Introduction
The QNAP TS-216G is a 2-bay 2.5GbE Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for home and small office environments. It offers high performance and smart management for efficient and reliable file storage. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your TS-216G NAS.
Figure 1: QNAP TS-216G Desktop NAS
Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- TS-216G NAS Unit
- Ethernet cable x 1
- Power cord x 1
- AC Adapter
- Flat head screw (for M.2 SSD) x 2
- Flat head screw (for 3.5" HDD) x 8
- Flat head screw (for 2.5" HDD) x 6
- Quick installation guide (QIG)
- Drive tray keys x 2
Figure 2: QNAP TS-216G Package Contents
Product Overview
The QNAP TS-216G is equipped with an ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor and 4 GB DDR4 RAM, providing robust performance for various tasks. Key features include:
- Built-in NPU for AI Acceleration: Boosts performance for high-speed face and object recognition.
- 2.5GbE Connectivity: Features 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports for accelerated file sharing and large file transfers.
- Centralized Storage: Efficiently store and organize personal or family photos, music, and videos.
- Backup Solutions: Effortlessly backup Windows computers with QNAP’s NetBak Replicator software and Mac computers with Time Machine.
- Remote Access: Securely access your files from anywhere with MyQNAPCloud.
Figure 3: Front View with LED Indicators and USB Port
Figure 4: Rear View with Connectivity Ports
Setup Guide
For initial setup, please refer to the included Quick Installation Guide (QIG). The general steps involve:
- Hardware Installation: Install your 3.5-inch HDDs or 2.5-inch SSDs into the drive bays.
- Connect to Network: Connect the NAS to your router or network switch using the provided Ethernet cable.
- Power On: Connect the AC adapter and power on the device.
- Software Initialization: Access the NAS via a web browser on a computer connected to the same network and follow the on-screen instructions to initialize the QTS operating system.
Hardware Installation
The TS-216G supports both 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs. Ensure you use compatible drives as listed on the QNAP compatibility list. The device features tool-less installation for drives.
Drive Installation
- Open the drive bay by pressing the release latch.
- Insert your 3.5-inch HDD or 2.5-inch SSD into the drive tray. Secure 2.5-inch SSDs using the provided flat head screws.
- Slide the drive tray back into the NAS until it clicks into place.
M.2 SSD Installation (if applicable)
The TS-216G may support M.2 SSDs for caching or storage. Refer to the QIG for specific instructions on M.2 SSD installation, typically involving removing the outer casing and securing the M.2 SSDs with the provided flat head screws.
Connectivity
The TS-216G offers versatile connectivity options:
- 2.5GbE Ports: One 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port (2.5G/1G/100M) for high-speed network access.
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: One 1 Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ45) for standard network connection.
- USB Ports: Multiple USB ports for connecting external storage devices or other peripherals.
Figure 5: 2.5GbE Connectivity for Faster Transfers
Software Features
The QNAP TS-216G runs on the QTS operating system, offering a wide range of features for data management and multimedia.
AI Acceleration with NPU
The built-in Neural-network Processing Unit (NPU) enhances AI-driven applications, boosting performance for tasks like high-speed face and object recognition in your photo and video libraries.
Figure 6: Built-in NPU for AI Acceleration
One-Touch Copy
Easily back up the contents of USB devices to the TS-216G by pressing the One-Touch-Copy button located on the front panel.
Figure 7: One-Touch Copy Functionality
Snapshot Protection
QTS supports snapshot technology, which records the system's current state. This feature is crucial for data restoration and mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks by allowing you to revert to previous versions of your data.
Figure 8: Snapshot Protection Interface
MyQNAPCloud Storage
MyQNAPCloud provides free 16GB cloud storage space for NAS backup, enabling secure remote access to your files from anywhere.
Figure 9: MyQNAPCloud Storage Interface
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | TS-216G |
| Processor | ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 |
| Drive Bays | 2 x 3.5-inch SATA HDD or 2.5-inch SATA SSD |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 x 2.5GbE, 1 x 1GbE |
| USB Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches |
| Weight | 3.19 pounds |
| Color | Black |
Figure 10: Product Dimensions and Weight
Operating the NAS
Once initialized, the QNAP TS-216G can be managed through its web-based interface, QTS. This interface allows you to configure storage pools, create shared folders, manage user accounts, install applications, and monitor system status. Detailed instructions for specific operations are available within the QTS help documentation.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your QNAP TS-216G NAS.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and install the latest QTS firmware updates to ensure system stability, security, and access to new features.
- Drive Health Check: Utilize the Storage & Snapshots application in QTS to monitor the health of your installed drives. Replace failing drives promptly.
- System Logs: Periodically review system logs for any warnings or errors that may indicate potential issues.
- Physical Cleaning: Keep the NAS unit clean and free from dust to ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your QNAP TS-216G, consider the following basic troubleshooting steps:
- No Power: Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the NAS and a working power outlet.
- Network Connectivity Issues: Verify that the Ethernet cable is properly connected to both the NAS and your network device. Check network settings in QTS.
- Drive Not Detected: Ensure drives are correctly installed in their bays. Check drive health status in QTS.
- System Unresponsive: Try restarting the NAS. If the issue persists, refer to the QNAP support website for advanced troubleshooting or contact technical support.
Warranty and Support
The QNAP TS-216G comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty information included in your package for details on coverage and duration. For technical assistance, firmware downloads, and additional resources, visit the official QNAP support website: www.qnap.com.
