Synology DS216j 2-Bay NAS DiskStation User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the Synology DS216j 2-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) DiskStation. It covers essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your device to ensure optimal performance for personal cloud storage, data sharing, multimedia streaming, and cloud synchronization.

2. Product Overview

The Synology DS216j is a 2-bay NAS server designed for home and personal users. It features a dual-core CPU with a hardware encryption engine, offering efficient data management and access.

Figure 1: Front view of the Synology DS216j DiskStation. The device is white with a dark gray side panel featuring LED indicators for Status, LAN, Disk 1, and Disk 2, along with a power button. The model number "DS216j" is visible on the bottom left.

2.1 Key Features

• Versatile personal cloud storage.
• Dual-core CPU with hardware encryption engine.
• High data transfer speeds: Over 112.75 MB/s reading, 97.6 MB/s writing.
• Remote access via iOS, Android, and Windows mobile applications.
• Integrated DLNA media server for multimedia streaming.
• CPU Model: Marvell Armada 385 88F6820.

2.2 What's in the Box

• DS216j main unit
• Welcome note
• Accessory pack
• AC power adapter
• AC power cord
• RJ-45 LAN cable

3. Setup

3.1 Hardware Installation

The DS216j is diskless, requiring hard drives to be installed. Follow these steps for proper installation:

1. Carefully open the NAS enclosure.
2. Slide the 3.5-inch hard drives into the drive bays until they click into place, ensuring the connectors are seated. For 2.5-inch drives, a disk holder (not included) is required.
3. Secure the drives with the provided screws.
4. Replace the enclosure cover and secure it with screws.

Note: For optimal performance and health monitoring, Synology recommends using Seagate IronWolf NAS series HDDs.

3.2 Initial Connection

1. Connect the NAS to your router or network switch using the provided RJ-45 LAN cable.
2. Connect the AC power adapter and power cord to the NAS and a power outlet.
3. Press the power button to turn on the device.

3.3 Software Installation (DiskStation Manager - DSM)

Once the hardware is set up and powered on, you will install the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system:

1. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
2. Navigate to find.synology.com. The browser will automatically detect your Synology NAS.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install DSM. This process typically takes a few minutes and includes a restart.
4. Set up your administrator account, network settings, and other initial configurations as prompted.

4. Operation

The Synology DS216j operates using the DiskStation Manager (DSM) web-based interface, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for data management and various applications.

4.1 Data Management and Sharing

• File Station: Use the File Station application within DSM to manage files and folders, create shared folders, and set user access permissions.
• Personal Cloud: Synchronize data across multiple devices and access your files from anywhere using Synology Cloud Station or other cloud synchronization services.
• Backup Solutions: Configure backup tasks to external USB drives or cloud services like Amazon S3.
• Time Machine Support: The DS216j supports macOS Time Machine backups over SMB and AFP protocols.

4.2 Multimedia Streaming

• DLNA Media Server: Stream multimedia content (photos, music, videos) to DLNA-compliant devices on your network.
• DS Video: Utilize the DS Video application for organizing and streaming your video collection to various devices, including smart TVs.
• Plex Media Server: The DS216j supports the installation of Plex Media Server for advanced media organization and streaming capabilities.

4.3 Mobile Access

Access your Synology NAS content and manage settings on the go with dedicated mobile applications available for iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

4.4 Additional Applications

The DSM Package Center offers a wide range of applications to extend the functionality of your DS216j, including:

• Download Station: Manage and download files via BT, FTP, HTTP, NZB, and eMule.
• Surveillance Station: Turn your NAS into a surveillance solution by connecting IP cameras.
• Web Server: Host websites with support for Apache, PHP, and MariaDB.
• Git Server: Utilize the NAS as a Git repository for version control.
• USB Printer Server: Connect a USB printer to the NAS to make it a network printer.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Software Updates

DSM can be configured for automatic updates, ensuring your system has the latest features and security patches. You can schedule restarts for updates to minimize disruption.

5.2 Disk Health Monitoring

Regularly monitor the health of your hard drives through the Storage Manager in DSM. The system will alert you to potential issues, such as degraded RAID arrays, allowing for proactive replacement.

5.3 System Notifications

Configure email notifications within DSM to receive alerts about critical system events, such as disk failures or power issues.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Common Issues

• Slow Web Interface: While DSM is feature-rich, some users may experience occasional slowness. Ensure your network connection is stable and consider restarting the NAS if performance issues persist.
• Disk Degradation Beeping: If the system beeps due to a degraded RAID array, check the Storage Manager for details. The beeping can be muted temporarily while awaiting a replacement drive.
• Network Connectivity: Verify all network cables are securely connected and that your router is functioning correctly if you experience connectivity problems.

6.2 Support Resources

For further assistance, refer to the official Synology support website or contact their customer service. Detailed documentation and a knowledge base are available online.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

The Synology DS216j is backed by Synology's 2-year limited warranty. For warranty claims, technical support, or additional resources, please visit the official Synology website or contact their authorized service providers.

9. Related Information Videos

The following video provides additional information regarding hard drives compatible with Synology NAS systems.