Synology RackStation RS2423RP+ SAN/NAS Storage System

The Synology RackStation RS2423RP+ SAN/NAS Storage System is a high-performance, scalable storage solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses requiring secure data management, seamless virtualization, and reliable backup capabilities. Built to handle demanding workloads, this 2U rackmount powerhouse combines generous drive capacity, flexible SAN and NAS access, and Synology’s proven DiskStation Manager (DSM) software to deliver robust data protection, easy administration, and scalable growth. Whether you need a centralized storage pool for virtualization, a resilient SAN for business-critical applications, or a flexible NAS for file sharing and collaboration, the RS2423RP+ is engineered to deliver efficiency, reliability, and long-term value.

• Massive 24‑bay, 2U rackmount design: A compact chassis that packs 24 hot-swappable drive bays, enabling scalable storage for growing data demands while fitting neatly into standard data center racks.
• Dual redundancy for high availability: Redundant power and hot-swappable components minimize downtime and maximize uptime, ensuring critical services stay online even during maintenance or drive replacement.
• Hybrid SAN and NAS capabilities: Consolidate storage access with both SAN (iSCSI) and NAS (NFS/SMB) protocols, simplifying virtualization, file sharing, backup, and collaboration across teams.
• Advanced data protection and integrity: DSM-powered features such as Btrfs file system, snapshots, replication, and scheduled backups help safeguard data against corruption, accidental deletion, or ransomware threats.
• Easy expansion and flexible deployment: Integrates with Synology expansion units to scale capacity on demand, supports virtualization workloads, and offers comprehensive cloud synchronization for hybrid environments.

Technical Details of Synology RackStation RS2423RP+ SAN/NAS Storage System

• Drive Bays: 24 hot-swappable bays for SATA/SAS drives, enabling substantial raw capacity and flexible array configurations.
• Form Factor: 2U rackmount chassis designed for data centers or enterprise closets with standard rack installations.
• Operating System: DiskStation Manager (DSM) with a focus on security, reliability, and ease of use for IT admins and end users alike.
• Storage Protocols: Supports SAN access via iSCSI and NAS access via NFS/SMB, delivering versatile data access for virtualization, backups, and everyday file sharing.
• Data Protection: Includes the Btrfs file system for improved data integrity, plus point-in-time snapshots, replication, and backup integrations to protect business data.
• Expansion: Compatible with Synology DX expansion units to increase capacity as your storage needs grow, without sacrificing performance or reliability.

How to install Synology RackStation RS2423RP+ SAN/NAS Storage System

• Unbox and prepare: Clear a clean workspace, verify all components, and prepare your rack space. Confirm power and network requirements match your data center environment.
• Rack mounting: Secure the RS2423RP+ in a compatible 2U rack using the provided rails or mounting hardware. Ensure proper clearance for airflow and cable management.
• Connect power and network: Attach the redundant power supplies and connect network interfaces to your switch infrastructure. If you’re deploying SAN or high-speed access, connect the appropriate uplinks (e.g., 10GbE or higher) for optimal performance.
• Initial setup: Power on the unit and access DSM via a web browser using the default IP or a DHCP-leased address. Follow the setup wizard to configure network settings, DSM administrator account, and security options.
• Create storage pools and volumes: Use DSM Storage Manager to create storage pools across the 24 bays, apply RAID configurations that balance performance and redundancy, and provision volumes for NAS and/or iSCSI targets.
• Enable backups and security: Set up snapshots, replication tasks, and scheduled backups. Configure security features such as 2FA, IP blocking, and encryption where appropriate to protect sensitive information.
• Integrate with virtualization and cloud: Connect to virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, or Virtual DSM) as needed and set up cloud synchronization or Hybrid Share for hybrid deployments.
• Ongoing administration: Regularly monitor health and performance through DSM’s dashboards, update DSM and package applications, and perform routine maintenance to ensure optimal operation.

Frequently asked questions

• What workloads is the RS2423RP+ best suited for? It is well-suited for mixed workloads that require large-scale storage, robust data protection, and flexible access for virtualization, file sharing, backups, and hybrid cloud workflows in small to mid-sized business environments.
• Can I expand storage beyond 24 drives? Yes. The RS2423RP+ supports Synology expansion units, allowing you to grow capacity as your data grows without disruptive migrations.
• Does it support both SAN and NAS access? Yes. The RS2423RP+ provides SAN access via iSCSI and NAS access via standard file sharing protocols like NFS and SMB for versatile data consumption.
• What about data protection features? The system leverages DSM with Btrfs for integrity, along with snapshots, replication, and backup solutions to guard against data loss and corruption.
• Is it suitable for virtualization and server consolidation? Yes. With scalable storage, high availability options, and compatibility with virtualization platforms, it’s a solid foundation for virtual machines and server consolidation projects.