Need help?Do you have a question about the Synology DiskStation DS916+ and is the answer not in the manual?
The Synology DiskStation DS916+ is a powerful and versatile network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for home and small to medium-sized business users. It functions as a centralized storage solution, allowing users to store, share, and protect their digital assets efficiently. Beyond simple file storage, the DS916+ transforms into a multi-functional server, capable of hosting various applications and services, making it a comprehensive solution for data management and beyond.
At its core, the DS916+ provides a robust platform for data storage and accessibility. Users can store a wide range of files, including documents, photos, videos, and music, in a single, secure location. This centralization simplifies data organization and retrieval, eliminating the need to search across multiple devices. The device supports multiple drive configurations, including RAID setups, which enhance data protection by mirroring data across drives, ensuring that even if one drive fails, data remains accessible. This redundancy is a critical feature for users who prioritize data integrity and continuous availability.
One of the primary usage features of the DS916+ is its ability to facilitate seamless file sharing. Users can easily share files and folders with others, both within their local network and remotely. This is particularly useful for collaborative projects, allowing multiple users to access and work on the same documents. Granular access controls can be set, enabling administrators to define who can view, edit, or delete specific files, ensuring data security and privacy. The device also supports various file sharing protocols, making it compatible with different operating systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Beyond basic file sharing, the DS916+ excels as a multimedia hub. Users can store their entire photo and video collections on the NAS and stream them to various devices, such as smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets. Dedicated multimedia applications provided by Synology allow for easy organization, browsing, and playback of media files. For music enthusiasts, the DS916+ can serve as a central music server, enabling streaming to compatible audio systems throughout the home. This transforms the NAS into an entertainment powerhouse, bringing digital media to life across different platforms.
For businesses, the DS916+ offers a range of features that enhance productivity and data management. It can act as a reliable backup target for computers and servers, ensuring that critical business data is regularly backed up and easily recoverable in case of data loss. Synology's backup solutions offer various options, including incremental backups, versioning, and cloud integration, providing comprehensive data protection strategies. The device can also host virtual machines, allowing businesses to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single hardware platform, optimizing resource utilization and simplifying IT infrastructure.
Remote access is another key usage feature, enabling users to access their files and applications on the DS916+ from anywhere with an internet connection. Synology provides intuitive mobile apps and web-based interfaces that allow for secure and convenient access to data on the go. This is invaluable for professionals who need to access work files while traveling or for individuals who want to retrieve personal media from a remote location. The device supports secure connections, ensuring that data transmitted over the internet remains protected.
The DS916+ also supports a wide array of additional applications and services through Synology's Package Center. This allows users to extend the functionality of their NAS beyond its core storage capabilities. For example, users can install surveillance station software to turn the NAS into a comprehensive video surveillance system, recording and managing footage from IP cameras. Other packages include mail servers, web servers, VPN servers, and various content management systems, enabling users to customize their NAS to meet specific needs and preferences. This extensibility makes the DS916+ a highly adaptable solution for diverse use cases.
Maintenance features for the DS916+ are designed to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. The device includes a status indicator that provides a quick visual overview of the system's health, indicating whether the volume is normal, degraded, or crashed. Disk indicators for each drive bay offer insights into the status of individual drives, showing if they are ready, accessing data, or experiencing errors. This allows users to quickly identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
The DiskStation Manager (DSM), Synology's browser-based operating system, provides a user-friendly interface for managing all aspects of the DS916+. DSM offers a comprehensive set of tools for system monitoring, including resource utilization, fan status, and network activity. Users can configure email or SMS notifications to be alerted about critical system events, such as drive failures or high CPU usage, enabling proactive maintenance.
Regular software updates are a crucial maintenance feature, ensuring that the DS916+ remains secure and benefits from the latest features and performance improvements. Synology frequently releases DSM updates that include security patches, bug fixes, and new functionalities. Users can easily install these updates through the DSM interface, keeping their system up-to-date with minimal effort.
Drive maintenance is also simplified with the DS916+. The hot-swappable drive bays allow users to replace faulty drives without powering down the entire system, minimizing downtime. DSM includes built-in tools for checking the health of installed drives, such as S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) tests, which can detect potential drive issues before they lead to data loss. In the event of a drive failure in a RAID configuration, DSM guides users through the process of replacing the drive and rebuilding the RAID array, ensuring data integrity is restored.
The physical design of the DS916+ also contributes to its maintainability. The fans are designed to dispose of excess heat, keeping the system cool and preventing overheating, which can prolong the lifespan of internal components. If a fan malfunctions, the DiskStation will emit a beeping sound, alerting the user to the issue. The reset button provides a convenient way to restore default network settings or reinstall DSM, which can be useful for troubleshooting or reconfiguring the device.
Power management features contribute to both energy efficiency and system maintenance. The DS916+ supports HDD hibernation, which spins down hard drives after a period of inactivity, reducing power consumption and extending drive lifespan. Scheduled power on/off allows users to define specific times for the NAS to power up and shut down, further optimizing energy usage and reducing wear and tear on components. Wake on LAN (WOL) functionality enables users to remotely power on the DiskStation, providing convenient access when needed without requiring the device to be constantly running.
Overall, the Synology DiskStation DS916+ is a robust and feature-rich NAS device that offers extensive functionality for data storage, sharing, and application hosting. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive maintenance tools, and continuous software updates ensure a reliable and efficient experience for both personal and professional users.
General| Model | DS916+ |
|---|---|
| Category | Storage |
| Drive Bays | 4 |
| Maximum Internal Raw Capacity | 40 TB (10 TB drive x 4) |
| Hot Swappable Drive | Yes |
| LAN Ports | Gigabit x2 |
| Dimensions | 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm |
| RAID Support | Synology Hybrid RAID, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10 |
| File System | EXT4 |
To Next Page