Performance

Despite the relatively low amount of RAM Synology has outfitted the DiskStation DS211 with, we had no issues with performance. Set up as a RAID 1 array, the DS211 managed 101.37 MB/sec read rates and 56.12 MB/sec write rates, when tested with a 1.5GB file. That makes it roughly on a par with the DS411+ when it comes to read speeds, though around half as fast when writing data.

Achievements the KMS team have recently had with this product include:

• Using DiskStation as a shared source for media in an iTunes-based home entertainment design. 
• Using DiskStation as a host for Squeezebox server.  Allowing us to stream Pandora radio, 
  XM/Sirius, and shared music files throughout a whole-house audio system.
• Using DiskStation in a 12-camera surveillance system with NAS allocated storage. Allowing all camera
  live feeds and events to be viewed via iPhone App.
• Sharing of Pictures, Music, and Documents to an iPad through Synology Apps.

Software

Synology’s new line of DiskStations run DiskStation Manager 3.0 (DSM 3.0) OS, and it’s a comprehensive platform that covers more than just multi-PC backup. As with most network-attached devices, setup and control is managed via your browser; however, DSM 3.0 gets a new, multitasking user-interface with various independently draggable windows that can be viewed in a single browser tab. The whole thing looks like a blend of Windows 7 and OS X, complete with drop-down task menus and desktop icons, and it’s even possible to reskin it with different color themes.

Hardware

Unlike its more sober – and expensive – siblings from the Synology line-up, the DS211 comes with a crisp white chassis and a bright LED panel on the fascia. At 161 x 218 x 88 mm it’s not too large to sit in the corner on your desk, and Synology include the necessary AC adapter, installation kit and a 2m ethernet cable to get you wired up. You’ll also need at least one hard-drive: the DS211 will take either 2.5- or 3.5-inch drives, each up to 2TB, for a total of 4TB altogether.  Of course higher-end models offer more capacity and some even with Wifi capabilities.