Whether you’re a home user, a content creator, or a small business, this 2-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) is designed to handle all your digital needs effortlessly. Let’s dive deep and see why the DS224+ is a game-changer.
🔍 Synology DS224+ Specifications at a Glance
🚀 Processor: Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core @ 2.0GHz (burst up to 2.7GHz)
🧠 RAM: 2GB DDR4 (Expandable to 6GB)
💽 Drive Bays: 2 (Supports 3.5″ HDD, 2.5″ HDD/SSD)
🔧 RAID Support: RAID 0, RAID 1, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)
🌐 Network Connectivity: 2 x 1GbE LAN with Link Aggregation
🔌 USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
📂 File System: Btrfs, EXT4
🖥️ Software: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM 7.2)
🔋 Power Consumption: ~14.69W (HDD Hibernation), ~22.99W (Active)
Why Choose This NAS? 🤔
- 🚀 Efficient Performance: Intel Celeron processor for smooth multitasking.
- 💽 Expandable Storage: Supports HDDs and SSDs for flexible storage options.
- 🔧 RAID Support: Ensures data redundancy and performance optimization.
- 🌐 Fast Networking: Dual LAN ports with link aggregation for high-speed transfers.
- 🖥️ User-Friendly Software: Synology DSM 7.2 for easy management and advanced features.
🌐 Network Performance & Connectivity
The DS224+ features two 1GbE LAN ports that support Link Aggregation, meaning you can combine both connections to double the network bandwidth. This is ideal for fast backups, media streaming, and multiple users accessing files simultaneously.
📌 Example Scenarios:
✅ A photographer transferring large RAW files can experience faster uploads via Link Aggregation.
✅ A small office can use the DS224+ as a centralized file server for employees.
✅ A home user streaming 4K videos over the network will enjoy smooth playback without buffering.
🚀 Temporary Storage for Faster Data Access (Cache Acceleration)
The DS224+ supports SSD caching, meaning you can install an SSD alongside your HDDs to act as a high-speed buffer. This boosts performance by storing frequently accessed files on the SSD, leading to faster data retrieval and smoother operations.
🔹 Example: If you regularly edit videos stored on the NAS, caching allows for near-instant previews instead of waiting for the HDD to load.
📷 Smart Surveillance with Synology DS224+
With Surveillance Station, the DS224+ transforms into a professional-grade security system. You can connect IP cameras and automate recording schedules with AI-powered motion detection.
🎯 How It Works:
✅ Custom Recording Schedules – Record footage for a month and automatically delete the oldest footage when space runs out.
✅ Smart Motion Detection – Cameras stay idle but start recording when motion is detected, saving storage space.
✅ Remote Access – View live feeds and past recordings from anywhere in the world.
📁 Your Personal Google Drive & Google Photos Alternative
If you use Google Drive or Google Photos, the DS224+ can completely replace them. With Synology’s Drive and Photos apps, your files and images are automatically backed up, securely stored in your own private cloud.
🚀 Example:
✅ Take a photo on your phone → It uploads automatically to your DS224+.
✅ Store files just like Google Drive, but with no subscription fees and full control over privacy.
🎬 Streaming Movies & TV Shows via Plex & Emby
Transform your DS224+ into a Netflix-style media server by installing Plex or Emby.
🔹 Steps to Set Up:
1️⃣ Install Plex or Emby on your Synology NAS.
2️⃣ Upload your movies and TV shows to the NAS.
3️⃣ Install the Plex/Emby app on your phone, smart TV, or tablet.
4️⃣ Enjoy buffer-free streaming just like Netflix! 🍿
🌎 Can You Host a Website on Synology DS224+?
Yes! You can host a website on your DS224+ using Synology Web Station. However, this is not recommended for large websites, as NAS devices lack the advanced security and 24/7 monitoring of professional hosting providers.
✅ Best for: Hosting personal blogs, small business sites, or private projects.
❌ Not ideal for: Large-scale websites requiring enterprise security.
⚖️ Synology DS224+ vs Competitors
NAS Device Comparison 💽✨
🖥️ Synology DS224+:
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125.
- RAM: 2GB (up to 6GB).
- OS: DSM 7.2.
- Network Ports: 2 x 1GbE.
- Ease of Use: Good.
- Security & Reliability: Excellent.
🖥️ QNAP TS-253E:
- CPU: Intel Celeron J6412.
- RAM: 4GB (up to 32GB).
- OS: QTS 5.1.
- Network Ports: 2 x 2.5GbE.
- Ease of Use: Good.
- Security & Reliability: Good.
🖥️ TerraMaster F2-423:
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105.
- RAM: 4GB (up to 32GB).
- OS: TOS 5.0.
- Network Ports: 2 x 2.5GbE.
- Ease of Use: Moderate.
- Security & Reliability: Moderate.
🏆 Best Choice: Synology DS224+
✅ Best software (DSM 7.2) – Superior usability, security, and backup solutions.
✅ Perfect for home users & small businesses – Easy to set up and maintain.
✅ Most reliable ecosystem – Regular updates and long-term support.
🛒 Who Should Buy the Synology DS224+?
✅ Home users needing private cloud storage.
✅ Small businesses wanting centralized data management.
✅ Photographers & content creators needing secure, fast backups.
✅ Users looking for an alternative to Google Drive & Google Photos.
❌ Who Should Avoid It?
❌ Large businesses needing high-speed 2.5GbE or 10GbE connectivity.
❌ Users requiring 4+ drive bays for massive storage needs.
💡 Final Advice: Why the Synology DS224+ is a Smart Investment
Owning a Synology DS224+ means having full control over your data, top-notch security, and endless possibilities. Unlike cloud services, you don’t have to pay monthly fees or worry about data privacy.
🔥 Want a future-proof NAS? The Synology DS224+ is your best bet! 🔥
💬 Do you agree or have a different opinion? Leave a comment below!
