Synology DS209 Network Attached Storage
Jun 29th, 2009 | By SimonIn the page earlier I mentioned that the chassis can be taken apart after screws on the back are removed. In the photo below we can see how the top half of the chassis slides front and then out.
The drives installed with my Synology DS209 are Samsung HD753LJ (750GB, 7200RPM, 32MB Cache drives). To complete the installation the only thing left to do is provide power using the 12V power brick and use a patch cord to put the DS209 on the network.
With everything put together, I pressed the power button and was ready to configure the drives and start taking advantage of my new NAS device.
Software for the DS209 is provided by Synology and you get the option of reading the Quick Installation Guide, run the Set up for the Synology Server, Synology Assistant, Data Replicator, Download Redirector, read the User’s Guide and the Quick Installation Guide.
Running the Synology Assistant prompts you to configure the server. I was asked to enter the administrator password, enter the network settings and confirm. Once the basics are done you can then manage the server by mapping the NAS or adding a printer.
To map a network drive you need to have completed the configuration of the DS209, including user permissions. The “Map Network” feature will identify the available shares and prompt for your user password. It doesn’t take very long and if you don’t want to use Synology’s software you can manually map network drives yourself through Windows Explorer.
In order to realize the full potential of Synology’s DS209 you must utilize the web administrative features. After you log in to the administrative page you can chose between Management and Online Resources. The Management page lets you modify the system configuration and the Online Resource teaches you the basics about a NAS and the DS209. Working with the management subsection, it’s not only extensive in the number of features it provides but the web administrator has a great graphical user interface that makes it easier to navigate and remember where things are. There are pictures to go along with the menu and while it takes a second longer to load compared to other menus I’ve worked with, it is far more complete and intuitive.
Here’s an overview of the features that can be modified by the administrator:
Instead of showing a picture of each menu option I will create a list with links to a screenshot of each menu. If you want more information about a particular feature then click on the title and you will be able to see what it does.
Information
System
Privileges
Storage
File Sharing
Network Services
Applications
BackUp
External Devices
