The DS220+ is a network-attached storage (NAS) device made by Synology. It is designed to provide fast and reliable storage for home and small business users. The DS220+ is a popular choice for users looking for an affordable NAS solution with advanced features such as support for multiple hard drives, remote access, and data backup. It is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful hardware, making it a versatile and reliable storage solution.
Introduction to Synology DiskStation DS220+ Review
The DS220+ is a two-bay NAS device, meaning it can hold and manage data from two hard drives. It is powered by an Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core 2.0 GHz processor and has 2 GB of DDR4 memory, providing fast and efficient performance for tasks such as file transfers and data backups. It also has two Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast and stable network connectivity.
In addition to its powerful hardware, the DS220+ also offers a range of advanced features to help users manage and protect their data. It supports multiple hard drive configurations, including JBOD, RAID 0, and RAID 1, allowing users to choose the setup that best suits their needs. It also has a range of backup options, including the ability to back up data to external hard drives, cloud storage services, and other Synology NAS devices.
The DS220+ also has a user-friendly interface called Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), which makes it easy for users to manage and access their data from any device with a web browser. DSM offers a range of tools and apps to help users manage their data, including file sharing, media streaming, and data backup.
Overall, the DS220+ is a popular and reliable NAS device that offers powerful hardware and advanced features at an affordable price. It is known for its user-friendly interface and versatile storage options, making it a good choice for users who need fast and reliable storage for their home or small business.
Highlights of review DS220+ by Synology
- Processor – Intel Celeron J4025 2-core 2.0 GHz, burst up to 2.9 GHz
- Memory – 2 GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Drive Slots – 2 x 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD (Hot swappable)
- Size – 6.5 x 4.25 x 9.14 inches
- Weight – 2.86 pounds
- LAN – 2 x Gigabit (RJ-45)
What you can do with the Synology DS220+
Like its Synology NAS siblings, this DS220+ entry level NAS has lots of applications that can be supported. Here is a list of things you can do with the DS220+
- Photos – The Synology Photos app is one of the best available. Better than iCloud and Google Photos. You have the option to store your photos and videos on your own Network Attached Storage (NAS) without relying on third-party cloud servers (risk of data breach). Moreover, Synology Photos app has artificial intelligence function. Photos can be automatically sorted by face recognition or location. Easily share similar headshots with family and friends.
- Drive – The Synology Drive app is better than storing your data in the cloud. You have full ownership of your personal data. Remotely and securely access data without storing it on cloud providers (risk of data breach or hacking). You also have the option to easily share your data (whether privately or publicly). Just like the Synology Photos app, you can access your data on any operating system, whether you’re using macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, or iOS.
- Note – Synology Note Station takes notes very efficiently. Need to take notes during a meeting? Just open the Synology Note app on your Android or iPhone. Once completed, it will be automatically synced to your NAS. You can easily access it later on your PC or Mac.
- Plex – Plex Media Server can be run on Synology NAS 220+. You can easily store TV shows and movies on your NAS and use Plex to watch them on your TV or mobile device.
- Surveillance – With the Synology Surveillance Station app, you can easily monitor your NAS. Easily manage your IP cameras to watch and record live video. You can monitor with a web browser or mobile device (Synology DS Cam) for remote viewing.
- Time Machine Backup – Automatically backup macOS to NAS easily. Schedule automatic backups daily and run seamlessly in the background.
- Office Spreadsheets, Documents, Slides – Open Word documents, spreadsheets or PowerPoint slides on your NAS and collaborate with your colleagues. Documents can be edited and shared in real-time just like using Google Docs, but with more data autonomy and privacy.
- Calendar, Contacts, Mail, Chat Server – Yes, Synology has apps for Calendar, Contacts, and even Email Server and Chat Server. You can run and use everything locally on your NAS. This helps small business owners who want to keep their internal controls private and manage their data autonomously without relying on third-party services.
- Apache, PHP, WordPress, Python, TeamViewer, Docker – yes, you can easily run 3rd party apps. You can also host your WordPress blog on your Synology NAS. The possibilities are endless.
How easy it is to operate the DS220+
When you first receive your DS220+, it will come with an AC power cord, an AC power adapter, 2x RJ-45 LAN cable and some screws.
Setting it up is an easy task. Before you power on the device, make sure the hard disk drives are installed (up to 2 slots for DS220+). It can support 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch hard drives.
Then install the cords, ethernet LAN cable into your internet-connected router and power on the device. Then you will need to install DSM (DiskStation Manager) – the operating system for the DS220+ Synology NAS. Just like Windows for PC or MacOS for MacBooks. To install, open a web browser on a PC connected with the same network, and type find.synology.com or synologynas:5000 . Then follow the process on the screen to continue.
Pros of owning the DS220+ Synology NAS
It is the most affordable option in the Synology NAS family line. It comes with 2 hard disk drive slots that you can install. On specs, it can support up to 32 TB of storage (2 x 16 TB HDD).
The fan that cools the NAS down also runs quietly in the background. Also like all things that come with fans, it will collect dust in the long term, so you will need frequent cleaning. It’s easy as wiping off the dust and occasionally vacuuming.
It is lightweight and small in size, perfect for home use. Perfect for storing lots of data which allows access through multiple operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS.
Synology has a range of free applications that come with the DS220+ which are really useful. Mainly the Photos app, the Drive and Note Station just to name a few.
How to build your Synology NAS DS220+
When you purchase the DS220+, it comes without the hard drives. Here is a list of things you will need
- DS220+ NAS
- Hard disk drives (NAS grade) – eg. Seagate IronWolf or WD Red
- UPS (uninterruptible power supply) – to safeguard your NAS in the event of power failure
- High grade ethernet cables (preferably Cat 8)
- High speed internet
- High speed router
- Additional RAM memory (optional)
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