Synology NAS devices like the DS220j are essential tools in today’s data-driven world. They provide a secure and reliable way to store critical information. One of the most effective methods to protect data on a Synology NAS is by setting up a RAID 1 array, which offers redundancy by mirroring data across two drives. This article outlines the comprehensive steps to install and configure a RAID 1 array on your Synology DS220j, ensuring your data’s safety and availability.
The Synology DS220j is a compact and versatile Network Attached Storage (NAS) that supports up to two drives. Designed with home users in mind, it provides a user-friendly platform for data management and backup. By configuring RAID 1 on your DS220j, you create a mirrored array where data is duplicated identically across both drives. This setup ensures that if one drive fails, your data remains intact on the other drive.
Install the Drives and Prepare the NAS
Before getting into the configuration, you need to physically install the drives into your NAS.
- Unbox Your DS220j: Begin by carefully unboxing your Synology DS220j and identifying all necessary components, including the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and drive trays.
- Install the Drives: Open the drive bay cover and insert your chosen drives into the slots. Ensure they click securely into place. For RAID 1, you’ll need two identical drives in terms of capacity.
- Connect to the Network: Connect the DS220j to your router using the Ethernet cable. This step is vital for accessing the DSM (DiskStation Manager), Synology’s operating system.
- Power On the NAS: Plug in the power adapter and turn on the NAS. Wait for the system to boot up, which typically takes a few minutes.
Initial Setup and DSM Installation
Next, we will guide you through the initial setup using Synology’s DSM.
- Access DSM: On your computer, open a web browser and type ‘find.synology.com’ or ‘diskstation:5000’ in the address bar. Hit Enter to search for your NAS on the network.
- Install DSM: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the DSM. During this process, you will need to create an admin account, set a password, and configure the basic settings of your NAS.
- Update DSM: Once installed, ensure your DSM is up to date by navigating to Control Panel > Update & Restore. Keeping DSM updated ensures you have the latest features and security patches.
Configuring the RAID 1 Array
With DSM up and running, it’s time to configure the RAID 1 array.
- Open Storage Manager: In the DSM interface, click on Storage Manager. This tool helps you manage drives and RAID configurations.
- Create Storage Pool: Select Storage Pool > Create > RAID 1. A RAID 1 array mirrors your data, providing redundancy and protection.
- Select Drives: Choose the two drives installed in your DS220j for the RAID 1 array. Ensure both drives have the same capacity to maximize storage efficiency.
- Configure Settings: Follow the prompts to configure the settings for your RAID 1 array. You can name the storage pool and set the alert thresholds.
- Create Volume: After the RAID 1 array is configured, create a volume by selecting Volume > Create. This volume will be where your data is stored.
Creating Shared Folders and User Accounts
A Synology NAS thrives on its ability to share data across multiple users and devices.
- Create Shared Folders: Navigate to Control Panel > Shared Folder > Create. Enter a name for your shared folder and set permissions. Repeat this step to create additional shared folders as needed.
- Set User Accounts: Go to Control Panel > User & Group to create user accounts. Assign permissions based on the user’s role and access requirements. This ensures that each user has appropriate access to the shared resources.
Accessing Your Data Across Platforms
The Synology DS220j offers cross-platform access, allowing you to access your data from Windows, macOS, and mobile operating systems like iOS and Android.
- File Station: Use File Station in DSM for direct access and management of your files within the NAS environment. This tool is powerful for organizing and accessing data.
- Synology Drive: Install Synology Drive on your computer to sync files between your NAS and your local machine. This application supports real-time synchronization, ensuring your data is always up to date.
- Mobile Access: Download the Synology Drive app for iOS or Android to access your files on the go. This mobile operating system integration ensures you can manage and access your data from anywhere.
- Windows and macOS Integration: Map network drives on Windows or mount shared folders on macOS to access your NAS data as if it were a local drive. This integration simplifies file management and access.
Maintaining Your RAID 1 Array and NAS
Once your RAID 1 array is up and running, maintaining it is crucial for ongoing data integrity and performance.
- Monitor Storage Pool: Regularly check the Storage Pool in Storage Manager. Look for any warnings or errors that may indicate potential issues with your drives.
- SMART Tests: Run SMART tests on your drives periodically. These tests help detect problems early, allowing you to replace failing drives before data loss occurs.
- Backup Your Data: Even with RAID 1, it’s essential to have a backup strategy. Use Synology’s backup solutions or third-party services to back up your data to an external drive or cloud storage.
- Firmware Updates: Keep your NAS and DSM firmware updated. Updates often include security patches and new features that enhance the performance and security of your NAS.
Setting up a RAID 1 array on your Synology DS220j is a strategic move to ensure data redundancy and protection. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will not only install and configure the RAID 1 array but also optimize your NAS for secure and efficient data management. The combination of DSM, robust hardware, and versatile access options across multiple operating systems makes the Synology DS220j an excellent choice for both home and small office users.
In conclusion, a RAID 1 array on your Synology DS220j provides peace of mind by protecting your data through redundancy. This process, from installing the drives to configuring shared folders and maintaining the system, ensures your critical information is always available and secure. As data continues to be a vital asset, investing in a reliable and redundant storage solution like the Synology DS220j is an informed and proactive approach to data management.
