Menu
NAS shoot-out: Synology DiskStation DS1511+

NAS shoot-out: Synology DiskStation DS1511+

The Synology hardware is solid and fast, but the software and cloud services lag leading competitors

I bought my first Synology NAS in 2006 -- the CS-406. The box was small, quiet, and better than the PC I was using as a do-it-myself file server. Speed was good and the product was well-designed. Much has changed in Synology products over the past six years, some for the good and some for the bad. The hardware is still solid and performance is still great, but I'm not sure I would recommend this NAS to a nontechnical business user. Other products in this class make setup and ongoing backup much easier.

Unlike some NAS manufacturers, Synology clearly breaks out the different models into different market segments, from workgroup and home use to large business. The DiskStation DS1511+ is one of seven models in the Small and Medium Business segment. Surprising as it may seem, the model numbers do mean something: The last two digits refer to the year of release, while the first two digits refer to the number of drive bays (the "+" means performance). Fifteen drive bays? The DS1511+ unit itself has only five drive slots. Where do the other ten drives come from?

Well, if you buy two of Synology's DX510 expansion chassis (each of which holds five drives) and connect them to the DS1511+, you now have fifteen drives. Synology marketing says this makes the DS1511+ the "most scalable in its class." I don't disagree with this claim, but I have always found this type of expansion silly. I'd rather buy a second NAS box than two additional chassis, which are as big as the NAS itself and cost about $500 each.

Become an Insider to read the full article.


Follow Us

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags data explosionstoragenetwork-attached storagesynologyfreemiumStorage Server

Events

SustainTech

Join key decision-makers within Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) that have the power to affect real change and drive sustainable practices. SustainTech will bridge the gap between ambition and tangible action, promoting strategies that attendees can use in their day-to-day operations within their business.

EDGE 2023

EDGE is the leading technology conference for business leaders in Australia and New Zealand, built on the foundations of collaboration, education and advancement.

WIICTA 2023

ARN has celebrated gender diversity and recognised female excellence across the Australian tech channel since first launching WIICTA in 2012, acknowledging the achievements of a talented group of female front runners who have become influential figures across the local industry.

ARN Innovation Awards 2023

Innovation Awards is the market-leading awards program for celebrating ecosystem innovation and excellence across the technology sector in Australia.

Show Comments