The professional do-it-yourselfer – Synology or QNAP NAS
You have mastered level 2 with the Raspi? Level 3 with the old PC was fun for you, but you want a ‘turnkey’ solution now? Without crafts? Then it's time for Level 4: A dedicated NAS system from manufacturers such as Synology or QNAP!
Of course there are also Various other manufacturers, The two examples for the market should only show what is possible with such a solution.
What's better about it? Quite simply: You get a specially developed device that is optimized for continuous operation, runs energy-saving and shines with a lot of functions that go far beyond pure network storage. And the best part: You don't have to install Linux or tinker big – setup and operation are usually done by clicking on a chic web interface. But you can also file options, by container Other functions retrofitting or Completely different ways Let's go.
Does this sound too good to be true? Well, the thing has a catch, the fun is simply not cheap in comparison. Even used devices with various years of service life still achieve really good prices. Not everyone has several identical large plates lying around. Please pay attention when buying used Available remaining maturity, otherwise it will be with Updates against new security vulnerabilities difficult.
What do you need?
- A NAS with at least 2 hard drive bays, e.g.:
- Synology DS224+
- QNAP TS-233
- Two hard drives (e.g. 2x 4TB) for RAID1 to keep your data safe in the event of a disk failure.
- LAN cable and power connection, ideally via Gigabit or faster to the home network.
A few examples of what you can do with a Synology or QNAP NAS:
Private Cloud & File Sync
With Synology Drive or QNAP Qsync, users can set up their own cloud environment, similar to Dropbox or Google Drive, just completely under their own control and at no monthly cost. Files are automatically synchronized between NAS and PCs, laptops or smartphones. Via web apps or mobile apps, documents can be uploaded or retrieved on the go. With file versioning, older versions can be restored in case you accidentally overwrite or delete something.
Media server & Streaming
Both manufacturers offer integrated media servers (DLNA/UPnP) that provide movies, series, music or photos in the home network. Plex can also be installed to stream content to smart TVs, FireTV, AppleTV or smartphones, including automatic transcoding if the device requires a different format. This makes the NAS the central media hub for the whole family.
Backup & Data backup
Apps such as Synology Hyper Backup or QNAP Hybrid Backup Sync can automatically create backups on external hard drives, other NAS devices or cloud storage (e.g. Amazon S3, Google Drive). Backups of Windows and macOS devices can also be automatically stored on the NAS. Backups can be started on time or on events such as ‘new file detected’, eliminating the need for manual copying.
Hosting of websites & Applications
With Web Station, Synology offers an app that can be used to host static and dynamic websites, including support for PHP and MySQL/MariaDB. Docker makes it easy to install pre-built containers such as WordPress or Joomla, including their administrator portals. Plugins and themes can be expanded as desired, so that everything is possible from the simple private homepage to the professional blog – directly from your own NAS.
Camera monitoring & Security solutions
With Synology Surveillance Station or QNAP QVR Center, the NAS can be used as NVR (Network Video Recorder). IP cameras in and around the house are integrated, recordings are stored and motion alarms or notifications are set up if necessary. Practical: The apps offer recording schedules and allow access to live streams via app or browser.
User management & Access rights
In contrast to simple solutions such as the FritzBox NAS, Synology and QNAP offer professional user and group management. Fine-grained rights can be granted: Who can see, read or describe which folders? Guest accounts or external access (e.g. for friends, family or business partners) can also be set up securely.
VPN server & remote access
Both manufacturers make it possible to configure the NAS as a VPN server (PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN). So you can safely dial into your home network, use files or control the smart home as if you were at home. Many models also offer QuickConnect (Synology) or myQNAPcloud, which allows remote access without complicated router configuration.
Docker & Virtualization
Synology DSM (from Plus series) and QNAP NAS with sufficient CPU/RAM can run Docker containers. This makes it possible to install countless applications, from home automation (Home Assistant) to Git servers and developer tools. Some NAS models with x86 CPUs even support complete virtual machines, so Windows or Linux runs in a VM on the NAS.
Calendar, Contacts & Office features
Synology provides alternatives to Google or Microsoft services with apps such as Calendar and Contacts – including shared calendars, appointment invitations and smartphone synchronisation via CalDAV/CardDAV. With Synology Office or QNAP Office, documents can be edited together, comparable to Google Docs, but stored completely privately on your own NAS.
Parcel Centers & App Stores
Probably the biggest unique selling point: Both manufacturers offer their own app store (Synology Parcel Center / QNAP App Center), through which hundreds of applications can be installed directly on the NAS. These range from photo management (Moments, Photo Station) to music servers to tools for developers, IT professionals or creatives.
Conclusion:
Take your home network to a whole new level with a Synology or QNAP NAS. Not only do you have fast network storage, but you also have a powerful platform for backups, media, cloud, security and much more. Compared to level 1-3, it is the most expensive option, but there is no solution that is so professional, flexible and yet easy to use.
Synology and QNAP NAS are much more than just network storage. They are powerful, modular platforms that combine file servers, media center, cloud service, backup server, monitoring solution, web hosting, VPN gateway and much more in one device, conveniently operated via a modern web interface. This makes them ideal for anyone who wants more than simple storage solutions.
TL:DR
Benefits in Level 4 (Synology / QNAP)
RAID & Data security and backup & Versioning
- RAID level depending on model – protection against data loss in case of hard disk failure
- Hot-swap function (for many models): simply replace defective plate during operation
- Integrated software for automatic backups of PCs, laptops or smartphones
- Timed snapshots: Recover old versions of files
Media Server and Private Cloud
- Plex or DLNA server for streaming to smart TVs, consoles, tablets
- Audio/video transcoding for different devices (depending on model)
- Synology Drive or QNAP Qsync: Your own alternative to Dropbox, Google Drive & Co.
- Access from anywhere, including apps for Android and iOS
- Common calendars and contacts (e.g. Synology Calendar, Contacts)
Additional services and focus on security
- VPN servers, web servers, Docker containers, virtual machines
- Mail server, wiki, CRM systems – installable directly on the NAS as needed
- Download station: Automatically save torrents, FTP or HTTP downloads
- 2-factor authentication
- Certificates (SSL/TLS) for secure external access
- User and group management with very fine permissions
⁇ Disadvantages in Level 4 (Synology / QNAP)
- Even used, these devices are comparatively expensive
- Induction into the different options takes, learning curve steep
- Vendor LockIn can become problematic once support is discontinued
- Even in the smallest expansion stages, 2 hard drives are always required.
EN 
DE 
ES 
FR 
IT