Looking for a 4 bay NAS with the option of 12TB of storage? The Diskstation DS411 NAS is designed for the home and business workgroup.
Product on Review: Synology DS411
Manufacturer and Sponsor: Synology
Street Price: £335 inc. VAT (GBP)
From all the Synology products we have reviewed at Vortez we have always been left impressed and they remain a brand that we highly regard. Synology have an extensive product range for home users, right to enterprise level and so it’s no wonder that regardless of who you are, if you are looking for a NAS solution then Synology have to be considered, they are stalwarts in this industry.
Today we will be taking a look at the DS411. The next product up from DS211 and the successor to last years DS410. If you aren’t familiar with Synology’s naming system. It’s very initiative – Diskstation (DS) Number of bays (2) Year of production (11). The variable at the end of each of the product range such as + or j symbolise – Performance (+) Entry Level (j). So the unit that we are focussing on today is right in the middle of the entry level and performance models and can be deemed as a mainstream NAS solution specifically for the Home/Business Workgroup.
Synology’s take on DS411
About Synology
Features & Specifications
DS411 Full Specifications – Synology DS411 Technical Specifications
Features
Optimal Price/Performance Ratio
Synology DS411 delivers an average 105.3 MB/sec reading speed under RAID 5 configuration in a Windows environment, and 47.8 MB/sec writing. Synology DS411 provides a reliable solution for data sharing with an easy to use interface, and comprehensive office applications, including a complete backup solution making it one of the best values in 4-bay NAS devices available today.
Windows + Mac + Linux Cross Platform File Sharing
Synology DS411 offers comprehensive network protocol support, assuring seamless file sharing across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Windows ADS integration allows the Synology DS411 to quickly and easily fit into an existing business network environment with no need to recreate user accounts on the Synology DS411. Internet file access is simplified by the encrypted FTP server and the web-based file explorer, Synology File Station. HTTPS, firewall, and IP auto-block support ensure file sharing over the Internet is protected at a high security level.
For users who are always on the move, Synology provides a handy app, DS file for the users of iPhone, iPad and Android phones. Anything stored on Synology DS411 can now be accessed remotely using DS file via the Internet.
Complete Backup Solutions
Synology DS411 offers a centralized backup target to consolidate fragmented and unstructured data across a network. PC users can back up their data to Synology DS411 using Synology Data Replicator software, and Mac OS X users enjoy native Apple® Time Machine integration.
A web-based backup wizard is provided for backing up data in Synology DS411 to another Synology DiskStation or any rsync server via an encrypted protocol, or to an external hard drive via USB connection. In addition, backing up to the cloud using Amazon® S3 service is supported. The add-on package, Time Backup, keeps DiskStation data in multiple versions, so IT administrators could easily keep track of them and restore to previous version whenever required.
Rich Office Applications
Synology DiskStation DS411 runs on the award-winning operating system, Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), offering comprehensive applications and features designed specifically for home and business workgroups. Synology Web Station with support for PHP/MySQL web content allows hosting up to 30 websites, and 3rd party web application such as Content Management, Customer Relationship Management & e-Commerce system.
Synology Surveillance Station offers a centralized interface to safeguard the office environments by deploying IP cameras, and users traveling miles away are able to see the live view, recordings and take snapshots using a browser on any computer or an iPhone with DS cam app.
The built-in mail server turns a Synology DS411 into a dedicated mail service provider and the USB printer sharing capability minimizes businesses’ printing cost by sharing printing resources throughout the office. The add-on package, Mail Station 2, provides a webmail interface for users to access the email stored on Synology DS411.
Energy Efficient Design
Synology DiskStation are designed and developed with energy efficiency in mind. Compared with the average PC counterparts, Synology DS411 consumes only 29.7 watts in operation. The support of wake on LAN, scheduled power on/off and hard drive hibernation can further reduce power consumption and operation cost.
All Synology products are produced with RoHS compliant parts and packed with recyclable packing materials. Synology acknowledges the responsibility as a global citizen to continually work to reduce the environmental impact of every product produced.
Packaging & Closer Look
Synology are always very keen to present their products in very tidy packaging. The DS411 is presented in a carefully designed box that has useful information regarding features and specifications. Since the operating system that Synology bundle with their NAS’s are feature laden it’s understandable that the packaging should reflect this.
Inside the box each item is carefully packaging in its own protective cardboard. The NAS in particular has plenty of padding and is covered in a protective sheet of thin polystyrene.
Included within the bundle are the following items:
• DS411
• Installation DVD
• Assembly kit (screws)
• AC power cord
• AC power adapter
• 2M RJ45 LAN cable
The DS411 packaging[/i
Plenty of items within the bundle
With the DS411 out of its packaging we can take a closer look at the NAS and get a feel for the outer build quality. Being the 2011 version of the DS410 this unit hasn’t changed at all on the exterior. It has exactly the same front panel controls/indicators and overall design. Though things haven’t changed we are still reassured of great quality. The design is subtle, sleek and professional.
Both sides of the DS411 have the Synology insignia engraved into the steel shell. The front fascia and underside are glossy plastic.
A professional looking NAS
Synology emblem catches the eye
Moving in for a closer look on the front panel controls we have the following:
• Status LED indicator
• LAN LED indicator
• Metalic power button
• HDD1 – HDD4 LED indicators
The front of the DS411
Spinning the DS411 round to the rear we can see there are 4x thumbscrews that hold the outer shell on. On the back panel we have dual 80mm YS Tech FD128020HL fans. These provide cooling for the HDDs that will be installed within the NAS.
Beneath these fans we have a group of I/O ports that include:
• DC In (For use with provided power pack)
• RJ45 Gigabit LAN port
• Dual USB2.0 ports
• Reset button
• eSATA port
The back of DS411 with dual 80mm fans
The connectivity ports at the back of DS411
We’ve taken a look at the outside. Now we’ll go in for a closer look!
Internals
To get inside the DS411 we just need to remove the 4x thumbscrews that hold the back panel up. Once removed the back panel drops down to reveal the HDD brackets within. Having 4x bays the DS411 can take advantage of 4x HDDs. Within these brackets we can install 3.5” HDDs or 2.5” HDDs.
Getting a HDD into the NAS is a fairly easy procedure, the drive just slots onto a bracket, screws are applied to secure the drive and then the drive/bracket just slots back into the NAS connecting to the SATA ports at the front.
The DS411 back panel open
Installing a HDD into the NAS is easy
With all of the brackets removed we can get a glimpse of the PCB used within the DS411. The core of the system is as follows:
• CPU Frequency: 1.6 GHz
• Hardware Encryption Engine
• Memory: DDR3 512MB
• Max Internal Capacity: 12TB (4X 3TB HDD)
Against the DS410 from last year, we are getting a faster CPU and an upgrade to DDR3. This should help with overall system performance. (Click here for a comparison between DS410 and DS411)
The PCB within DS411 with faster CPU
Synology DSM Opearting System
Towards the end of last year Synology launched DSM 3.1 the next stage in their NAS OS. DSM 3.1 has rich features and a wide array of functionality. The main focus with it, is that it can sustain multi-tasking operation with ease. Upon installing Synology Assistant which can be found on the software CD we are faced with the following screen. This gives us information about the DS411 that is being hosted on our Gigabit network.
Incidentally, installing the NAS is very easy. Slot the drives inside the unit, connect it to the network via the CAT5 cable supplied in the bundle, hook up the DC in power-pack and you are ready to go!
Straight out the box the DS411 doesn’t have an OS, so we need to install with the latest version from the Synology website. When download, the .pat file just needs to be selected and the software integrates DSM 3.1 for you.
Installing DSM 3.1
During the installation of DSM 3.1 the software configures the HDDs installed inside the DS411. This involves applying network protocols, formatting the drives and adding partitions ready to be used for storage. This process doesn’t take very long at all – it will of course depend on how large the drives are. The drives I installed are 1TB Samsung F3’s.
Configuring drives ready for use within the DS411
Upon completing the installation of DSM 3.1, we can now log into the NAS. From the Assistant. The default login details are admin and no password. This should be adjusted after first logging in for security measures.
The login screen
Inside the GUI there are lots of features to look at and use. The Control Panel has a wide array of functionality allowing you to take full control of the DS411. Below is a screenshot showing what is available. The beauty with DSM 3.1 is that you can perform multiple tasks at once unlike in previous version of DSM.
The control panel with a multitude of features
Amongst many of the leading features with the DS411 and DSM 3.1 we have the ability to store files on the NAS and stream them to mobile devices such as Android or iphone. For the purpose of this review I thought it would be a worthwhile inclusion to show the functionality between the NAS and mobile device for audio files with DS Audio by Synology. About Synology DS Audio.
NOTE: Sound station will need to be enabled from the Control Panel of DSM 3.1
First things first, I went to the Android Market and did a search for Synology. Upon searching I discovered a number of apps by Synology to interface with my NAS but the app that I am concerned with is the DS Audio. The great thing is, these apps are also free!
Android market has many Synology free apps
After installing the app, we are met with a login screen (just put in the IP, username and password) and then you come to a home screen which gives you different options. I select “Folder” and can then navigate to where I have put an MP3 on the DS411.
The DS Audio homescreen – search for music in different ways
I can then play the file directly from the DS411 from anywhere within range of the wireless connection the NAS is being hosted on. So if you have an iphone and docking station with speakers you can ideally have the music playing off the NAS within another room. Perfect if you are entertaining guests and want some ambience!
DS411
Playing music off an android phone directly from the DS411
Transfer/Power/Thermal Performance
We have looked at some of the features that DSM 3.1 brings on the DS411j but how does this affect performance? What are typical transfer rates like over a Gigabit network? Is power consumption reasonable? Does the unit keep the HDDs cool? These are all questions that you might be asking and we are here to answer them.
Combined with the testing for D411 will be a Toshiba STORE Steel 250GB USB drive, DS410 and DS211 to present some interesting comparisons.
Test System Specifications
CPU Intel Core i7 920
Motherboard ASUS Rampage III Formula
Memory 12GB Kingston HyperX 1600MHz DDR3
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 580
PSU Antec Signature 650W PSU
Devices
– Belkin N1 Gigabit Router
– Synology DS411
– Synology DS411j
– Synology DS211
– Synology DS410
– Toshiba STORE Steel USB
First of all, for the purpose of real world testing I bundled together 6 files which were in 2 folders amounting to 3.2GB. I wanted to discover the incoming and outgoing transfer times between the DS411 and the computer – against other devices on a Gigabit network. Here are the results.
Whilst performing these tests load power consumption was monitored. The power consumption was also monitored whilst being in an idle state. There are actually two states, idle after usage and hibernation which the unit falls into after 10 minutes of non-usage. Hibernation figures were recorded.
Temperatures were also monitored using the in-house monitoring software. Note: load temperatures during transfer did not present any change in HDD temperature.
Conclusion
Whilst the DS411 has no hugely significant physical changes from its predecessor the DS410, it does have an upgraded CPU frequency speed and a step up to DDR3 that delivers better all-around performance.
As we have found in the past, Synology’s DSM Operating System is an absolute joy to use and to say that it is feature laden is an understatement. It can support IP cameras and allow you to interface with them over the internet at another location, it can act as a mail server, operate as a media server to stream music, movies and much more!
Features like DS Audio (seen previously in this review) stand out as being innovative to say to the least. I was able to sync my HTC Desire with the DS411 and so long as I was within WiFi range I could stream music directly from the NAS to my phone in just a few button pressed thanks to the DS Audio phone app. What this means is, provided you have an Android / iPhone ready device you can stream files from the NAS anywhere in your home. Get yourself a docking station with speakers and you can entertain your friends all evening. Fantastic!
Priced at £340inc VAT (GBP) the DS411 is a good investment. It isn’t the cheapest 4-bay NAS out there but you are getting higher specifications under the hood than most units on the market.
The bottom line is: The DS411 is a solid NAS, it comes with all the features you could ever need and delivers great performance to the home/business user.
+ Looks stylish and professional
+ Excellent performance
+ Feature laden Operating System
+ Up to 12TB storage options
Cons
– No USB3.0 ports
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
