The NAS Redefined:
As you have probably heard us say several times at TechwareLabs, storage is an ever increasing need as is the availability and reliability of such storage. Simply having a device to store your data on serves no use if it is not available to you wherever you go. Just having storage is not good enough for many users, we need our data to be available to us across several PC’s and abroad. This is the very definition of what a network accessible storage device accomplishes. There are many devices on the market today, so selecting one to meet your needs has become difficult . . . until now. We have taken a look at several Synology devices in the past and our impression has always been good. It seems the engineers at Synology have the “everything and the kitchen sink” attitude towards their devices and the DS410j which we are reviewing today is no exception. So let’s start with a basic explanation of a NAS and what it does for you.
A NAS takes your standard hard drive storage and basically attaches it to an Ethernet card and makes it available on the network. Furthering this concept there are NAS devices which allow multiple hard drives to be used in different configurations and some have additional connectivity like USB, and eSATA as options. This is beneficial to a SOHO or small business in several ways:
- Less outlay of $cash$ for an actual file server.
- Ease of installation for those DIY’ers.
- Ease of access to data across several PC’s without carrying an external hard drive around.
- Centralization of data and access of data.
Taking that a step further Synology has expanded the functionality of their products by building in functionality in all manner of areas. You will soon see why the DS410j could very well be a perfect product.
You tested thoughput over a 10/100 switch? Why in the world wouldn’t you want to post meaningful numbers instead of this garbage? 12.5MB/s is the theoretical max of a 100Mb connection!
I understand your viewpoint and perhaps I should have clarified in the review. I tested using a 10/100 switch as unfortunately most SOHO and small businesses still employ as a standard those types of switches. Our numbers are therefore meaningful to the intended consumers of this device and not garbage.