At first we would like to thank Synology for offering a sample of their DS416 4-bay NAS Server for testing and reviewing.

 

About Synology:

"Founded in 2000, Synology is a young and energetic company dedicated to developing high-performance, reliable, versatile, and environmentally-friendly Network Attached Storage (NAS) products. Our goal is to deliver user-friendly solutions and solid customer service to satisfy the needs of businesses, home offices, individual users and families."

High-speed data transfer and hardware encryption engine

 

Featuring a dual-core processor with hardware encryption engine, DS416 delivers blazingly fast file transfer speeds – even when handling encrypted data. With Link Aggregation enabled, DS416 delivers average reading and writing speeds of 220 MB/s and 140 MB/s respectively, while encrypted file transfers remain quickly retrievable, with performance exceeding 146 MB/s reading and 65 MB/s writing.

 

Dual LAN ports with failover and Link Aggregation

 

Equipped with two Ethernet ports featuring failover and Link Aggregation support, DS416 ensures continual network uptime even if LAN connection malfunction occurs on one port, reducing the chance of service disruption and costly downtime. Link Aggregation improves connection speeds beyond the limits of a single network cable or port.

 

USB 3.0 ensures speedy transfers to external storage

 

DS416 optimizes your working experience by enabling faster and more efficient data transfers. Equipped with one USB 3.0 interface in the front panel for quick access, and two USB 3.0 interfaces in the back, for external storage access is made fast and easy.

 

Easy installation, hassle-free maintenance

 

Easy installation and hot-swappable disk support ensures easy maintenance and continuous service uptime should a disk need replacement. In addition, DS416 incorporates a passive cooling design to reduce dependency on the dedicated processor cooling fan, thus mitigating any critical point of failure. When the system detects a fan failure, the built-in redundancy mechanism ensures continuous operation until the replacement fan arrives.

 

Award winning OS - DiskStation Manager

 

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is a sleek, browser-based operating system running on every DiskStation and RackStation, which makes managing your Synology NAS a breeze. Featuring an intuitive user interface, DSM makes accessing and sharing your data smarter and simpler. Synology's Package Center lets you download and install useful add-on packages designed specifically for individual or business needs, meaning you can enjoy more entertainment in your life or better productivity at work.

 

Ultimate file center

 

File Station is a fast and secure feature for sharing and managing your files stored on DS416. Just drag-n-drop and upload data from Mac or PC. Advanced filters make it easy to search for documents, photos, or videos. With built-in FTP or email clients, DS416 lets you organize and share files through an advanced web application effortlessly. You can even share files and folders with others by simply sending a link. Files can be reached on mobile devices via the companion mobile app DS file. HTTPS, SSL/TLS encryption, and link expiry dates also ensure file sharing over the Internet is highly secure.

 

The most compatible sharing

 

Enjoy seamless files sharing across Windows®, Mac®, and Linux® platforms as DS416 offers comprehensive network protocol support including FTP, SMB2, AFP, NFS and WebDAV. With Windows AD and LDAP integration, DS416 can fit effortlessly into any existing network environment - there is no need for IT administrators to maintain two sets of credentials. You also won't worry about missing files with the Recycle Bin feature which is supported on AFP, CIFS, File Station, and WebDAV. All files deleted in a shared folder will be automatically moved into the Recycle Bin.

 

Fit into business environments easily

 

With the support of Windows AD, LDAP, and Domain Trust, DS416 enables seamless account integration. The User Home feature can automatically create a "home" folder for every user account to minimize the administrator's effort in repeatedly creating "home" folders for all accounts. Windows ACL support on DS416 allows IT administrators to fine tune access controls and set up privileges to files and folders on DS416 through the familiar Windows user interface. With compatibility for major protocols, DS416 can eliminate server configuration overhead and enhance IT administrators’ efficiency.

 

All-in-One server

 

Offering rich office applications, DS416 can serve as your multi-function server. With add-on packages Mail Server and Mail Station, DS416 can become a dedicated mail server, and let you enjoy complete webmail service. DS416 can become a VPN server or VPN client. The comprehensive VPN service let you access resources remotely while maintaining security protocols. As a printer server, DS416 minimizes businesses' operating costs by sharing printing resources throughout the office. Administration and network tools, such as DNS Server, Directory Server, RADIUS Server, DHCP Server, and Log Center help you manage IT deployment and policies more efficiently. Maximize resource utilization with DS416!

 

Increase business productivity with cloud solutions

 

With comprehensive cloud solutions, DS416 lets you create your own private cloud easily. Cloud Station is the perfect package to sync files across multiple devices. Files can be edited in offline mode and later synced to Cloud Station, which keeps up to 32 historical versions, allowing you to restore a file back to previous version or recover deleted files. With the mobile app DS cloud, any change made to a file is automatically synced to your smartphones and tablets. For distributed enterprises, Synology's 2-way sync between different DiskStations ensures employees at different locations share the same information in real-time. IT administrators can handpick individual folders that they want to sync to different devices, manually or automatically based on file format and size. Folders synced by Cloud Station can be encrypted on DSM — no one will be able to access its content without your private key.

 

Secure your data

 

DS416 offers advanced security measures to protect you from potential security holes. Security Advisor analyzes system settings, password strength, network preferences and removes any possible malware. AppArmor blocks malicious programs from accessing unauthorized system resources. You can also customize the trust level in Package Center to avoid installing packages from untrusted sources, safeguarding your NAS from unknown or tampered files. In addition, DS416 provides other security add-ons, such as AES encryption, 2-Step verification, IP block & allow list, Antivirus packages, firewall, and DoS attack prevention.

 

Get mobility with our apps

 

Synology develops versatile mobile apps — DS note, DS audio, DS video, DS photo+, DS cloud, DS file, DS download and DS cam — allowing you to access and manage the contents of your DS416 with smartphones and tablets. QuickConnect brings an easier network experience as it eliminates complicated router configuration or port forwarding. With Synology mobile apps, your multimedia collection and work files are always on the go.

 

Eco-friendly NAS server

 

All Synology NAS is designed with energy efficiency in mind. DS416 only consumes 10.14W in HDD Hibernation and 31.96W in access. The support of Wake on LAN/WAN and scheduled power on and off can further reduce power consumption and operation cost. Synology acknowledges the responsibility as a global citizen, so all Synology products are produced with RoHS compliant parts and packed with recyclable packing materials.

 

In this current review we are going to take a look at another NAS from the reputable Synology company and to be more exact the mainstream DS416 model which has at its heart the Annapurna Labs Alpine AL-212 CPU with two cores running at 1.4GHz and it is accompanied by 1GB of DDR3. The system can house up to 4 drives in different RAID configurations, does features two LAN ports for LAG or failsafe purposes and is built around a well-known chassis we have seen before with many other models. Let’s get a bit into more detail by checking out the packaging then! For this model, Synology has chosen to use a plain cardboard box of medium size; it is also provided with a handle for easy manipulation:

 

 

 

Synology has included the DS416 in its “Value” series of products and some of the main product features are included on a separate sticker:

 

 

 

If we check a bit on the sides, we will get to see some pictograms representing additional product functionality options:

 

 

 

 

Another sticker is also present on the side which shows the product main components and hardware details:

 

 

 

As we have been already accustomed from other previously tested products by Synology, the manufacturer includes various compartments for storing the bundle:

 

 

 

Speaking of the bundle, we will receive one power lead, the power adapter, two LAN cables but also mounting screws for 2.5’’ drives:

 

 

 

As documentation, we will receive a Quick Installation Guide leaflet:

 

 

 

 

The power adapter was manufactured by PGB and is rated on the output as 12V, 7.5A:

 

 

 

Besides the internal cardboard layer, the NAS chassis is also covered by a thin layer of foam material:

 

 

 

The chassis is similar to the one we have seen back in 2012 with their DS412+ model and considering that it has been established as a very solid design, the manufacturer has decided to re-use it for future models; in the front, the bay cover is made from shiny black plastic, which is also covered by a transparent plastic film layer in order to avoid scratches during transit:

 

 

 

Its removal will reveal the four drive bays, each which is populated with a plastic tray:

 

 

 

On the top, we will get to see the numbering for each bay, via white dots:

 

 

 

On the right side we have the activity LEDs for the System status and each bay:

 

 

 

In the bottom right corner, we’ve got an USB 3.0 port along with the Power button (also fitted with a blue LED):

 

 

 

Also, in the bottom left corner we will get to see the product code name:

 

 

 

By removing all the plastic trays, we will get to see the metallic frame inside, the two back fans but also the daughter board which holds the SATA Data/Power connectors:

 

 

 

The lateral sides of the DS416 NAS are fitted with the Synology logo, which also represents ventilation grills:

 

 

 

 

Two silent 92mm fans can be spotted in the back which do cool the internals:

 

 

 

On the bottom left side we will be able to spot on Reset button, two LAN ports, one Kensington lock port, the DC-IN 12V port but also two USB 3.0 ports:

 

 

 

A sticker with the product power rating, serial number and MACs is available on the right:

 

 

 

The bottom area of the chassis does feature additional ventilation grills along with four black rubber feet:

 

 

 

A quick look at the plastic bays does reveal the same design we have seen before:

 

 

 

The laterals feature removable plastic adapters, which do help keep 3.5’’ drives in place without the need of using screws:

 

 

 

 

After the removing these adapters, we will be able to spot additional rubber grommets which help with vibration dampening in case we decide to use screws for mounting and not use the screwless design:

 

 

 

Additional holes are drilled into the trays for housing 2.5’’ drives:

 

 

 

For testing purposes, we will install our trusty SSDs in RAID0 configuration:

 

 

 

 

After we have powered on the NAS and connected it physically to the network, it is easier to find it for immediate configuration via the supplied Synology Assistant:

 

 

 

Several options are available to us when clicking on the listed server:

 

 

 

The next configuration steps will take place in the web interface:

 

 

 

We are offered to download and install the latest available DSM if it is not already present on the server:

 

 

 

Before installation, we will be warned that all present data will be erased from the drives:

 

 

 

Next we will have to sit back and wait till the installation completes itself:

 

 

 

After this step has been completed, we will be redirected to the next configuration steps:

 

 

 

DSM can schedule an update schedule so we will always have our server up-to-date:

 

 

 

QuickConnect can be also set up and enabled right away so we will have access from our server via Internet:

 

 

 

As an optional installation step, we will be prompted to download some of the Synology recommended packages:

 

 

 

That is about it!

 

 

 

We can afterwards log in to the interface to check the configuration and the system status:

 

 

 

We were updated right away that a newer software version is available so we went on and performed the action:

 

 

 

After the system has been rebooted again, we did check the volumes made by the wizard; we have found a SHR configuration with data protection of 1 disk fault-tolerance, so we will delete it and create a brand new RAID0 configuration for maximum performance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The login screen of the DSM interface is configurable and easy accessible; the default appearance also shows the date/time on the left side:

 

 

 

DSM looks like a regular operating system desktop, together with widgets and a top bar with additional menus:

 

 

 

 

The User icon comes with different commands we can send to the server:

 

 

 

We also have an area reserved for notifications:

 

 

 

A drop-down menu is accessible from the top left corner, which will show all currently installed and available applications:

 

 

 

Let’s go first to the Control Panel section which is the place to alter system settings; the menus are split into different categories like File Sharing, Connectivity, System or Applications:

 

 

 

The Shared Folder area will help us define new folders and assign permissions:

 

 

 

Next, we can work with different File Services options:

 

 

 

New users can be defined from the next area:

 

 

 

Same thing we can say about new groups:

 

 

 

From the Domain/LDAP sub-section, we will be able to join a domain by supplying the correct credentials, but also work with LDAP or SSO Client protocols:

 

 

 

QuickConnect is the feature we have reminded about before and it does help easy connecting to our server from anywhere:

 

 

 

 

Other External Access options can be configured from the next menu like DDNS, Router Configuration and so on:

 

 

 

The Network settings have a dedicated menu ready:

 

 

 

If we have compatible dongles connected to the unit (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), the options for configuration will be present in the next menu:

 

 

 

Security options can be also configured in a special section:

 

 

 

Info Center is the area where we can check more details regarding the system; this includes General info, Network details, Storage info, currently running Services and general Usage sharing options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Login Style menu can be customized with our choices, including a custom logo:

 

 

 

Regional Options menu is next:

 

 

 

Media Indexing options are next; the small “issue” which has remained in effect throughout all new firmware revisions is the fact that only the image files located in “/photo” will be added to Photo Station after they have been indexed:

 

 

 

Notifications about the system can be sent out via Email, SMS or Push Services:

 

 

 

With Task Scheduler we can create new tasks which can be automated:

 

 

 

Hardware and Power menu can allow us work with Power Recovery options, Beep Control, Power Schedules, HDD Hibernation options, UPS connectivity options and so on:

 

 

 

External Devices connected to our server will be shown in the next menu:

 

 

Update & Restore menu offers automatic update services but we can also specify a custom file the update should be performed from; here we can also perform a backup of the current system configuration or factory reset the server:

 

 

Web Services menu is next; for certain modules, we will be asked to enable Web Station:

 

 

Custom Privileges can be defined for different applications (modules) which do appear on the list:

 

 

We do also have an Application Portal section:

 

 

Terminal & SNMP options are also available:

 

 

For working with the files/folders within our server, we do have the File Station module ready:

 

 

 

Here are some of the file/folder operations we can perform with it:

 

 

 

Backup & Replication menu is handy when we do want to save our sensitive info on other systems too:

 

 

 

 

DSM Help is next, which allows us to learn the interface more in-depth for a more efficient operation:

 

 

 

Package Center will permit the user to install or remove modules; these are also organized in different categories for the administrator to find the desired application faster:

 

 

 

 

Resource Monitor is quite self-explanatory and allows the user to watch closely the system resource consumption and many more:

 

 

 

Storage Manager is the place to go after the initial setup in order to create Disk Groups, new Volumes and so on:

 

 

 

 

A simple Text Editor is provided by default by DSM:

 

 

 

System logs can be checked out in detail from the Log Center area:

 

 

 

A Security Advisor area is available inside DSM which will scan for system problems and provide solutions:

 

 

 

 

Support Center allows an easier access to the Synology help team:

 

 

 

After the audio files have been indexed, they will also show up inside Audio Station application for easy browsing. Audio Station is also Internet Radio-enabled:

 

 

 

 

Cloud Station is another model from Synology which allows transforming our DS416 into a private storage cloud and allows data sync between devices:

 

 

 

Next we would like to remind of the Download Station, which supports drag-and-drop and we can use it for downloading the latest torrents; a search option is also available from within the application:

 

 

 

Media Server will allow the NAS to be detected by other media player devices on the network for easy browsing of indexed content:

 

 

 

Photo Station 6 is an easy way to define, organize and browse between different photo albums:

 

 

 

 

Video Station will work on the indexed files and together with different Internet services we will get a nice presentation of movies or TV shows before playback, similar to Plex:

 

 

 

 

 

Antivirus Essential is a free service which will scan for viruses the files residing on our server:

 

 

 

We can also install and run a Mail Server on the Synology NAS:

 

 

 

 

For creating more fancy documents, we have Note Station to our disposal:

 

 

 

PrestaShop is also available for installation but it does have some prerequisites like MariaDB and Web Station:

 

 

 

WordPress installation is also quite straight-forward:

 

 

 

If we do own Apple Devices, we can install iTunes Server module for easy browsing of multimedia content:

 

 

 

The Plex media player service is also available as standalone:

 

 

 

 

Test Setup

 

CPU : Intel I5 4690K Retail

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14

Motherboard : BIOSTAR GAMING Z97X

RAM : GeIL EVO CORSA 16GB 2400MHz C11

(2GB Exceleram DDR1333 for NASPT compatibility)

Video : HIS 280X

Power Supply : Cooler Master 850W

SSD : OCZ Vertex 4 256GB

Case: Cooler Master ATCS840

 

To test the NAS performances, the DS416 NAS was populated with one OCZ Vertex 4 SSD along with one KingFast SLC E-Drive in RAID 0, formatted with a single volume and the NAS was connected directly to the computer, to avoid any limitations by implying additional hardware like a router. The first simple test was performed by loading the test file onto a RAM drive and then it was copied to the NAS, on its shared folder. The speed was recorded with Total Commander:

 

 

The second test was to copy the same file back to the computer; for eliminating any HDD speed limitations, the file was copied back to the RAM drive:

 

 

For performing a more advanced test, the Intel NAS Performance Toolkit was used, for performing 5 different test runs. Here are the results:

 

 

As extras, we have also included ATTO Disk Benchmark and Anvil:

 

ATTO Disk Benchmark

 

 

Anvil

We have performed the same benchmarks but this time with an encrypted folder:

 

Total Commander Copy Performance

 

 

Total Commander Read Performance

 

 

Intel NAS Performance Toolkit

 

ATTO Disk Benchmark

 

Anvil Utilities

 

By employing the low-power Annapurna Labs Alpine AL-212 32-bit CPU along with 1GB of DDR3 RAM memory, the DS416 was not designed to break any records, but supply enough performance and reliability for both home and SMB users. The product does feature dual LAN interfaces which support Link Aggregation (mostly used in larger enterprise environments), but the second link can be used for failover as well. DS416 is built on a proven chassis model but does not come with a HDMI interface too in order to use the NAS as a standalone Media Center while connected on our TV.

 

DSM is quite complex but at the same easy to use web interface; for inexperienced users it does also come with a help section together with screenshots and explanations so they can get up to speed with the main functions. Recommended Synology applications can be installed right away from the setup wizard and we only need to organize the multimedia content in the right directories so indexing procedure will begin. Different other web services like PrestaShop, WordPress, Mail Station and so on can be installed but keep in mind that we only have 1GB of RAM to our disposal.

 

The performance of the server is good and can max out a single Gigabit link quite easy when transferring large file, but when using encryption we will see a bit of drop in performance.

 

Synology DS416 can be found online for about 440 Euros, which we think that it is a good price for what we do have offered (both home and SMB wise).

 

Synology DiskStation DS416 4-bay NAS is Recommended For:

 

 

We would like to thank again to Synology for making this review possible!