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The Synology DX1211 is an expansion unit designed to augment the storage capacity of compatible Synology DiskStation models, specifically the DS2411+ and DS3611xs. It serves as a direct attachment storage (DAS) solution, allowing users to seamlessly expand their existing DiskStation volumes or create new ones using additional hard drives. This unit is particularly useful for environments requiring significant storage growth without the need to replace the entire DiskStation.
The primary function of the DX1211 is to provide twelve additional hard drive bays for storage expansion. It connects to a compatible Synology DiskStation via an Infiniband expansion cable, creating a unified storage pool that can be managed through the DiskStation Manager (DSM) web interface. This integration allows the DX1211 to function as a logical extension of the DiskStation, enabling users to manage all storage resources from a single point.
When connected, the DX1211's hard drives can be utilized in several ways. Users can expand an existing volume on their DiskStation by adding the DX1211's drives to it. This is particularly beneficial for increasing the capacity of a Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) or other RAID configurations already established on the DiskStation. Alternatively, users can create entirely new volumes using the drives within the DX1211. This offers flexibility for segmenting storage or dedicating specific drives for different purposes. The unit supports both 3.5" and 2.5" SATA hard disks, providing versatility in drive selection.
The DX1211 is designed to integrate smoothly with the DiskStation's power management. It features an AUTO/MANUAL switch that dictates its power behavior. When set to AUTO, the DX1211 will automatically power on and off in sync with the connected DiskStation, simplifying operation and ensuring that the expansion unit is always available when the DiskStation is active. In MANUAL mode, the DX1211's power button must be pressed to turn it on or off independently. This option provides more granular control for specific scenarios, though the AUTO mode is generally recommended to prevent unexpected volume crashes.
The unit also incorporates LED indicators that provide visual feedback on its operational status. These include LEDs for power, link status (connection to DiskStation), and an alert LED for system fan issues. Each hard drive tray also has its own LED indicators for activity and status, allowing users to quickly ascertain the state of individual drives and volumes.
Setting up the DX1211 involves a straightforward process. After installing the hard drives into the trays, the unit connects to the DiskStation using the provided Infiniband expansion cable. Power is supplied via a standard AC power cord. Once physically connected and powered on, the DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface is used to configure the new storage.
Within DSM, users navigate to the "External Devices" section to confirm the DX1211's connection. From there, the "Storage Manager" is the central hub for managing the expansion unit's drives. Here, users can initiate the "Volume Creation Wizard" to set up new volumes or select an existing DiskStation volume for expansion. The wizard guides users through the process, including selecting RAID types and allocating storage.
A key feature of the DX1211 is its hot-swappable drive bays. This allows for the replacement of faulty hard drives or the addition of new ones without needing to power down the entire unit or the connected DiskStation. This capability is crucial for maintaining continuous operation and minimizing downtime in critical storage environments. Each hard drive tray includes a lock mechanism to secure the drives in place, preventing accidental removal.
The integration with DSM means that all advanced storage features available on the DiskStation, such as RAID management, data protection, and volume monitoring, extend to the drives within the DX1211. This ensures a consistent and familiar user experience for managing the expanded storage.
The DX1211 is designed with several features to facilitate maintenance and ensure reliable operation. The LED indicators on the front panel are a primary tool for monitoring the unit's health. The POWER LED indicates whether the unit is on or off. The LINK LED shows if the DX1211 is properly connected to the DiskStation. The ALERT LED provides warnings, such as a system fan malfunction, which is also accompanied by an audible "beep" to draw immediate attention.
Each hard drive tray's LED status is also critical for maintenance. A solid green LED indicates the disk is ready and idle, while a flashing green LED signifies disk activity. A solid orange LED on a drive tray indicates read/write errors or other issues, prompting the user to investigate and potentially replace the drive. If no internal disk is found, the LED will be off. Similarly, the RAID/Status LED on the main unit provides information about the volume's health, indicating if a volume is created (solid green), degraded (flashing green), or crashed/not created (off).
The unit includes system fans and a power fan to ensure adequate cooling and prevent overheating, which is vital for the longevity and performance of hard drives. Should a fan fail, the ALERT LED will activate, and an audible alarm will sound, alerting the user to a potential cooling issue that needs addressing.
For physical maintenance, the hard drive trays are easily removable, allowing for straightforward installation or replacement of hard drives. The use of screws to secure both 3.5" and 2.5" drives within their respective trays ensures stability and prevents vibration-related issues.
Before any significant maintenance involving hard drives, especially if they contain data, users are strongly advised to back up their data. The system will format any newly installed hard disk, erasing all existing data. This emphasizes the importance of data backup as a routine maintenance practice.
The DX1211's design, with its clear LED indicators, hot-swappable bays, and integration with DSM's robust management tools, aims to make storage expansion and maintenance as efficient and user-friendly as possible for Synology DiskStation users.
General| Model | DX1211 |
|---|---|
| Category | Extender |
| Drive Bays | 12 |
| Drive Type | 3.5" / 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD |
| Hot Swappable Drive | Yes |
| Interface | eSATA |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 35°C (40°F to 95°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% RH |
| Product Type | Expansion Unit |
| Compatible Synology NAS | DS3611xs |
| Compatible Drive Type | 3.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA SSD |
| Maximum Internal Raw Capacity | 48TB (12 x 4TB) |
| Power Consumption | 30 W (HDD Hibernation) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
| System Fan Mode | Cool, Quiet |
| Supported RAID Types | Depends on the connected Synology NAS |
| External Ports | 1 x eSATA |
| Fan | 120 mm x 120 mm x 2 pcs |
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