Synology DiskStation DS224+ SAN/NAS Storage System

The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is a compact, high-performance SAN/NAS storage system purpose-built for edge deployments. Designed to deliver centralized data access, robust protection, and streamlined management in small spaces, it combines enterprise-grade reliability with a footprint that fits tight IT closets, retail kiosks, and remote offices. Running DiskStation Manager (DSM), the DS224+ provides a friendly, feature-rich interface that makes complex storage tasks approachable for IT teams and even non-technical users. With two drive bays, this device starts small and scales with your data needs, offering RAID options for data protection, efficient storage utilization, and easy integration with your existing networks. The DS224+ also emphasizes security at every layer—data at rest and in transit, secure remote access, and granular user permissions—to ensure your sensitive information stays protected in distributed environments. Whether you’re backing up endpoints, sharing large multimedia libraries, running lightweight virtual workloads, or consolidating file services across multiple sites, the DS224+ is a versatile backbone that blends reliability, security, and flexibility into a compact, quiet package optimized for edge computing.

• Compact, edge-ready SAN/NAS with scalable two-bay design: Engineered for edge deployments, the DS224+ delivers reliable file sharing and centralized storage in a compact footprint. The two hot-swappable drive bays enable you to implement RAID 0/1 or SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) to balance performance and data protection. This configuration is ideal for remote offices or storefronts where space is at a premium, yet needs demand a dependable storage foundation. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing networks, offering a familiar management experience that reduces the learning curve for IT staff while delivering enterprise-grade capabilities such as centralized backups and secure file access for teams on-site and remotely.
• DSM-powered security, data protection, and easy administration: At the heart of the DS224+ is DiskStation Manager (DSM), Synology’s robust operating system that provides built-in security features, encrypted folders, and granular access controls. DSM’s snapshot and versioning capabilities help recover from accidental deletions or ransomware, while centralized user management and audit trails simplify governance. With DSM, you can enforce shared folder permissions across Windows, macOS, and Linux clients, implement automated backups to local or cloud targets, and schedule tasks that keep your edge data protected without requiring constant administrator oversight.
• Cross-platform file access and hybrid cloud readiness: The DS224+ supports standard network protocols such as SMB, NFS, and AFP, enabling seamless cross-platform file sharing for mixed-OS teams. Its cloud-ready workflow allows you to back up or synchronize data to major cloud providers, extend on-site storage with cloud tiering, and enable secure remote access for distributed teams. This hybrid approach ensures employees can reach critical files from any location while maintaining consistent data governance and protection policies across the enterprise.
• Energy-efficient performance for continuous operation: Built with energy-conscious hardware and cooling, the DS224+ is designed for 24/7 operation in edge environments where reliability matters most. Its quiet operation minimizes noise disruption in customer-facing spaces or small IT rooms, while optimized power usage helps reduce running costs over time. This makes the DS224+ a practical choice for outlets, clinics, small offices, and other environments that require persistent access to shared data without compromising comfort or energy efficiency.
• Flexible deployment with scalability and virtualization-ready capabilities: Start with essential NAS/SAN functions and grow as your data expands. The DS224+ supports expansion options where available and is designed to work with DSM-based virtualization tools, enabling lightweight containers or virtual machines at the edge. This flexibility makes it suitable for testing, staging, or running isolated services locally, reducing latency and dependence on centralized data centers while maintaining consistent policy enforcement and security across environments.

Technical Details of Synology DiskStation DS224+

• Drive Bays: 2-bay enclosure designed for simple expansion and RAID configurations to protect data and maximize storage efficiency.
• Processor & Memory: Dual-core processing designed to handle common SAN/NAS workloads and multi-user access, with DSM-enabled features for security and data management. Exact memory specifications are not listed here.
• Networking: Primary Ethernet connectivity with support for standard networking protocols and optional link aggregation on supported configurations for increased throughput and reliability.
• Security: Integrated security features including encryption options, secure remote access, firewall controls, and user-based permissions to safeguard sensitive information.
• Software: Runs DiskStation Manager (DSM) to manage storage pools, snapshots, backups, file sharing, and cross-platform integrations with cloud services.

How to Install Synology DiskStation DS224+

• Step 1: Prepare the DS224+ by removing packaging, installing hard drives into the two drive bays, and ensuring the drives are securely seated.
• Step 2: Connect the device to your network using an Ethernet cable to your switch or router, and plug the power adapter into a reliable power source.
• Step 3: Power on the unit and locate its IP address via your network’s DHCP server or DSM utility, then open a web browser to begin DSM setup.
• Step 4: Follow the DSM setup wizard to create storage pools, set up shared folders, and configure user accounts, permissions, and security settings according to your organization’s policies.
• Step 5: Enable data protection features, such as snapshots and scheduled backups, and connect to cloud services or external devices for offsite protection. Customize alert preferences so you’re notified of failures or unusual activity promptly.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the DS224+ suitable for edge deployments?

  A: Yes. The DS224+ is specifically designed for compact, reliable edge storage, offering centralized data access, security features, and easy management in distributed environments.

• Q: What operating system powers the DS224+?

  A: DiskStation Manager (DSM) runs on the DS224+, providing the interface, security features, backups, and cross-platform sharing that Synology devices are known for.

• Q: Can I expand storage beyond the two bays?

  A: Expansion options depend on available Synology accessories and model configurations. The DS224+ supports scalable storage within its two-bay framework and can be integrated into larger storage ecosystems as needed.

• Q: Does it support cloud backups?

  A: Yes. DSM supports backups to major cloud providers and cloud-connected workflows to extend protection beyond on-site storage.

• Q: Are there virtualization capabilities at the edge?

  A: The DS224+ is designed to work with DSM’s virtualization features, enabling lightweight containers or virtual machines for testing, staging, or isolated services at the edge.