Anyone run a simple, reliable NAS at home?

[M_Six]

I've been looking at NAS enclosures, but I only need a central place to back up documents and images. I don't need or want cloud access and I don't stream video. If I have to create an account with some company to use the device, I don't want it. A simple 4-6TB mirrored setup would work. And some decent cross-platform backup software from the NAS.

Any recommendations? Experiences?

[vreihen16]

My love-hate relationship with Synology has been posted here before.

The unit that I bought last spring (DS918+) is using Synology's "business" backup function to back up my Amazon AWS virtual servers to local disk, back up my Raspberry Pi collection, serving as a TimeMachine network backup target for the Macbooks, and running Docker containers for HOOBS/HomeBridge, my UniFi network controller, and a Pi-Hole DNS server for ad/malware/Farcebook blocking.

Synology and most of the competition is based on Linux under the hood, and most of the hate part of my love-hate relationship is prompted by me (a *very* experienced Linux admin) tinkering under the hood.....

[M_Six]

I was looking at Synology devices, but a few reviews I read claimed that you had to create an account with them to install and config the OS. Is that not true?

[vreihen16]

I created a Synology account to access tech support on my first unit when I bricked it. I recall being able to skip adding an account on the DS918+ when I configured it last year. Here's a snapshot showing that it is not connected to the Synology mothership and what [useless-to-me] features won't work as a result:



One of my important considerations was that Synology is based in Taiwan, not China. The two countries are NOT friends, and I feel safer using something that might be phoning home to Taiwan versus China.

Synology has a full-featured demo of their DSM interface online, if you want to poke around and see all of the features. Just keep in mind that some features (like Active Backup for Business) are only available on the "plus" models, and the "J" models are missing several features that I would use. Hence, my upgrade from the DS216j to the DS918+ last spring.

Oh, and it is probably worth mentioning that I have had zero problems with 4TB Seagate IronWolf NAS-grade hard disks in either Synology unit. I haven't been a fan of Seagate all the way back to the ST-225 artificial reef fiasco in the 1980's, but these are Synology's preferred drives and are winning me back after Western Digital's dishonesty about shingled disks a few years ago.....

[TurboSid]

I've used a Synology 8-bay in my office for years and its been solid. We mainly use it for Raid backup and file transfer/access within the office so no need for the extra features.

[JasonDot]

I also recommend Synology...even though one server died on me, (7 years 24/7 operation.) Luckily some Synology systems are forward-compatible rendering 100% data recovered in the crash in my example.

Having a NAS at home is bliss. Couldn't be without one.

[dreamingat30fps]

I have a Qnap. It works for my needs although it probably has all the stuff you don't want. You can always just build your own if you really don't want any bs on it.

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by M_Six

I've been looking at NAS enclosures, but I only need a central place to back up documents and images. I don't need or want cloud access and I don't stream video. If I have to create an account with some company to use the device, I don't want it. A simple 4-6TB mirrored setup would work. And some decent cross-platform backup software from the NAS.

Any recommendations? Experiences?

(Macmini + USB3 External Hard-drive) x2 into different geo locations with rsync over IPSec tunnel.

Why?
- external hard drive is easy to replace
- macmini could be replaced with anything similar (without tying you to NAS software)
- support for afp/smb/ftp/ssh/rsync/you-name-it
- very low real world power consumption
- if you do not like macos you can run linux on it too

[M_Six]

^^^I like it. I have a Mac Mini server now with dual 1TB drives in it. And when I clear out my office in 2 weeks, I'll have two 3TB externals to find a home for. This could all work out nicely.

[M_Six]

If you don't mind my asking, what is that?

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by M_Six

If you don't mind my asking, what is that?

Cable modem (SB6141)

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by POBEP

Cable modem (SB6141)

Ah, ok. So this is all your IT stuff and not just the NAS array. Got it.