: You can directly connect the NAS to your router using an Ethernet cable. This is the simplest method for basic network connectivity.
• Switch Connection: Connecting the NAS to a network switch allows you to connect multiple devices to the same network, including computers, printers, and other NAS devices. This provides a more organized and scalable network setup.
• VLAN Configuration: For more complex network environments, you can configure VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) on the DS1821+. This allows you to segment your network into different logical groups, improving security and network performance.

Network Settings and Access Management

The Synology DS1821+ provides a comprehensive set of network settings and access management tools:

• IP Address Configuration: You can assign a static IP address to the NAS, ensuring consistent network connectivity. Alternatively, you can use DHCP to automatically assign an IP address.
• Network Sharing: The DS1821+ supports various network sharing protocols, including SMB/CIFS, AFP, NFS, and FTP, allowing you to share files and folders with other devices on your network.
• Access Control: You can set up user accounts and permissions to control who has access to specific folders and files on the NAS. This ensures data security and prevents unauthorized access.
• Firewall: The built-in firewall provides a layer of protection against unauthorized network access. You can configure firewall rules to block specific IP addresses or ports, enhancing network security.

Use Cases and Applications

The Synology DS1821+ is a versatile NAS server that caters to a wide range of needs, from personal file storage and multimedia streaming to complex business workflows and data-intensive applications. Its powerful hardware and extensive software features make it an ideal solution for individuals, small businesses, and even large enterprises.

Personal Use

The DS1821+ can be a valuable asset for individuals seeking a centralized storage solution for their digital assets. Its large storage capacity can accommodate a vast library of photos, videos, music, and documents. The built-in media server enables streaming of multimedia content to multiple devices throughout the home, creating a personalized entertainment hub. Additionally, the DS1821+ can serve as a backup solution for important data on personal computers and mobile devices, providing peace of mind in case of hardware failure or accidental data loss.

Small Business

For small businesses, the DS1821+ can be a cost-effective and efficient solution for various business needs. It can act as a central file server, providing secure and reliable storage for company documents, customer data, and other critical information. The DS1821+ also supports file sharing and collaboration, allowing employees to access and work on files from anywhere with an internet connection. The integrated VPN server enhances security by creating a secure private network for remote access.

Creative Professionals

Creative professionals, such as photographers, videographers, and graphic designers, can leverage the DS1821+ for efficient workflow management and secure storage of large media files. The high-speed network connectivity ensures fast data transfer rates, minimizing time spent waiting for files to upload or download. The DS1821+ also supports various file formats and codecs, allowing creative professionals to store and manage their projects seamlessly. The built-in multimedia server enables them to showcase their work to clients and collaborators.

Other Industries

The DS1821+ finds applications in various industries, including:

• Education: Schools and universities can utilize the DS1821+ for centralized storage of educational resources, student assignments, and research data. The device’s robust security features ensure the protection of sensitive information. The integrated VPN server enables secure remote access for students and faculty members.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics can leverage the DS1821+ for storing and managing patient medical records, ensuring data security and compliance with regulations. The device’s high availability features ensure continuous access to critical information, even in case of hardware failures.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies can utilize the DS1821+ for storing and managing production data, CAD files, and other critical information. The device’s backup and disaster recovery capabilities ensure business continuity in case of unforeseen events.

Installation and Setup: Synology Ds1821+

Installing and setting up your Synology DS1821+ is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from unboxing to accessing your NAS.

Unboxing and Hardware Setup

Before beginning the setup process, you’ll need to unpack your DS1821+ and connect the necessary hardware components.

1. Carefully unpack the DS1821+ from its box, ensuring all components are present.
2. Locate the power adapter and connect it to the rear of the NAS.
3. Install the hard drives into the drive bays. The DS1821+ supports up to 8 drives, offering ample storage capacity. Ensure the drives are properly secured and aligned.
4. Connect the Ethernet cable to the network port on the rear of the NAS. This will allow the NAS to connect to your network.

Initial Setup and Configuration

Once the hardware is connected, you can proceed with the initial setup and configuration of your DS1821+.

1. Power on the DS1821+ using the power button located on the front of the device.
2. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the NAS. Enter the default IP address of the NAS, which is typically found on the Quick Installation Guide included with the device. If you are unsure of the IP address, you can find it by accessing your router’s settings page.
3. The Synology Assistant will automatically launch, guiding you through the initial setup process. If it doesn’t launch, you can download it from the Synology website.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an administrator account and configure basic settings, such as the network name, time zone, and language.
5. Once the initial setup is complete, you can access the DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface. DSM is the operating system of the Synology NAS, providing a user-friendly interface for managing your files, applications, and settings.

Connecting to the Network

Connecting your DS1821+ to your network is essential for accessing and managing your NAS remotely.

1. Ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to the network port on the rear of the NAS and to your router.
2. In the DSM interface, go to the Network settings and configure the network connection. You can choose to use a static IP address or a DHCP server to automatically assign an IP address.
3. If you are using a static IP address, ensure that the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address are correctly configured.
4. Once the network settings are configured, you can access the DS1821+ from any computer or mobile device connected to the same network. You can also access the NAS remotely using the QuickConnect service or a VPN connection.

Optimizing Performance and Security

During the setup process, you can take steps to optimize the performance and security of your DS1821+.

1. Configure RAID: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that combines multiple hard drives to create a single logical volume. This can improve performance, increase storage capacity, and provide data redundancy. The DS1821+ supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 6. The optimal RAID level will depend on your specific needs and priorities. For example, RAID 1 offers data mirroring for high data redundancy, while RAID 5 offers better performance and storage capacity than RAID 1.
2. Enable HTTPS: HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts communication between your web browser and the DS1821+, protecting your data from unauthorized access. In the DSM interface, navigate to the Security settings and enable HTTPS. You can also obtain a digital certificate from a trusted certificate authority to further enhance security.
3. Configure Firewall: The built-in firewall in DSM helps protect your NAS from unauthorized access. Configure the firewall to block unwanted traffic and allow only necessary connections. You can create specific rules to allow or deny access based on IP address, port number, or other criteria.
4. Update Firmware: Synology regularly releases firmware updates that include security patches, performance improvements, and new features. Regularly update the firmware to ensure that your DS1821+ is running the latest and most secure version.

Troubleshooting and Support

The Synology DS1821+ is generally a reliable NAS, but issues can arise. Understanding common troubleshooting steps and available support resources can help you resolve problems efficiently.

Common Troubleshooting Issues

This section discusses common troubleshooting issues encountered with the Synology DS1821+ and provides solutions or workarounds.

Network Connectivity Problems

Network connectivity issues are among the most frequent problems encountered with NAS devices. These can manifest in various ways, including:

• The NAS not showing up on the network.
• Slow file transfer speeds.
• Intermittent connection drops.

These issues can stem from several factors, including incorrect network settings, network congestion, or hardware failures.
To troubleshoot network connectivity problems, you can start by checking the following:

1. Verify network cable connections: Ensure that the Ethernet cable connecting the NAS to your router is securely plugged in at both ends. Check for any damage to the cable.
2. Check network settings: Ensure that the IP address assigned to the NAS is within the same subnet as your router. You can find the NAS’s IP address in the Synology DSM interface. If the IP address is incorrect, you can manually assign one within the desired range.
3. Restart network devices: Restarting your router and the NAS can often resolve temporary network connectivity issues. This can clear any network glitches and re-establish connections.
4. Check for network congestion: If you have a large number of devices connected to your network, it might be experiencing congestion. Try limiting the number of devices using the network or upgrading your router to a more powerful model with better performance.
5. Check for hardware failures: If you suspect a hardware failure, you can try connecting the NAS to a different network or using a different Ethernet cable. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Synology support for further assistance.

Storage Issues

Storage issues can arise from various factors, including drive failures, file system corruption, or insufficient storage space.

• Drive failures: Drive failures can cause data loss or performance degradation. Synology’s DSM offers tools for monitoring drive health and replacing faulty drives. Regularly monitor drive health and replace failing drives promptly to prevent data loss.
• File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to power outages, software errors, or hardware failures. Synology DSM includes tools for checking and repairing file system errors. Run a file system check regularly to identify and fix any corruption issues.
• Insufficient storage space: If you are running out of storage space, you can add more drives to the NAS, upgrade to a larger model, or consider offloading data to a cloud storage service. Synology DSM offers tools for managing storage space and monitoring usage.

Performance Issues

Performance issues can arise from various factors, including insufficient RAM, CPU bottlenecks, network bottlenecks, or software conflicts.

• Insufficient RAM: If the NAS is experiencing performance issues due to insufficient RAM, you can upgrade to a model with more RAM or consider using a virtual machine to run demanding applications.
• CPU bottlenecks: If the CPU is heavily loaded, it can lead to performance degradation. Consider upgrading to a more powerful model with a faster CPU or optimizing applications to reduce CPU usage.
• Network bottlenecks: If the network is experiencing bottlenecks, it can impact file transfer speeds and application performance. Consider upgrading your router or network switch to improve network performance.
• Software conflicts: Software conflicts can also lead to performance issues. Update the DSM and all applications to the latest versions to ensure compatibility and stability. If you are experiencing performance issues after installing a new application, try uninstalling it to see if it resolves the problem.

Support Resources

Synology offers a comprehensive suite of support resources for users.

Synology Website

The Synology website provides a wealth of information, including user manuals, tutorials, knowledge base articles, and community forums.

Synology DSM

Synology DSM includes a built-in help center with comprehensive documentation and troubleshooting guides.

Synology Support

Synology offers email and phone support for users experiencing technical difficulties. You can also submit support tickets through the Synology website.

Synology Community Forums

The Synology community forums provide a platform for users to share experiences, ask questions, and get help from other users.

Third-Party Resources

Several third-party websites and forums offer support and troubleshooting resources for Synology NAS devices.

Comparison with Alternatives

The Synology DS1821+ is a powerful and versatile NAS device, but it’s not the only option available. Choosing the right NAS for your needs requires careful consideration of various factors, including price, performance, features, and scalability. Here, we’ll compare the DS1821+ to other NAS devices in its price range to help you make an informed decision.

Key Competitors, Synology ds1821+

The DS1821+ faces competition from various NAS manufacturers, including QNAP, Asustor, and Western Digital. Some of the most notable competitors in the same price range include:

• QNAP TS-1885: A high-performance NAS with a similar number of drive bays and comparable processing power. It offers advanced features like virtualization support and GPU acceleration.
• Asustor AS6604T: Another powerful NAS with a similar number of drive bays. It features a robust software suite and excellent performance, particularly for demanding tasks.
• Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra: A more affordable option with fewer drive bays but still offers decent performance and features for home users.

Performance and Features

• The DS1821+ excels in performance thanks to its powerful Intel Xeon processor and ample RAM. It offers fast file transfer speeds, smooth streaming, and efficient multitasking.
• QNAP TS-1885 boasts even higher performance with its powerful AMD Ryzen processor and support for PCIe expansion cards, which can enhance performance even further.
• Asustor AS6604T delivers excellent performance for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, thanks to its powerful Intel Core processor and support for hardware transcoding.
• Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra, despite its smaller footprint, offers respectable performance for home users, but it falls short in terms of raw power compared to the other options.

Storage Options and Scalability

• The DS1821+ offers ample storage space with its 8 drive bays, supporting a wide range of hard drives and SSDs. It also supports Synology’s expansion units for even more storage.
• QNAP TS-1885 provides similar storage options with its 18 drive bays and support for QNAP’s expansion units.
• Asustor AS6604T offers a slightly smaller footprint with 6 drive bays but still supports expansion options for larger storage needs.
• Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra offers a more compact solution with only 2 drive bays, making it suitable for smaller storage needs.

Software and Features

• The DS1821+ runs Synology’s DSM operating system, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. It offers a wide range of applications, including file sharing, multimedia streaming, backup solutions, and more.
• QNAP TS-1885 runs QNAP’s QTS operating system, which also offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of applications, including virtualization support and GPU acceleration.
• Asustor AS6604T runs Asustor’s ADM operating system, known for its robust software suite and support for various applications, including multimedia streaming and security features.
• Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra runs Western Digital’s own operating system, which is relatively simple and offers basic features for home users.

Price and Value

• The DS1821+ offers a good balance between performance, features, and price, making it a compelling option for users seeking a powerful and versatile NAS device.
• QNAP TS-1885 comes at a higher price point, reflecting its superior performance and advanced features like virtualization support and GPU acceleration.
• Asustor AS6604T offers a competitive price for its performance and features, making it an attractive option for users seeking a balance between price and performance.
• Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is the most affordable option on the list, but it lacks the power and features of the other devices.

Conclusion

The DS1821+ is a solid choice for users seeking a powerful and versatile NAS device. It offers excellent performance, a wide range of features, and a user-friendly interface. However, if you require even higher performance, advanced features like virtualization, or a more compact solution, the QNAP TS-1885, Asustor AS6604T, or Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra might be better suited for your needs. Ultimately, the best NAS for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.

Ultimate Conclusion

The Synology DS1821+ stands out as a compelling NAS solution for users seeking a combination of power, flexibility, and ease of use. Its robust hardware, extensive features, and intuitive operating system make it a suitable choice for a wide range of applications, from personal file storage to demanding business workflows. Whether you are looking to centralize your data, create a secure backup system, or manage your business files efficiently, the DS1821+ offers a comprehensive and reliable solution.

The Synology DS1821+ is a great choice for a NAS server, especially for those looking for a reliable and scalable solution. However, if you’re dealing with a large-scale enterprise environment and need advanced features like data deduplication and thin provisioning, you might want to consider hpe simplivity.

While Synology focuses on user-friendliness and ease of use, HPE Simplivity provides a more comprehensive solution for businesses with complex IT needs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and budget.