Synology RS1221+ SAN/NAS Storage System

The Synology RS1221+ SAN/NAS Storage System is a versatile, enterprise-leaning rack-mount solution designed to power modern businesses and IT enthusiasts who demand reliability, scalability, and seamless data access. Built to support both SAN and NAS workloads, this RackStation delivers outstanding performance, robust data protection, and a compact footprint that fits tight data centers and edge deployments. The RS1221+ series—along with the RS1221RP+ variant that offers redundant power—puts service continuity at the forefront, ensuring critical workflows stay online even in the face of hardware faults or maintenance windows. Its thoughtful depth of 30 to 38 centimeters makes it a prime choice for space-constrained environments where every inch counts, while still delivering enterprise-grade features that simplify administration, backups, and virtualization. With over 100K 4K random read IOPS, users gain rapid access to large files, databases, and media libraries, which translates into faster data retrieval, smoother collaborations, and a more responsive network storage experience for teams of all sizes. Coupled with Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) software, the RS1221+ is designed to provide a holistic storage platform that blends performance with ease of use, data protection, and scalable growth. Whether consolidating file servers, supporting virtualization, or building a private cloud, this rack-mounted storage system offers the reliability and versatility that modern IT environments require.

• Powerful performance for demanding workloads: The RS1221+/RS1221RP+ delivers exceptional throughput with over 100K 4K random read IOPS, making it a strong choice for virtualization, databases, media editing, and multi-user file access. This performance enables rapid data retrieval, quick backups, and smooth operation during peak activity, so teams experience fewer bottlenecks even when multiple users or services are active. The architecture is designed to handle burst workloads gracefully, ensuring consistent response times for applications, file shares, and collaborative tools while maintaining energy efficiency. In practice, this means faster VM provisioning, quicker restores after backup windows, and a more responsive experience for users streaming high-resolution media or editing large project files from the NAS.
• Redundancy and service continuity: The RS1221RP+ variant includes redundant power supplies to minimize downtime, a critical feature for businesses that require continuous access to shared data. In addition to power redundancy, the system supports RAID protection and hot-swappable drives, enabling maintenance or drive failures to occur without disrupting active services. Snapshot technology, data replication options, and DSM’s built-in data protection capabilities further safeguard important information against hardware faults, accidental deletions, or ransomware-style threats. This combination of redundancy and data protection helps IT teams meet stringent service-level objectives and deliver uninterrupted access to files, databases, and virtualized workloads.
• Space-saving, rack-mount design: With a compact depth of 30 to 38 centimeters, the RS1221+ fits neatly into space-constrained data centers, network closets, or edge deployments where footprint matters. The rack-mount form factor simplifies physical deployment, cable management, and cooling in dense environments. Despite its compact size, the RS1221+ maintains enterprise-grade performance and reliability, delivering a balanced solution for organizations that need substantial storage capacity without sacrificing floor or rack space. The design also supports scalable expansion strategies as your data grows, helping you adapt storage capacity to changing business needs over time.
• Flexible storage management and efficiency: The RS1221+ supports robust storage management features designed for efficiency and resilience. Users can configure RAID levels suited to their tolerance for risk and performance needs, enabling better protection for mission-critical data. DSM’s data integrity features, such as lightweight snapshotting and snippet-level checks, help prevent silent data corruption, while compression and deduplication features maximize usable space. The system is also compatible with virtualization-ready workflows and cloud integration options, enabling flexible data workflows that blend on-premises storage with cloud backups and offsite replication. This flexibility is particularly valuable for growing teams that require reliable storage for virtual machines, databases, and collaborative workloads.
• Manageability, security, and reliability: Centralized management through DiskStation Manager (DSM) gives IT administrators a single pane of glass to monitor health, configure users, set permissions, and enforce security policies. The RS1221+ supports encryption, secure access protocols, and role-based controls to protect sensitive data while maintaining convenient access for authorized users. Its reliability is reinforced by high-quality components, thoughtful thermal design, and Synology’s commitment to continuous software updates and feature enhancements. For organizations prioritizing governance and compliance, the combination of access controls, audit-friendly logs, and consistent performance makes the RS1221+ a dependable backbone for shared storage, backups, and collaboration services.

Technical Details of Synology RS1221+ SAN/NAS Storage System

• Model: RS1221+/RS1221RP+ (RackStation NAS/SAN)
• Depth: 30–38 cm, compact design suitable for space-limited deployments
• Performance: Over 100K 4K random read IOPS, supporting demanding workloads
• Form factor: Rack-mounted NAS for data centers, server rooms, and edge environments
• Redundancy: Redundant power options available with RS1221RP+ to minimize downtime
• Management: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) for storage, data protection, and virtualization capabilities

How to install Synology RS1221+ SAN/NAS Storage System

• Prepare the rack and environment: Verify you have a compatible rack, mounting rails, adequate cooling, and clean network cabling. Position the RS1221+ in a secure, accessible location with proper ventilation to maintain optimal temperatures during operation.
• Install drives and chassis components: Power down the unit, open the chassis, and insert drives into the available drive bays. If you’re using the RS1221RP+ variant, connect both power supplies to a reliable power source or redundant circuits as recommended by your data center policies. Secure all drives and fasten the chassis components according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Connect networking and power: Attach a reliable Ethernet connection to a switch or router appropriate for your network topology. Connect the power cables, ensuring that any redundant supply is properly wired. Verify that all fans are functioning and the system begins to power up without abnormal noises or indicators.
• Initial software setup: Access the DSM web interface from a computer on the same network and follow the setup wizard. Create your initial storage pool and volumes, selecting RAID levels that balance performance with redundancy. Configure network settings, users, and shared folders, and apply a security baseline such as encryption, firewall rules, and automatic updates to keep the system protected.
• Finalize deployment and protection: Enable backups, replication, and snapshots as needed to safeguard data. Set up user permissions and access controls, implement monitoring alerts, and schedule regular maintenance tasks. Validate performance by running a test transfer or a small virtualization workload to ensure the system meets your operational requirements.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the RS1221+ used for? A: It is a versatile rack-mount SAN/NAS storage system designed for business and enthusiast users who need reliable file sharing, high-performance workloads, and flexible data protection in a compact form factor.
• Q: Does the RS1221RP+ include redundant power? A: Yes, the RS1221RP+ variant includes redundant power supplies to improve service continuity and minimize downtime in the event of a power component failure.
• Q: How many IOPS does it deliver? A: The system offers over 100K 4K random read IOPS, making it suitable for virtualization, large-scale file access, and multimedia workflows where fast data access matters.
• Q: What software controls the system? A: DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides centralized management, data protection features, backups, and virtualization readiness, simplifying administration and maintenance.
• Q: Is it appropriate for small business backups? A: Yes. With redundancy options, RAID protection, and integrated backup tools, the RS1221+ can serve as a dependable backbone for small to mid-sized business backups and file-sharing needs.