Need help?Do you have a question about the Synology RackStation RS3617xs and is the answer not in the manual?
Lists items included in the product package.
Overview of the RackStation's front and back panels and their components.
Essential safety precautions for operating the RackStation.
Lists necessary tools and compatible drive types for installation.
Step-by-step guide for physically installing drives into the RackStation.
Instructions for installing or replacing RAM modules.
Steps to install an optional network interface card.
Guide for replacing a malfunctioning system fan.
Instructions for connecting power, network, and powering on the device.
Guide to install the operating system using the Web Assistant tool.
Information on where to find additional resources and support.
The Synology RackStation RS3617xs is a high-performance network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for demanding business environments, offering robust data management, storage, and sharing capabilities. This RackStation is engineered to provide reliable and scalable storage solutions, making it suitable for critical business applications, virtualization, and large-scale data backup.
The primary function of the Synology RackStation RS3617xs is to serve as a centralized data storage and management system. It supports multiple hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) in a rack-mountable chassis, allowing for significant storage capacity. The device runs on Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, a web-based interface that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for file management, data backup, synchronization, and various server applications.
The RackStation is designed to handle intensive workloads, providing high throughput and reliable performance for multiple concurrent users and applications. It supports various RAID configurations (Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10) to ensure data redundancy and protection against drive failure. This flexibility allows users to balance between storage capacity, performance, and data protection according to their specific needs.
Connectivity is a key aspect of the RS3617xs, featuring multiple LAN ports for network aggregation and failover, ensuring continuous network access and high bandwidth. It also includes USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for connecting external storage devices or other peripherals, expanding its versatility. The device is equipped with PCI Express expansion slots, enabling users to install additional network interface cards (NICs) for enhanced network performance, such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or other compatible add-on cards to further extend its capabilities.
Beyond basic storage, the RS3617xs acts as a versatile server. With DSM, it can host a wide range of applications, including file servers, backup targets, web servers, mail servers, and surveillance stations. It supports various client operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS X, facilitating seamless integration into existing IT infrastructures. The RackStation is also designed to be energy-efficient, supporting HDD hibernation and scheduled power on/off to reduce power consumption when not in active use.
Setting up the RS3617xs involves a straightforward hardware installation followed by software configuration via Web Assistant. Users begin by installing drives into the provided drive trays, which are designed for both 3.5" and 2.5" SATA drives. The trays are easily inserted into the hard drive bays, and a secure locking mechanism ensures the drives are firmly in place. For optimal performance and capacity usage in RAID volumes, it is recommended to use drives of the same size.
Once the drives are installed, the RackStation is connected to the network and power supply. The power supply features an on/off switch for easy control. The device is powered on by pressing the front panel power button, and its operational status can be monitored via the LED indicators for power, system status, and drive activity.
The initial software setup is facilitated by Synology's Web Assistant, a built-in tool that automatically discovers the RackStation on the local network and guides the user through the installation of DSM. This process typically involves downloading the latest DSM version from the internet and following on-screen instructions. The Web Assistant simplifies the deployment, even for users with limited networking experience.
DSM provides an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that allows for easy management of storage volumes, user accounts, and network settings. Users can create shared folders, set access permissions, and configure various services. The Control Panel offers detailed information about the system, including memory usage, network configuration, and hardware status.
The RackStation supports memory expansion, allowing users to upgrade the RAM modules to enhance system performance, especially for running multiple applications or virtual machines. The process involves carefully removing the top cover, releasing the fan cover, and accessing the RAM slots. Detailed instructions ensure that the RAM module is correctly aligned and secured, and users are advised to take precautions against static electricity during installation. After a RAM upgrade, DSM can be checked to confirm the new memory capacity is recognized.
Network interface card (NIC) expansion is another key usage feature. The PCI Express slots allow for the installation of additional 10G/E or Gigabit NICs to boost network throughput or provide redundant network paths. The installation process involves replacing full-profile brackets with low-profile ones if necessary, and then inserting the NIC into the expansion slot. Proper insertion and securing of the card are crucial for optimal function.
The Synology RackStation RS3617xs is designed with maintenance in mind, offering features that simplify troubleshooting and component replacement. The LED indicators on the front panel provide immediate visual feedback on the system's status, including power, overall system health (Status), and warnings related to fan or temperature issues (Alert). Drive status LEDs indicate whether drives are ready, active, or experiencing errors, helping users quickly identify and address potential problems.
In the event of a system malfunction, the Alert LED will blink, and the device may emit a beeping sound. A dedicated "Beep Off" button on the front panel allows users to silence the alarm while they investigate the issue. The LED Indicator Table in the manual provides a comprehensive guide to interpreting the various LED states and colors, enabling users to diagnose problems such as degraded volumes, fan failures, or over-temperature conditions.
One of the critical maintenance features is the ability to replace system fans. If a fan malfunctions, the RackStation's design allows for relatively easy access to the fan units. Users can slide latches to release the fan cover, lift it off, and then identify and remove the faulty fan. The power plug for the fan is designed for easy disconnection, and a new fan can be slid into place and reconnected. This modular design minimizes downtime and simplifies hardware servicing.
The RackStation also includes a RESET button on the back panel with dual functions. A short press and hold can restore the default IP address, DNS server, and password for the admin account, which is useful for network configuration issues. A longer press and hold, followed by another press and hold, can return the RackStation to a "Not Installed" status, allowing DSM to be reinstalled. This is a powerful recovery option for severe software issues or when preparing the device for a fresh installation.
For drive-related issues, if a drive error is indicated, the manual suggests restarting the RackStation or re-inserting the drive(s). Users are also advised to run the HDD/SSD manufacturer's diagnostic tool to check the health status of the drives. If DSM is accessible, the built-in S.M.A.R.T. test can be used to scan the drives for potential problems. These diagnostic tools help in proactive maintenance and timely replacement of failing drives, preventing data loss.
Regular checks of the "Total Physical Memory" in DSM's Control Panel are recommended after any RAM upgrade to ensure the new memory is correctly recognized. If the RackStation does not start up successfully after a memory upgrade, users are guided to confirm the memory is installed correctly.
Overall, the Synology RackStation RS3617xs is designed for continuous operation with features that support both preventive and corrective maintenance, ensuring data integrity and system availability in demanding professional environments.
General| Tcase | 65.8 °C |
|---|---|
| Bus type | DMI |
| Stepping | E1 |
| Processor code | SR0P4 |
| Processor cache | 8 MB |
| Processor cores | 4 |
| Processor model | E3-1230V2 |
| System bus rate | 5 GT/s |
| Processor socket | LGA 1155 (Socket H2) |
| Processor threads | 8 |
| Processor codename | Ivy Bridge |
| Processor frequency | 3.3 GHz |
| Processor cache type | Smart Cache |
| Processor lithography | 22 nm |
| Processor manufacturer | Intel |
| Processor package size | 37.5 x 37.5 mm |
| CPU configuration (max) | 1 |
| Conflict-Free processor | No |
| Processor front side bus | - MHz |
| PCI Express slots version | 3.0 |
| Processor boost frequency | 3.7 GHz |
| Processor operating modes | 64-bit |
| ECC supported by processor | Yes |
| PCI Express configurations | 1x16+1x4, 1x8+3x4, 2x8+1x4 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 69 W |
| CPU multiplier (bus/core ratio) | 33 |
| Memory bandwidth supported by processor (max) | 25.6 GB/s |
| Maximum internal memory supported by processor | 32 GB |
| Internal memory | 4 GB |
| Internal memory type | DDR4 |
| RAID levels | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD |
| Storage drive size | 2.5/3.5 \ |
| Storage drive capacity | 0 GB |
| Supported file systems | BTRFS, FAT, HFS+, NTFS, exFAT, ext3, ext4 |
| Storage drive interface | Serial ATA III |
| Supported storage drive types | HDD & SSD |
| Total installed storage capacity | 0 TB |
| Maximum supported storage capacity | 96 TB |
| Number of storage drives installed | 0 |
| Number of storage drives supported | 12 |
| Fiber ports quantity | - |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 2 |
| Ethernet LAN data rates | 10, 100, 1000 Mbit/s |
| Chassis type | Rack (2U) |
| Cooling type | Active |
| Fan diameter | 80 mm |
| Product color | Black |
| Number of fans | 4 fan(s) |
| Type | NAS |
| Noise level | 40.5 dB |
| Backup features | Cloud, iSCSI LUN |
| Number of users | 16000 user(s) |
| Security algorithms | AES |
| AC input voltage | 100-240 V |
| AC input frequency | 50 - 60 Hz |
| Power consumption (typical) | 116.7 W |
| Power supply unit (PSU) capacity | 500 W |
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -20 - 60 °C |
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 5 - 35 °C |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 5 - 95 % |
| Certification | FCC A, CE A, BSMI A |
| Sustainability certificates | RoHS |
| Cables included | AC |
| Operating system installed | DiskStation Manager |
| Server operating systems supported | Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2 |
| Intel TSX-NI version | 0.00 |
| Memory types supported by processor | DDR3-SDRAM |
| Memory channels supported by processor | Dual |
| Intel Identity Protection Technology version | 1.00 |
| Processor ARK ID | 65732 |
Weight and Dimensions| Depth | 570 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 445 mm |
| Height | 88 mm |
| Weight | 13300 g |
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