High-Performance NAS-Server Synology DS712+ Review

Network solutions for business purposes are considered to be crucial nowadays. There are a number of companies that offer their products and services for small and big business structures, although not all of them prove to be efficient. Synology company, known for efficient network products, has introduced its new NAS-Server Synology DS712+. This is a high-performance and scalable NAS device with two modules destined particularly for the solution of multiple business assignments.

General Specifications

Synology DS712+ is the device which can enable the work with 7 disks at a time, due to the 2 integrated modules and 5 modules attached (by means of DX510 add-in modules). NAS-server developers recommend starting the work from the integrated modules which ensure high scalability. The major functions of DS712+ are to provide for the centralized data safety, user-friendly administration, and the increase of storage volume with the minimal time spare.

NAS-server DS712+ has been developed with the energy efficiency issues in mind. This device consumes up to 27.5 W when in operation mode which is a better result as compared with other products of the same type. Moreover, the consumption of energy might be decreased due to the support of Wake on LAN/WAN options, and the capability to enable and switch off the hard disks by a specified schedule. It’s, as well, feasible to setup the automatic enclosure of hard disk standby mode if the system is inactive during a predetermined period of time.

The initial delivery set includes the NAS-server itself, external power unit with a cable, screws kit for disk binding, two network cables, disk with software and descriptions, and a couple of disk module binding keys.
Upon the whole, NAS-server Synology DS712+ is able to provide:
— unchecked data availability and high performance;
— full-blown business applications;
— flexible RAID control;
— virtualization and iSCSI support.

1. Unchecked data availability and high performance. NAS-server DS712+ supports Link Aggregation option that provides for good performance showings and permanent data access which are a vital point for the solution of any business assignment. The average writing speed approximates to 105.59 MB/s in RAID 1 configuration, while the average reading speed – 180.91 MB/s. A couple of LAN ports are able to support the switching on failure and the hot swapping of hard disks; their main function is to ensure the unchecked, uninterrupted work of NAS-server in case of any failures or disks replacement.
2. Full-blown business applications. Based on Synology DSM platform, DS712+ offers a number of applications developed for business purposes solely. Wide support of network protocols empowers the file transfer between Windows, Linux and Mac platforms. The integration with Windows ADS and LDAP secures that the NAS is implemented in the business network environment without the necessity to create new user accounts. The access to files via the Internet becomes more reliable due to the locked FTP-server and File Station manager. HTTPS options, embedded firewall and support of automatic IP-address lock option ensure the safe joint access to files via the Internet.

3. Flexible RAID control. The integrated option ‘Several Volumes on RAID’ allow the creation of more than one volume in RAID structure. This ensures the flexibility and efficiency of storage control pertained to all hard disks. The user is able to increase the volume capacity due to the interface settings which allow the efficient distribution of storage space; all other processes will be completed by the DSM system.

4. Virtualization and iSCSI support. Synology DS712+ is based on DSM OS which supports iSCSI technology; that is why, it is ascribed to the class of integrated NAS solutions used for the virtualization of such servers as VMware, Hyper-V and Citrix. ISCSI technology is an appropriate option for businesses of all types since it provides for the consolidation of disk array storage and the creation of local disk control.