There is a growing need for NAS devices to do more than be a media server or simply store terabytes of files. For small businesses and busy video professionals, the Synology two bay DiskStation DS716+ can save time by providing dual gigabit Ethernet link aggregation and 4K video transcoding.
Overview
Synology has built several redundancies into the DiskStation, such as failover and link aggregation via its two gigabit Ethernet ports and BTRFS with copy on write. Link aggregation combines the speed of both network connections and provides a failover backup connection should there be a need.
What’s In The Box
- Synology DiskStation DS716+ with Disk Trays
- Power Adapter
- Ethernet Cables
- Hard Drive Tray Screws
- Locking Key
The DiskStation DS716+ runs the BTRFS file system, which means it copies data while writing it. Synology continually makes improvements to its firmware and has released three updates so far in 2016. The latest update enhances the Btrfs file system.
Small businesses that need maximum uptime may utilize Synology High Availability or SHA technology. This allows for an active and passive DiskStation, which are mirrored. They continually monitor each other over the network. If the active DiskStation fails, the passive DiskStation then takes over.
Impressive hardware has been packed into the DS716+, such as a quad-core Intel Celeron CPU running at 1.6GHz with a burst speed of up to 2.08GHz, 2GB of DDR3 RAM, an AES-NI hardware encryption engine and two drive bays that are capable of accommodating 16TB of HDD storage and SSD compatibility.
It is important to note that this NAS system has 2GB of DDR3 RAM. Units from other manufacturers usually provide less RAM, which can slow the performance of almost every task. Synology knows that speed is important and have integrated a hardware encryption engine that provides nearly the same write and read performance as with it turned off.
DiskStation DS716+ NAS Features
Hardware Specifications
- CPU Model: Intel Celeron N3150
- CPU Architecture: 64-bit
- CPU Frequency: Quad Core 1.6 burst up to 2.08 GHz
- Hardware Encryption Engine (AES-NI)
- Hardware Transcoding Engine: H.264 (AVC), MPEG-2 and VC-1; maximum resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160); maximum frame rate per second (FPS): 30
Memory
- System Memory: 2GB DDR3
Storage
- Drive Bay(s): 2
- Maximum Drive Bays with Expansion Unit: 7
- Compatible Drive Type
* 3.5″ SATA III / SATA II HDD
* 2.5″ SATA III / SATA II HDD
* 2.5″ SATA III / SATA II SSD - Maximum Internal Raw Capacity: 16TB (8TB HDD x 2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types)
- Maximum Raw Capacity with Expansion Units: 56TB (8 TB HDD x 7) (Capacity may vary by RAID types)
- Maximum Single Volume Size: 108 TB
- Hot Swappable Drive
External Ports
- USB 3.0 Port: 3
- eSATA Port: 1
- USB Copy
File System
- Internal Drives:
* BTRFS
* EXT4 - External Drives:
* BTRFS
* EXT4
* EXT3
* FAT
* NTFS
* HFS+
Appearance
- Size (Height x Width x Depth): 157 mm x 103.5 mm x 232 mm
Others
- RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port: 2 with Link Aggregation – Failover support
- Wake on LAN/WAN
- System Fan: 92 mm x 92 mm x 1 pcs
- Fan Speed Mode:
* Cool Mode
* Quiet Mode - Brightness adjustable front LED indicators
- Power Recovery
- Noise Level: 18 dB(A)
- Scheduled Power On/Off
- Power Supply Unit / Adapter: 65W
- AC Input Power Voltage: 100V to 240V AC
- Power Frequency: 50/60 Hz, Single Phase
- Power Consumption: 18.96 W (Access), 8.84 W (HDD Hibernation)
- Kensington Security Lock Slot
- Warranty: 3 Years
How the DiskStation performs is of paramount importance. Along with its security and failover technologies, it provides a generous amount of speed when using SSDs. To that, the installation of SSDs in this NAS will dramatically improve the speed at which data is written and retrieved in any of the file system formats chosen.
The DiskStation DS716+ has a matte black plastic case, rubber feet for stability and a vented grill on the side where Synology can be seen. Extra vents help to cool the drives and electronic components on the inside.
Each drive tray lever on the front has an individual lock that the included key can secure. This NAS system supports hot swapping of drives for quick maintenance.
Status lights on the front right show what is happening with disk access and for each Ethernet port. Its power button is located below the status indicator cluster. Additionally, there is a USB 3.0 port on the front with a copy button. This allows for devices to be attached and copied with a single touch.
To the back of the NAS; there are dual gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a power port, an eSATA port, a reset button and a Kensington Security locking slot. A nice feature of this system is that it alerts the user if its large fan fails, a beeping sound activates.
Administrating the NAS is easy with Synology’s DiskStation Manager 6.0 browser-based interface. It offers a private collaboration suite, virtualization technologies and more. Build your own private cloud with the DS716+ to provide access to its files anywhere, anytime.
Dual drive NAS systems work well in small business environments and the DiskStation DS716+ fits the bill with its advanced hardware encryption engine, HDD and SSD compatibility, dual Ethernet link aggregation and failover support, and its ability to transcode 4K video.
Final Thoughts
Synology’s DiskStation DS716+ provides professional users and small businesses access to a secure and scalable NAS system that performs well. Hot swappable drives, dual gigabit Ethernet ports with failover protection, Synology High Availability and its use of the BTRFS (copy on write) file system are multiple ways it protects your data.
Start with the dual drive option with SSD support and expand from there. Synology’s DiskStation Manager technology allows it to quickly become part of an enterprise network by downloading required settings, making setup a snap. Collaborate privately and access files by setting up a private cloud.
The diskless version of the Synology DiskStation DS716+ is currently available for $495.99 on Amazon.
Rated: 4.5/5.0
Pros:
- Hardware Transcoding Engine For 4K Video
- Link Aggregation & Ethernet Failover
- Supports 3.5” HDD & 2.5” SSD Disks
- AES-NI Encrypted Transfer Capable
- Quad-core CPU & 2GB of DDR3 RAM
- Scalable
- 3 Year Warranty
Cons:
- High Capacity SSDs Are Still Pricey
Disclosure: I received a Synology DiskStation DS716+ at no cost for review. I have not been compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are mine. Photos are courtesy of Synology.
