Synology DS218play v2 Hardware Installation Guide

Synology DS218play manual cover
Pages 17
Year 2017
Language(s)
English en

Synology DS218play Specification

The Synology DS218play is a versatile 2-bay NAS designed to cater to multimedia enthusiasts who require efficient data management and seamless media streaming capabilities. Powered by a 64-bit Realtek RTD1296 quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, the device offers robust performance for home and small office environments. It comes with 1 GB DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient operation of Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) software.

The DS218play supports up to 32 TB of raw storage capacity, allowing users to install two 16 TB drives, which are hot-swappable and easily accessible. It provides extensive RAID configurations, including Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, and RAID 1, enabling flexible data protection options. With a maximum sequential reading speed of 112 MB/s and writing speed of 112 MB/s, it delivers swift data access and transfer rates.

For connectivity, the NAS features one Gigabit LAN port and two USB 3.0 ports, facilitating seamless integration into existing network setups and easy external storage expansion or peripheral connectivity. This model supports a wide array of file protocols such as SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV, ensuring compatibility with diverse operating systems and user environments.

The DS218play is optimized for multimedia handling, offering 4K video transcoding on-the-fly, which allows streaming of high-definition content to various devices without compromising on quality. It also supports Synology's suite of mobile and web applications, enabling remote access and management of data, multimedia streaming, and file sharing from anywhere.

Overall, the Synology DS218play is a powerful and efficient NAS solution tailored for users demanding reliable storage with advanced multimedia capabilities in a compact and energy-efficient package.

Synology DS218play F.A.Q.

How do I set up my Synology DS218play for the first time?

To set up your Synology DS218play, connect it to your network and power it on. Then, use the Synology Assistant to find the NAS on your network and follow the on-screen instructions to install DiskStation Manager (DSM).

What should I do if my DS218play is not appearing on the network?

Ensure that all network cables are securely connected and check your router settings. You can also use Synology Assistant to search for the NAS or reset the network settings using the reset button on the device.

How can I back up data from my DS218play to an external drive?

Connect the external drive to the USB port on your DS218play. Use the Hyper Backup application to create backup tasks, selecting the external drive as the destination.

What is the procedure for upgrading RAM on the DS218play?

The DS218play does not support RAM upgrades as it comes with fixed memory. Consider optimizing DSM settings or using applications with lower resource requirements.

How do I set up a media server on my DS218play?

Install the Media Server package from the Package Center in DSM. Configure the media indexing settings and ensure your media files are stored in the indexed folders to allow streaming to compatible devices.

What steps can I take to enhance the security of my DS218play?

Enable 2-Step Verification, set up a firewall, install security updates promptly, and regularly back up data. Additionally, disable unused services and create strong passwords for all accounts.

How do I troubleshoot slow performance on my DS218play?

Check for resource-intensive applications or processes in Resource Monitor. Ensure the network connection is stable and consider reducing the number of simultaneous tasks or users.

Can I access my DS218play remotely?

Yes, enable QuickConnect in DSM for remote access without configuring complex network settings. You can also set up VPN or port forwarding for direct access.

How do I perform a factory reset on my DS218play?

Press and hold the reset button on the back of the device for about 4 seconds until you hear a beep. This will reset network settings and admin password without deleting data. For a full reset, use DSM's "Reset" option in Control Panel.

What is the process for updating DSM on the DS218play?

Go to Control Panel > Update & Restore > DSM Update. Click "Check for Updates" and follow the instructions to install the latest DSM version. Ensure backups are up-to-date before proceeding.