Synology DiskStation DS212j User Manual

1. Introduction

The Synology DiskStation DS212j is a 2-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for home and small office environments. It provides a solution for file storage, sharing, and data protection with an emphasis on low power consumption, quiet operation, and reliability. This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your DS212j.

2. Safety Information

Please read all safety instructions carefully before using the device. Keep this manual for future reference.

• Ensure the device is placed on a stable, level surface to prevent accidental falls.
• Do not expose the device to water, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
• Use only the power adapter supplied with the device.
• Do not open the device casing unless specifically instructed to do so for maintenance. Refer to qualified service personnel for repairs.
• Disconnect the power cable before cleaning or moving the device.
• Due to the sensitive nature of computer and networking components, no returns are accepted for opened or used devices.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• Synology DiskStation DS212j main unit
• AC Power Adapter
• AC Power Cord
• RJ-45 LAN Cable
• Screws for 3.5" HDDs
• Quick Installation Guide

4. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components of your Synology DiskStation DS212j.

4.1 Front Panel

Figure 1: Front Panel of Synology DiskStation DS212j. The image displays the white front panel with green LED indicators for STATUS, LAN, DISK 1, and DISK 2, along with a power button at the bottom right.

The front panel features several LED indicators and a power button:

• STATUS LED: Indicates the system status. A solid green light signifies normal operation. A blinking green light indicates DSM is starting up or shutting down. An orange light indicates a warning or error.
• LAN LED: Indicates network connection status. A solid green light means a network connection is established. A blinking green light indicates data transfer activity.
• DISK 1/2 LEDs: Indicate the status of installed hard drives. A solid green light means the drive is healthy. A blinking green light indicates drive activity. An orange light indicates a drive error or warning.
• Power Button: Press to power on or off the DiskStation. Hold for a few seconds to initiate a graceful shutdown.

4.2 Rear Panel

The rear panel includes ports for power, network, and external devices.

• Power Port: Connects to the AC power adapter.
• LAN Port: Connects to your network router or switch using an RJ-45 Ethernet cable.
• USB 2.0 Ports (x2): For connecting external USB devices such as external hard drives, USB printers, or UPS devices.
• Reset Button: Used to reset network settings or reinstall the operating system. Refer to the Troubleshooting section for detailed usage.

5. Setup

5.1 Hardware Installation

1. Prepare Hard Drives: Ensure you have compatible 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. The DS212j supports up to two drives.
2. Open the Casing: Carefully slide open the DiskStation casing to access the drive bays.
3. Install Hard Drives: Insert each hard drive into a drive bay. Secure them with the provided screws. Ensure they are firmly seated.
4. Close the Casing: Slide the casing back into place until it clicks securely.
5. Connect Cables:
   • Connect the LAN cable from the DiskStation's LAN port to your network router or switch.
   • Connect the AC power adapter to the DiskStation's power port, then plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
6. Power On: Press the power button on the front panel. The STATUS LED will blink during startup and turn solid green when ready.

5.2 Software Installation (Synology DiskStation Manager - DSM)

The Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is the web-based operating system for your NAS. You will need a computer connected to the same network as the DS212j to perform the initial setup.

1. Launch Synology Assistant: Download and install the Synology Assistant utility from the official Synology website (www.synology.com/support/download) on your computer.
2. Find Your DiskStation: Open Synology Assistant. It will search for and display your DiskStation on the network.
3. Install DSM: Select your DiskStation from the list and follow the on-screen instructions to install DSM. You will need to download the latest DSM firmware file (.pat file) for the DS212j model from the Synology website.
4. Initial Configuration: After DSM installation, the system will reboot. Access the DSM web interface via your browser (Synology Assistant will provide the IP address or hostname). Complete the initial setup, including creating an administrator account, setting up storage volumes (e.g., Basic, RAID 0, RAID 1), and configuring basic network settings.

Note: The initial setup process, especially software installation and volume creation, can be time-consuming. Refer to the Synology website for detailed step-by-step guides if you encounter difficulties.

6. Operating Your DiskStation

Once DSM is installed, you can begin utilizing the various features of your DS212j.

6.1 Basic Functions

• File Sharing: Create shared folders and assign user permissions to store and access files across your network from various devices (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Data Backup: Configure backup tasks for your computers to the DiskStation using tools like Synology Drive Client or Time Machine. You can also back up the DiskStation's data to external drives or cloud services. The DS212j supports effortless backup solutions.
• Media Server: Utilize the built-in DLNA Certified Media Server to stream multimedia content (photos, music, videos) to compatible devices on your network, such as smart TVs, game consoles, and media players.

6.2 Advanced Features

• 24/7 Download Server: Configure the DiskStation to download files from the internet using Download Station, even when your computer is off.
• Anywhere Access: Set up remote access to your DiskStation via Synology QuickConnect or DDNS, allowing you to access your files and DSM services from outside your local network using a web browser or mobile apps.
• Package Center: Install additional applications (packages) from the DSM Package Center to extend the functionality of your DiskStation. Available packages include a web server, mail server, surveillance station, VPN server, and more.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your DiskStation.

• DSM Updates: Regularly check for and install DSM updates via the Control Panel > Update & Restore section. Updates provide new features, security patches, and bug fixes.
• Disk Health Check: Periodically run S.M.A.R.T. tests on your hard drives to monitor their health. This can be done in Storage Manager > HDD/SSD.
• Data Backup: Always maintain current backups of your critical data. While RAID provides redundancy against drive failure, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive backup strategy.
• Cleaning: Gently clean the exterior of the DiskStation with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure ventilation openings are free from dust accumulation. Do not use liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
• Power Management: Configure power-saving options, such as HDD hibernation and scheduled power on/off, to reduce energy consumption. The DS212j is designed for power efficiency, consuming only 17.6 Watts in operation.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Synology DS212j.

8.1 General Issues

• DiskStation not found by Synology Assistant:
  • Ensure the DiskStation is powered on and connected to the network.
  • Verify that your computer is on the same local network segment as the DiskStation.
  • Temporarily disable any firewall software on your computer or network that might block discovery.
  • Try restarting your router and the DiskStation.
• STATUS LED is orange:
  • This indicates a system warning or error. Log into DSM to check the Notification Center or Storage Manager for details. Common causes include degraded storage pools, system errors, or fan malfunctions.
• Slow performance or unresponsive web interface:
  • Check network cable connections for proper seating and integrity.
  • Monitor resource usage (CPU, RAM, network) in DSM's Resource Monitor. High usage can indicate ongoing tasks (e.g., indexing, backups) or issues.
  • Ensure DSM is up to date with the latest firmware.
  • Restart the DiskStation.
  • Clear your web browser's cache and cookies.

8.2 Resetting the DiskStation

The reset button on the rear panel can be used for two types of resets:

• Mode 1 Reset (Reset Admin Password and Network Settings): With the DiskStation powered on, use a paperclip to gently press and hold the RESET button for approximately 4 seconds until you hear a beep. This resets the admin password to blank, disables firewall rules, and resets network settings to DHCP.
• Mode 2 Reset (Reinstall DSM): After performing a Mode 1 reset, within 10 seconds, press and hold the RESET button again for approximately 4 seconds until you hear a beep. This will reinstall DSM, wiping all system configurations but preserving data on the drives.

Warning: Performing a Mode 2 reset will erase all system settings and installed packages. Back up your configuration if possible before proceeding. Data on hard drives will generally be preserved, but always ensure critical data is backed up externally.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

Synology products are designed for reliability and performance. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Synology website.

For technical support, software updates, and additional resources, please visit the Synology Support Center online. You can find comprehensive documentation, FAQs, and contact information for technical assistance.

Official Synology Website: www.synology.com