Hipertextual Labs Sinology DS210 +, the Advanced

What is a NAS?

NAS stands for Network-Attached Storage or whatever it is, Network Attached Storage. In this case, is a small NAS storage server, network connection that allows connection of hard drives and has a dedicated operating system that runs through published online services that allow us to use the disks are configured on the device on almost any device with it. This storage is made up of shared folders, where to put the data you want, and even be able to join such storage for your Mac or PC can work with it as if it were connected to the same computer.

Before proceeding with this Lab, I want to make clear that this device is very useful and practical if we get the benefit and use it deserves, not thinking for a standard computer user. It is a mini web server, and as such requires a minimum of knowledge about network protocols (SMB, NFS, WebDav, uPnP, AFP, CIFS, ...) and a computing experience at medium-high in the management of firewalls, configuration of user groups, users, domains, access policies, shared storage, backups, redundancy of disks, etc ...

If this is not your profile, this device is not for you, since it is a device that is simple and easy to configure without a modicum of knowledge, but like everything that is complex by its own philosophy or benefits, the possibilities that sacársele are many more than in other simpler devices.

General device data

The NAS has an internal processor of 1.06 GHz, 256 AES hardware encryption of all data records or manages, has 512Mb. BUS RAM at 533Mhz. 64-bits, and supports internal hard drives 3.5 "or 2.5", which are SATA or SATA II, including solid-state SSD. The maximum capacity that supports 4TB of storage is divided into 2 disks of 2TB each, and has 3 high speed USB ports and eSATA.

It's small, quiet, compact, has a gigabit network card and is light enough, even with hard drives installed. Mini PC is a full-fledged server.

Broadly speaking, we can:

• Network storage disks with intelligent redundancy to avoid losing information in case of disk failure (with different modes of RAID).
• Log in or manage the information over any communication protocol such as CIFS, AFP, FTP, iSCSI, Telnet, SSH, NFS, and SNMP.
• Works internally with Ext3 partitions of Linux, with more than 2,000 potential users, 256 groups, 256 concurrent users, 256 shared folders (folders in the root system).
• Time Machine support so that the Mac will recognize it as a target for backups through the network.
• Music server, pictures and multimedia content for DLNA / uPnP.
• Management server downloads, video surveillance, email, web and print.

We will see in depth the same, and we want to make clear that while it supports any computer for use with Linux or Windows, the DS210 + is designed to take full advantage of our Mac OS X and fully understands him .

Getting Started

The first thing we do is mount the hard drive you need. The DS210 + is ready for two SATA hard drives and comes with no factory, so we put one or two. The installation is simple, push back the case until there is a click, we get this case, connect the hard drive in the corresponding bay and close. Nothing simpler. Then connect the outlet, the power cable and turn on.

The NAS can not do anything for himself at the factory, it comes with no operating system and use the first hard drive to find (or choose) to install, so the first boot requires that we lower the Synology Assistant, a software Mac or PC to detect the device and allow us to make the first steps and installation. We must also download the latest firmware (DSM 3.0) on the official . Once fully downloaded, you can run the program, with the NAS on and connected to the network. The computer we use will detect and allow us to make the first installation.

Once connected and selected the firmware file PAT, installs everything, and our environment will Synology DiskStation installed, or operating system, called the DSM. In the process of installing the network will be reviewed, and if you enabled the DHCP suggest we use it in manual mode so you always have the same fixed IP for the server and ask for the key management, user admin, which is extremely important that do not forget.

Volume configuration, first steps DiskStation Manager 3.0

After this, the use of the application is merely anecdotal because from that moment we will control the NAS from a web application on port 5000 of the IP where it was installed. This web application is DiskStation Manager, version 3.0, which prompted us to enter the username and password that we gave to install the equipment. Once done, the first thing we see is a Quick Start Wizard will allow us to configure the disk volumes and create shared folders and user management and other elements.

Create disk volumes, where we can do it manually or using a RAID disk system Synology property, which takes the number of hard disks and their ability to create a file system on the high protection against failure of one disk . We will have less space than the total, but if one disk fails will not lose the data and the system will work as usual, and can then change the faulty disk with a new, and in doing so, the space will be restructured. Basically it is the operation of any disk array professional server, but we also have the option of creating other types of environments as a RAID 0 configuration where the disks are installed as is, with full capacity and without any failsafe the system (but using the total capacity). The system supports the HDD Smart protocol for control and detection of physical disk errors.

The format of the volumes is a very slow process, so we should not despair. We have to wait several hours until the end. Once done, create three folders called photo sharing, music and video. We will have two users, admin and guest, but we recommend, at this point that we own and give it a read and write permission on the folders you want. Needless to say, we can create as many users as you like (until 2048) and even groups of users to share access settings shared folders (up to 256).

Raising DSM applications

Now we have our NAS ready to dump the data you want, but first we have to activate or configure the different options that will provide DSM applications are what will really give functionality to our device.

From the control panel DSM 3.0 we have access to all options that I described below. We recommend, yet the first thing you do is go to network services, firewalls and policies as well cambiéis have explained below. The options we have are:

File Sharing and privileges

• Win / Mac / NFS: Allows access to configuration options of different communication protocols with our shared folders as SMB, AFP, NFS, CIFS, etc ... It also allows us to activate the options in the Mac, not just the AFP protocol but also the bonjour protocol for printer sharing and enable the use of Time Machine for any Mac on the network detect it as a valid target for this use.
• FTP: FTP server configuration to be able to connect to access shared folders, user management, quotas, privileges ...
• Username: Managing users who can access the NAS.
• Group: Management of user groups you want, to share privileges, users can associate.
• Shared Folder: Managing shared folders on the system: creation, permissions ... these folders are always the root of your system up to a maximum of 256.
• Domains Benefits: Allows you to register the NAS in a Windows domain that we have.
• Application Benefits: Set the access permissions to different applications of the NAS.

Network Services

• Web Services: Not only can configure WebDav access to shared folders, but we can manage everything related to the embedded web server. This is a very interesting option, allowing us to activate Web Station, a complement activating native support for PHP + mySQL, allowing us to have up to 30 virtual hosts on the NAS for our website and use it as a server. Thus, to launch the NAS to the street through the router would have a continuously running web server without having the computer on. Can activate a personal web page in the root of each user, with a standard structure which could be accessed without problems, or enable the use of mySQL engine in the amount of storage you want. Similarly, we can manage the settings of PHP engine and the HTTP service.

• DDNS: We can activate and configure the dynamic name server, which allows access to our dynamic IP through one of the 5 DDNS services provider that supports the default, for example, provides no-ip.com .
• Router settings: Allows you to access the basic configurations for access to our router, having a series of pre-loaded models, which we can configure remote east.
• Firewall: A firewall that allows us to prohibit or allow specific services or applications on NAS depends on what systems or users. WARNING: It is important to note that the firewall is enabled on the freezing of all NAS services to all users and services other than their NAS IP and admin user, so the first thing we do is change the rule by entering the exceptions. By default, exceptions to different IPs and different admin user are rejected, so we have to change to allow connections to the NAS accepts the call to all services and publish them on the local network. If the NAS Internet goes, we should be more careful with this, and set the rules for further user.
• Auto Lock: We configure the security settings to block access to accounts and when making a maximum number of failed attempts to access applications or systems.
• Terminal: The operating system that has the NAS is a Linux distribution modified and adapted to it. As such, this option can enable access to the same operating system via telnet or SSH.
• SNMP allows us to configure and enable the SNMP service to a network manager software that works with this protocol.

System

• Red: With this option you can configure all network settings on the device, such as IP which is set and even how to access the internet, if you connect through a router, via a PPPoE dial-up service, configure your access to a wireless network (we can put a wireless USB to the device, taking into account that they have a list of compatible on their website). The NAS also supports tunelling protocol that allows you to be prepared for the next communication protocol IPv6, so it is able to work internally, and the networks that allow for this protocol, and translate in real time through a tunnel network to IPv4, the standard networks that do not support it.
• Language: To change the language of the same on all interfaces. As you see in the catches, supports Spanish and the translation is very clear.
• Time: Set time and sync with NTP servers for time (Network Time Protocol).
• Notifications: It allows us to define an SMTP sending server (we can install one in the NAS as discussed below) to send notifications. Any event that is generated in the system can generate an e-mail communication, according to configurations.
• Food: The NAS supports connection to a network UPS power control, plus power potential downtime set for energy saving mode for the disks in downtime, etc. It also allows off and on for network and programming on and off the system (for example, when you finish a task).
• External devices: The NAS has 3 USB ports, one front and two rear and a front eSATA port, where we can connect all kinds of devices. Can configure this option as it not only accepts USB Wifis, but also can connect a USB printer (or more) and serve as a print server on the network and external drives, USB sticks ... Any device connected, it posted on the network along with the other shared folders.
• Reset defaults: Exactly that, to reset the computer and leave the factory settings.
• DSM Update: Here is where the updates are installed NAS operating system, called DiskStation Manager. As standard, the NAS installation CD comes with version 2.3, but I strongly recommend NOT INSTALÉIS and to download and install the web 3.0 version of DSM. The change in function, usability, handling and performance is quite radical to positive. In fact, if we were to give a note of NAS with version 2.3, this would drop several points.

Application Settings

• Media Server: You can activate the DLNA and UPnP support for shared folders, where even we can choose a DMA protocol interface for devices that support custom interface sent from the server. Share all the folders and works flawlessly with absolutely ALL video and audio formats, including MKV famous. Detected and working not only with Windows Media Player, but with DLNA support televisions, networked half tanks and next generation consoles like the PS3 or Xbox 360. Note that although forward all formats, the playback device that makes customer has to bear. We can also configure the transcoding of audio formats natively, so that format FLAC, OGG or other, become real-time PCM and transmitted to the client, although this does not support these formats natively.
• iTunes: You can activate the protocol use iTunes to our library of audio and video are transmitted through shared iTunes library, so that everything we put in the shared folders of music and video (and supported by the protocol) appears in our iTunes library like any shared.

• Audio Station: A very interesting option. Through the shared folder of music, the NAS incorporates a music player and manager, made it through AJAX, which allows us to have total management of our music, supporting USB speakers connected to the NAS and even the use of a remote control (sold separately) to control it. We can manage and have stored all our music library that iTunes sees it, organize it as you want, play it from any computer connected to the network, and use the free Audio DS mobile application for iPhone and Android, where we play the music connected to the same network, wherever you go with our iPhone or iPod Touch. Audio Station protocol also supports the DLNA / uPnP to enjoy our music on any compatible client, and comes preloaded with Shoutcast Internet radio so we can issue such radios any device, with a reception from the NAS. It is an incredibly interesting option if you like the music.
• Photo Station: A very interesting option. Photo Station is a web application that allows the creation of websites or blogs that allow us to share via the Internet (or local network in case that might interest us) our photos or videos, to through a rich interface (Rich UI), also done in AJAX. A website where users can upload photos, use Google Maps for geolocation 3D visualization plugin for photos, videos via a plug-in flash to share ... A very interesting option for creating web pages or blogs to share this information with who want managed in an easy and simple. Also, the application DS Photo + will allow us to view and upload more photos to the NAS, from our iPhone or Android in a very simple.

• Download Station: This is the option you love me forever. The NAS has a bittorrent and emule client integrated. We just have to go through the web interface or by putting a URL, a link to. Torrent or a. Ed2k, and he alone is responsible for download. We have all the important options of any client eMule or BitTorrent, and destination folders, speed limits, port connection, obfuscated connections, etc. and the device will connect and download everything in the folder that you say, and turn on the network share when you download. We can manage eMule servers, which connect to a server Kad ... ran out leaving the computer on. When we finished our download the entire network available for use and enjoyment. And if that were not enough, it also supports NZB discharge protocol for news servers, where you can set which items we want to download, with attachments. And now the panacea: support for premium accounts megaupload and rapidshare. Taking our data and lists of URLs from a single copy + paste, the device will be downloading what you say. Not only do these servers, but also any download from any website. If we also set up notifications by email, send us an email each time we say finished downloading. With this option, since it makes no sense to have a computer turned on. It's like having jDownloader which only lacks support for encrypted containers DLC.
• Surveillance Station: If you have a network IP surveillance cameras, the NAS server has the same management that allows us to not only access to a display interface, even from the DS CAM application for iPhone and Android free, but we can see our entire network of cameras, up to 12 different control of historic recordings and recycling, etc.. We can generate events in surveillance cameras hour to hour to show us only the changes in the image and where it has occurred and supports all standard. A very interesting option if you have this type of facility. Note that the license of the NAS, as your purchase is for use only 1 IP camera and to use more to purchase a separate license.
• File Station: Besides being able to interact with the shared folders on all existing network protocols, including functionality including CIFS Trash for safety in case of file deletion, we also have this application done in Java, which allows a convenient way to manage content on the server and even upload files. Increases are limited to 4GB maximum, but is another management option available.

Additional applications

We may, in addition to the applications already installed, including new packages with other features that allow us to get even more out of the device. These are:

• SqueezeCenter: Support for the wireless transmission system music SquezeBox Logitech , in case you have any device that supports it.

• Mail Station: A service will be added to the mail server to our NAS, so that will be able to send and receive email from any protocol such as SMTP, POP3, POP3 SSL / TLS, IMAP and IMAP SSL / TLS. We can also activate a webmail service for accounts with RoundCube.
• Webalizer: Installing a plugin to integrate the NAS Web server technology with open source application Webalizer , which enables us to study your server logs and access to make use of the study and performance.
• phpMyAdmin: You can install this interesting PHP management package to manage its installation on the NAS Web server.

Additional Features

Other two functions of the additional device are:

• Backup: As mentioned above, is a valuable service for Time Machine on the network, but also allows Windows, through the application Synology Data Replicator 3, free application, incorporating features like system backup to Time Machine, but a Windows machine. Furthermore, as security option for the NAS itself, we can have an external drive or shared network path, to make incremental backup (Time Machine type), which makes backup to another Synology server on the same network, via the rsync protocol any device on the network to support it, or even online backup to Amazon's S3 service. With copies encryption, compression of the same, recycling, etc. It also includes the beta version of a backup utility called Time that serves as Time Machine for our NAS.
• Printer Server: You can connect USB printers to any port, and the NAS will act as a network print server, automatically sharing them.

Concluding remarks

This device, which is around € 350 in price in the market, although it may seem expensive at first, considering that does not come with hard drives, is an incredible utility device. It is a small mini Linux server intended to store, which puts into our hands all the technology professional network. Web Server (with PHP and MySQL), mail server, print management downloads (bittorrent, emule, web, News ...), music manager and network transmitter, photo and video portal with blogs, file server, Time Machine, Media Server DLNA / uPnP server, surveillance cameras, high availability, compatible with all standard protocols server to iTunes itself, with the great functionality of having a standardized operating system for NAS mark which, when all standard and Linux, ensures us new functionality without problem and fully supported.

If you are addicted to information, and want to have a mini home server that gives you everything you need and more for your services, accessible even from mobile devices, we strongly recommend this product. It is difficult to get it at first and is not intended for the average user computer, but for someone with some experience and some knowledge of servers, but will make life much easier and more productive. After several days of use and enjoyment, no more having to turn on the computer to share my information on the home network, and eventually having to leave your computer on the Internet to publish the services that interest me (or download content from the dark side).

Hypertext Labs: Sinology DS210 +, NAS Advanced written Unofficial September 27, 2010 by neotheone
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