Synology DS411j NAS Review & Giveaway - Storage Solution
Synology DS411j: A Detailed Review
Yesterday, an examination of the Drobo FS was conducted. While that network-attached storage (NAS) solution presented ease of upgradeability and appeared largely future-proof, it lacked an easily navigable graphical user interface.
The Synology DiskStation 411j (DS411j) NAS represents a distinctly different approach. Where it may not excel in aesthetic design, it compensates with a robust feature set. For those considering a NAS for home use, this review will determine if the DS411j is a suitable selection. Furthermore, a review unit, complete with 4 TB of storage, will be given away to a lucky reader.
Key Features and Pricing
The most compelling aspect of the DS411j is its cost-effectiveness. Priced at $359.99 for the diskless configuration, and $769.99 with 4 x 1 TB drives pre-installed, it undercuts many competing models. For the technically inclined, purchasing the diskless system and sourcing your own hard drives allows for a customized 10 TB NAS for approximately $759.99. This is the option I would recommend, and the reasoning will be explained shortly.
In terms of physical dimensions, the DS411j is wider but shorter than the Drobo FS. Its exterior features a plastic front panel, incorporating a prominent circular power button and status indicators for network connection and hard drive activity. Cooling is facilitated by vents positioned on both the top and bottom surfaces.
Connectivity and Internal Components
The rear panel’s design is somewhat basic. It includes dual honeycomb fan grills, a power connector, a gigabit ethernet port, and two USB 2.0 ports. Notably, the NAS supports USB wireless dongles, eliminating the need for a direct router connection. A comprehensive list of compatible wireless dongles is available for reference.
As illustrated in the image, four easily removable thumbscrews secure the rear panel to the main body. Removing these allows the panel and fans to swing downwards, granting access to the internal components and the top enclosure. The system is powered by a 1.2 GHz processor and equipped with 128 MB of DDR2 memory, which is unfortunately not user-upgradeable. However, these specifications are generally sufficient for typical home users.
Drive Installation and Maintenance
Internally, a 4-drive array is present. Each drive is mounted within a plastic tray and secured to the chassis. These trays accommodate both 2.5" and 3.5" SATA drives. Consider your comfort level with hardware maintenance when evaluating this system. Replacing a failed drive can be challenging if you are not accustomed to working with screws. I personally encountered some difficulty re-attaching one of the thumbscrews.
The question of whether you possess the necessary skills to perform upgrades, should they become necessary, is an important one.
Initial Setup and Detection
Prior to utilizing the DS411j’s capabilities, an initial configuration is required. Synology includes a boot disk alongside straightforward quick start guides to facilitate this process. A dedicated desktop application, compatible with both Windows and macOS, identifies the unconfigured DS411j on the network.
This application then guides the user through formatting the installed drives and installing the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system.
DSM Installation
Depending on the purchase date of the NAS device, it may be necessary to download the newest DSM version directly from Synology’s website; the file size is just over 100 MB.
The system requires approximately ten minutes to initialize, providing an opportune moment to prepare a beverage.
Upon completion of the initialization process, the Synology Assistant will locate the NAS and display its IP address.
This allows for convenient login access from any web browser, or simply by double-clicking the device within the assistant’s list.
The login screen will then appear. The default username is 'admin', and the password was established during the initial setup phase.
DSM Overview
The DSM interface is remarkably user-friendly and resembles a web-based operating system. It represents a significant strength of the product.
Indeed, its multitasking features surpass those of competing graphical user interfaces, making it exceptionally effective. However, further configuration is still needed before full functionality is achieved.
RAID Configuration
The installed drives must be combined using a RAID configuration. Synology Hybrid RAID offers a simplified approach, providing single-disk redundancy and supporting up to 12 GB of storage.
This option also allows for future expansion of the total volume size with the addition of new hard drives.
Alternatively, users can manually configure the drives by selecting from various RAID-protected volume types, including RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, RAID 5+Spare, and RAID 6.
Volume types without data protection, such as Basic, JBOD, and RAID 0, are also available.
The setup process is designed to be accessible, even for individuals with limited technical expertise, thanks to the intuitive nature of the DSM.
Network Share Creation
Once the RAID configuration is complete, a new network share becomes accessible.
Through the DSM interface, users can easily define access privileges for this share and create additional shares as needed.
These network shares are fully compatible across different operating systems.
Support for Windows and macOS can be enabled or disabled at any time through the control panel.
RAID System Expansion
The process of expanding your storage capacity varies depending on the RAID configuration initially chosen. For some setups, it's straightforward, while others present a few more challenges.
If you implemented a Synology Hybrid RAID, expansion is relatively simple, involving a disk replacement. You replace the drive with the smallest capacity with a larger one.
However, it's important to note that the disks are not hot-swappable. This necessitates a system shutdown before initiating the upgrade process.
This requirement stems from the physical design of the NAS, where the enclosure needs to be opened to access the drives for removal and replacement.
Expansion Considerations
- RAID Configuration: The chosen RAID level significantly impacts the expansion process.
- Hot-Swappability: The ability to replace drives without powering down the system is a key convenience factor.
- Physical Access: The NAS enclosure design dictates the ease of drive access and replacement.
Therefore, careful planning and understanding of your specific RAID setup are crucial before attempting any expansion.
Management
A key strength of this device lies in its streamlined management system, DSM, which offers a straightforward, single-click installation process for numerous applications. Whether you require a BitTorrent client, a DLNA media server, or even an iTunes server, activation is achieved with a simple click.
This ease of use is a particularly appealing aspect of the DS411j, and is a characteristic shared across the entire range of Synology NAS products.
DSM also facilitates convenient system monitoring. Users can readily observe disk space utilization, operational temperatures, memory consumption, and other detailed system metrics through the integrated Resource Monitor and Storage Manager.
Additional notable features include a power scheduling function, enabling users to define specific power on and off times. A built-in file browser supports archiving and unarchiving operations.
Furthermore, the system offers remote backup capabilities, compatibility with Time Machine, and secure remote access to the NAS, allowing for control of torrent downloads and data access from virtually any location.
Final Assessment
Despite its unassuming appearance, the DS411j proves to be a remarkably proficient device. Provided you can navigate the slightly complex drive installation process, this NAS offers a comprehensive and impressive feature set, representing excellent value for the investment.
This product can be acquired through any authorized retailer, both online and in physical stores.
Synology is acknowledged for their support and provision of the review unit. Opportunities for sponsorship are available; please contact us via email to discuss potential collaborations.
Key Takeaways
- The DS411j delivers substantial performance despite its modest design.
- Drive installation requires some technical aptitude.
- The device provides a rich set of features for its price point.
Ultimately, the DS411j stands out as a compelling solution for users seeking reliable and versatile network-attached storage.
