1. Introduction
The Synology DiskStation DS918+ is a high-performance 4-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for businesses and advanced home users. It serves a variety of roles, including centralized data backup, file storage, email server, and domain controller. Powered by an Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-Core CPU and 8GB DDR3L SDRAM, the DS918+ offers robust performance for demanding applications.
This manual provides essential instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Synology DiskStation DS918+ to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Figure 1: Synology DiskStation DS918+ Front View. This image displays the front panel of the NAS, featuring four accessible drive bays, LED indicators for status and disk activity, a USB 3.0 port, and the power button.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in the package:
- Synology DiskStation DS918+ unit
- AC Power Adapter
- AC Power Cord
- RJ-45 LAN Cable (x2)
- Quick Installation Guide
- Accessory Pack (screws for 2.5" drives)
Note: Hard drives and memory upgrades are included separately and require installation. They are not pre-installed in the NAS chassis.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1. Installing Drives
The DS918+ supports 3.5" and 2.5" SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs). This specific configuration includes 4TB (4 x 1TB) SATA III Solid State Drives. Follow these steps to install them:
- Pull the drive tray handle to release and remove a drive tray from the drive bay.
- For 3.5" drives: Place the drive in the tray and secure it with the side panels. No screws are typically needed for 3.5" drives in tool-less trays.
- For 2.5" drives (like the included SSDs): Place the drive in the tray and secure it with the provided screws through the bottom of the tray.
- Slide the drive tray back into the empty drive bay until it clicks into place.
- Repeat for all four drives.
3.2. Connecting the NAS
After installing the drives, connect the NAS to your network and power source:
- Connect one end of the RJ-45 LAN cable to a LAN port on the back of the DS918+ and the other end to your router, switch, or hub. The DS918+ has two 1GbE LAN ports supporting Link Aggregation for increased throughput and failover.
- Connect the AC power adapter to the power port on the back of the DS918+ and then plug the AC power cord into a power outlet.
Figure 2: Synology DiskStation DS918+ Rear View. This image highlights the rear panel, displaying two RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one eSATA port, the power input, and dual cooling fans.
3.3. Powering On and Initial Configuration
- Press the power button on the front panel of the DS918+.
- Wait for the NAS to boot up. The STATUS LED will flash green initially and then turn solid green when the system is ready.
- Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network and go to http://find.synology.com or use Synology Assistant to locate your NAS.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system and complete the initial setup. This includes creating an administrator account and configuring storage volumes.
4. Operating the Synology DS918+
The Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is an intuitive web-based operating system that allows you to manage your NAS. Key functionalities include:
- File Station: Manage and share files stored on your NAS.
- Storage Manager: Monitor disk health, create and manage storage pools and volumes.
- Package Center: Install various applications to extend NAS functionality, such as:
- Cloud Station Suite for file synchronization.
- Media Server for streaming multimedia content (supports 4K multimedia).
- Surveillance Station for video surveillance.
- Collaboration Suite for productivity tools.
- Control Panel: Configure system settings, network, users, and security features like AES 256-bit Encryption and 2-Factor Authentication.
- Backup & Replication: Tools for data backup and disaster recovery.
Refer to the Synology DSM Help within the operating system for detailed instructions on specific features and applications.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the stability and performance of your Synology DS918+.
- DSM Updates: Regularly check for and install DSM updates via the Control Panel > Update & Restore. Updates often include security patches and new features.
- Data Backup: Implement a robust backup strategy. Utilize Synology's Hyper Backup or other solutions to back up critical data to external drives, another NAS, or cloud services.
- Disk Health: Monitor the health of your SSDs using Storage Manager. Replace failing drives promptly.
- System Logs: Periodically review system logs for any warnings or errors that may indicate potential issues.
- Physical Cleaning: Ensure proper airflow by keeping the NAS in a well-ventilated area. Periodically clean dust from the vents and fans using compressed air.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Synology DS918+.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| NAS not powering on | Power cable disconnected, faulty power adapter, power outlet issue. | Check power connections, try a different outlet, ensure power adapter is functional. |
| Cannot find NAS on network | Network cable disconnected, incorrect network settings, firewall blocking. | Verify LAN cable connection, ensure NAS and computer are on the same network, temporarily disable firewall, use Synology Assistant. |
| Disk status LED flashing orange | Drive degradation, bad sector, or drive failure. | Check Storage Manager in DSM for disk health details. Replace the affected drive if necessary. |
| Slow performance | High CPU/RAM usage, network congestion, fragmented volumes, drive issues. | Monitor Resource Monitor in DSM. Check network cables, ensure Link Aggregation is configured correctly if used. Optimize volume settings. |
For more advanced troubleshooting, consult the official Synology support resources.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Synology DiskStation DS918+ |
| Processor | Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-Core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR3L SDRAM (2 x 4GB) |
| Drive Bays | 4 (Hot-swappable) |
| Compatible Drive Types | 3.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA SSD |
| Included Storage | 4TB (4 x 1TB) SATA III Solid State Drives |
| External Ports | 2 x RJ-45 1GbE LAN, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x eSATA |
| LAN | 2 x 1GbE (with Link Aggregation / Failover support) |
| File System (Internal) | EXT4, Btrfs |
| Operating System | Synology DSM |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 19 x 17 x 8 inches (approximate, based on product dimensions) |
| Weight | 20 pounds (approximate) |
| Power Supply | Single Power Supply |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Synology website. Synology provides comprehensive technical support and resources to assist with product inquiries and troubleshooting.
Online Resources:
Always ensure you are running the latest version of Synology DSM for the best performance and security.
