I tested several brand models of Network Attached Storage (NAS) last week to find full automated and safer backup solutions for all of my home servers to replace my existing USB external hard disk which not 100% reliable especially during large number of files backup which take few hours to complete.
I was compared QNAP TS119, NETGEAR SC101, and Synology Disk Station DS109j for their price, server compatibility, operating temperature, and most important part is the firmware/software functionality and update. I didn’t plan to use this device for any critical task which need it to operate 24 hours a day, so RAID function is not my concern. Finally I chooses Synology Disk Station DS109j, the device meet my requirements and have much more. QNAP TS119 also a great NAS device with better outlook and color but Synology Disk Station Manager (DSM) provide the better software with it user friendly interface, frequent update Synology DSM firmware, and it reasonable price.
Bootup Time
The device take about 35 seconds from Power On to ready operate.
Schedule Power On/Off
This is great option for backup, I can schedule the device only automatically turn on 15 minutes before my servers’ backup schedule start, and automatically turn off around one hour after backup job completed. It save my electricity bill and increase my hard disk life cycle.
Firmware/Software Interface
Very user-friendly, you only need very basic Networking knowledge to operate this machine without need to read the operation manual. The interface using Web 2.0 technology, very smooth during operation and without notice any lack.
File Sharing
Support NFS, FTP, FTP via SSL/TLS, Windows Network File Sharing, and MAC Appletalk, let your share your files with multi-platform OS.
Noise
This device is so quiet, I didn't notice any noise from hard disk and Fan during server backup running.
Conclusion
I’m very satisfied with this device, especially the firmware/software functions and the user-friendly management interface, include all functions SOHO and Small Office need. If 10 is full marks, I will give 9.5 for Synology DS109j (10 if they have better design case).
Screenshots
Packing including DS109j device, A/C adapter, power cord, CAT5 cable, Operation manual, and Screws for mounting the SATA hard drive and lock the case.
Front panel have Status, LAN activity lights, Disk activity lights, USB port for external storage backup, Instant Copy button, and Power On/Off button.
Back panel have quiet Fan (Fan speed adjustable on device firmware/software with two option, 3.5 or 2.5 hard disk), two USB ports for connect to server, pc or printer. The reset button to do the force restart on the device, and hold for the notebook keylock.
The simplest manual I ever seen! Just tell you go to Synology website to get installation instruction.
Inside of Synology DS109j.
My old Hitachi Deskstar 250G SATA hard disk ready to plug into the DS109j.
Connecting SATA with the Synology DS109j connecter done very smoothly without any trouble.
Finished attaching the hard disk with Synology DS109j.
Finally, install the Disk Management software on my IBM X60 notebook and download latest firmware from Synology website install the firmware with Disk Management software on Synology DS109j. The installation process take about 25 minutes to complete.