Introduction
The Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ is a 12-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for small and medium-sized businesses. This unit provides scalable storage capacity with an affordable total cost of ownership, making it suitable for use as a file server or a centralized backup destination. It integrates with virtual environments and offers user-friendly storage applications to protect company data assets. This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your RS2418RP+.
What's in the Box
Verify that all components are present in the package:
- Synology RS2418RP+ main unit x 1
- Quick Installation Guide x 1
- Accessory pack x 1 (includes screws for drive installation)
- AC power cord x 2
Setup
1. Hardware Installation
The RS2418RP+ is a rack-mountable unit. Ensure you have a compatible server rack for installation. This unit is diskless, meaning hard drives or solid-state drives must be installed separately.
Drive Installation
- Locate the drive trays on the front of the unit.
- Pull the handle of a drive tray to release and remove it.
- Place your 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drive into the tray and secure it with the provided screws from the accessory pack.
- Slide the drive tray back into the drive bay until it clicks into place.
- Repeat for all desired drives.
Figure 1: Front view of the RS2418RP+ with 12 accessible drive bays.
Connecting Power and Network
- Connect the two AC power cords to the power inlets on the rear of the unit and then to separate power outlets. The RP+ model features redundant power supplies for enhanced reliability.
- Connect one or more Ethernet cables from the LAN ports on the rear of the unit to your network switch or router.
Figure 2: Rear panel of the RS2418RP+ showing redundant power supplies, four LAN ports, USB 3.0 ports, and an expansion port.
2. Initial Software Setup (DSM)
After hardware installation, power on the unit. The DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system needs to be installed and configured. Refer to the included Quick Installation Guide for detailed steps on accessing the web-based setup wizard via a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
Operating
The Synology RS2418RP+ operates using the DiskStation Manager (DSM) web-based operating system, which provides a graphical user interface for managing all NAS functions.
Storage Management
- Storage Pools and Volumes: Use the Storage Manager in DSM to create storage pools from your installed drives and then create volumes on these pools. Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) is recommended for optimal storage utilization and data protection.
- BTRFS File System: The RS2418RP+ supports the BTRFS file system, offering advanced data protection features such as 65,000 system-wide snapshots and 1,024 snapshots per shared folder, ensuring data integrity and easy recovery.
File Services and Data Access
The unit supports comprehensive file services for various environments:
- SMB/CIFS: For Windows file sharing.
- NFS: For Linux/Unix file sharing.
- FTP: For file transfer protocol access.
- WebDAV: For web-based distributed authoring and versioning.
- Windows ACL & Domain/LDAP Support: Seamless integration into existing directory services for user and group management.
Virtualization Integration
The RS2418RP+ provides dynamic iSCSI/NFS storage solutions compatible with leading virtualization platforms:
- VMware vSphere
- Windows Hyper-V
- Citrix XenServer
- OpenStack
Scalability
The storage capacity of the RS2418RP+ can be expanded up to 24 drives by connecting one or more Synology RX1217 or RX1217RP expansion units.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Synology RS2418RP+.
- Software Updates: Regularly check for and install DSM updates to ensure security, stability, and access to new features. This can be configured for automatic checks within DSM.
- Drive Health Monitoring: Utilize the Storage Manager in DSM to monitor the health status of your installed drives. Replace any drives showing signs of degradation promptly to prevent data loss.
- Data Backup: Implement a robust backup strategy. While RAID provides data redundancy, it is not a backup solution. Use DSM's backup tools to back up critical data to external devices, cloud services, or another Synology NAS.
- Environmental Conditions: Ensure the unit is operated within recommended temperature and humidity ranges. Maintain proper airflow around the unit in the rack to prevent overheating.
- Power Supply Redundancy: The RS2418RP+ model includes redundant power supplies. Ensure both power cords are connected to separate power sources to maintain continuous operation in case of a single power supply failure.
Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your RS2418RP+.
LED Indicators
The front panel LEDs provide status information:
- STATUS LED: Indicates the system status. A solid green light typically means the system is ready. A blinking orange light can indicate a warning or error (e.g., degraded volume, fan failure).
- ALERT LED: A solid orange light indicates a critical system event or error requiring immediate attention.
- DRIVE LEDs: Indicate drive activity and status. A solid green light means the drive is healthy; a blinking green light indicates activity. An orange light can signify a drive warning or failure.
Consult the DSM interface for detailed error messages and recommended actions when an alert or status change occurs.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Cannot Access DSM: Verify network cable connections, check network settings on your computer, and ensure the NAS is powered on. Try using Synology Assistant to locate the device on your network.
- Drive Failure: If a drive LED indicates failure, replace the faulty drive as soon as possible. DSM will guide you through the repair process for your storage pool.
- System Not Booting: Ensure both power cords are securely connected and power outlets are functional. If the issue persists, contact Synology support.
- Reset Button: A reset button is located on the rear panel. This can be used for various reset functions, including resetting network settings or reinstalling DSM. Refer to the Synology knowledge base for specific reset procedures.
Known Hardware Considerations
Some units utilizing the Intel Atom C2538 processor have been associated with a known hardware issue that can lead to system failure over time. Synology has provided replacement support for affected units. If you experience unexpected system failure, contact Synology support for assistance.
Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Synology RS2418RP+:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RS2418RP+ |
| Drive Bays | 12 |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 (expandable) |
| Compatible Drive Types | 3.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA SSD |
| Network Interfaces | 4 x 1GbE RJ-45 (with Link Aggregation/Failover support) |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.0 |
| Expansion Port | 1 (for Synology RX1217/RX1217RP) |
| PCIe Expansion | 1 x Gen3 x8 slot (x8 electrical) for 10GbE NIC or M.2 SSD adapter card |
| Product Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3.46 x 16.95 x 27.24 inches (88 x 430.5 x 692 mm) |
| Item Weight | 30.5 pounds (13.83 kg) |
| Operating System | Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) |
| Power Supply | Redundant Power Supplies |
| Date First Available | March 29, 2018 |
Warranty and Support
The Synology RS2418RP+ is backed by Synology’s 3-year limited warranty. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Synology website.
For technical support, software updates, and additional resources, please visit the official Synology support website. The website provides access to knowledge base articles, downloads, and contact information for technical assistance.
Official Synology Website: www.synology.com
