Synology announced a new product for small and medium‑size businesses. It is called the DiskStation DS216+. It is a 2‑bay NAS that started selling in February. The price is about 50,000 yen, not including tax.
What Is a NAS?
A NAS is a Network Attached Storage device. It is a small computer that stores files. You can reach the files over a local network or the internet. A NAS is useful for keeping data safe and sharing it with many users.
Key Features of the DS216+
The DS216+ has many built‑in features. Below are the most important ones.
- Two drive bays: You can install two 2.5‑inch or 3.5‑inch hard drives. This lets you store a lot of data.
- Hardware encryption: The device can encrypt data on the drives. This helps protect sensitive information.
- 4K video conversion: The NAS can change video files to 4K resolution (4096 × 2160 pixels). This makes it easy to stream high‑quality video.
- Btrfs file system: Btrfs adds data integrity checking and file/folder versioning. If a file gets corrupted, the system can repair it.
- DiskStation Manager (DSM): This is Synology’s own operating system. It offers many apps for personal and business use.
- Mobile access: You can reach files from iOS or Android phones using Synology’s mobile apps.
Why Small and Medium‑Size Businesses May Like It
Small companies often need a simple way to store files, back up data, and share videos. The DS216+ fits these needs.
Affordability: At about ¥50,000, the price is lower than many larger NAS models.
Scalability: With two bays, you can start with small drives and later replace them with larger ones.
Security: Hardware encryption and Btrfs protect data from loss or tampering.
Video work: If your business creates marketing videos, the built‑in 4K converter saves you from buying separate software.
How to Set Up the DS216+
Setting up the device is easy. Follow these simple steps.
- Unbox the NAS and place it on a stable surface.
- Insert two hard drives into the bays. Make sure they click into place.
- Connect the power cable and plug it into an outlet.
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect the NAS to your router.
- Turn the device on. Wait a few minutes for it to boot.
- On a computer, open a web browser and go to find.synology.com. The browser will detect the DS216+.
- Follow the on‑screen wizard to install DiskStation Manager (DSM).
- Create an admin account and set a strong password.
- Choose the Btrfs file system when the wizard asks for a storage pool.
- Install the mobile apps on your phone and log in with the same account.
After these steps, your NAS is ready. You can start uploading files, creating shared folders, and enabling the 4K video conversion tool.
Using the DS216+ for Everyday Tasks
Here are some common tasks you can do with the DS216+.
- File sharing: Create a shared folder and give employees read or write permission.
- Backup: Use the built‑in Hyper Backup app to back up data to an external drive or cloud service.
- Version control: Enable file versioning. If someone overwrites a document, you can restore an earlier version.
- Video streaming: Upload a video, let the NAS convert it to 4K, then stream it to a TV or computer.
- Remote access: Install Synology QuickConnect to reach your files from anywhere on the internet.
Physical Size and Design
The DS216+ is compact. Its dimensions are 108 mm wide, 233.2 mm deep, and 165 mm high. It weighs about 1.25 kg. The small size makes it easy to place on a desk or shelf.
FAQ
Can I use the DS216+ with SSDs?
Yes. The two bays accept both 2.5‑inch SSDs and 3.5‑inch HDDs. SSDs give faster performance but cost more.
Is the 4K video conversion done in real time?
The device can convert video files to 4K, but the speed depends on the drive size and the video length. It is not instant, but it is faster than using a regular PC.
Do I need an internet connection for the NAS to work?
No. The NAS works on your local network without internet. However, internet is needed for remote access, updates, and cloud backup.
How does Btrfs help protect my data?
Btrfs checks data integrity automatically. If a file becomes corrupted, the system can repair it using a copy‑on‑write method. It also keeps old versions of files.
Conclusion
The Synology DS216+ 2‑bay NAS offers a lot of value for small and medium‑size businesses. It combines affordable price, hardware encryption, Btrfs reliability, and a built‑in 4K video converter. The easy DSM interface and mobile apps make it simple to store, share, and protect data. If you need a compact, secure, and versatile storage solution, the DS216+ is worth considering.