Expansion for DS212+

[mrpiii]

I'm considering a DS212+ but would like a system that I can expand. One reason it is attractive is it has an eSATA port. I was surprised though that it does not support any of the Synology expansion units which connect via eSATA. Is this an error or should I consider a different server? Any insight appreciated.

[HarryPotter]

DS212+ cant be expanded. If you need a 2bay model that can be used with an expansion unit, then choose the DS712+.

[nahanni whisky]

on page 4 of the quick install guide for the DS212+, it states:

The eSATA port is used to connect external SATA disk or Synology Expansion Unit to Synology DiskStation.

could it mean that there will be a new expansion unit to accommodate the DS212+ — or is it just a misprint? if it's a misprint i may have to return my DS212+.

[HarryPotter]

The product names tells it:
DS212+ => 2 HD
DS712+ => 2 + 5 = 7 HD

If you want to be sure, contact Synology Get help with a Product Question or request a Feature

[nahanni whisky]

for anyone else weighing the difference between a DS212+ and a DS212, i received this response from synology:

The DS212+ can accept the DX510 as an expansion unit, with a few important notes. The volume cannot span both devices, so it will need to have a separate volume on the DX510. Additionally, the DX510 can be powered down by the DS212+, but not powered on by it.

personally, i don't find this to be a bad trade off at all.

[HarryPotter]

Good to know, thanks for this clarification.

[badeavasile]

"eSATA connections require the host computer to support Port Multiplier technology"; Does DS212+ support Port Multiplier technology for eSATA and USB3.0 ??? I've just ordered a Synology DS212+ (I'll get it by tomorrow morning) and I need to know if I can use one 4-Bay eSATA docking station like the one you see right here:

http://eu.startech.com/HDD/Docking/4-Ba ... ATDOCK4U3E

along with my new Synology NAS ...so that all four external HDDs in JBOD config would be shared and visible to DSM 3.2 through eSATA or USB 3.0 connection. Thank you in advance. Synology rocks

[badeavasile]

I bought the DS212+ for the extra connectivity features. I assume that on DS212+ the eSATA is a feature of the Marvell 88SX7042-BDU1 controller, which provides the DS212+ with two SATA 3Gb/s ports... and the now popular NEC/Renesas PD720200 USB 3.0 host controller which provides the pair of USB 3.0 ports at the rear of the DS212+ ...both chips are supporting, in theory, port multiplying (USB 3.0 can accept external active hubs). Synology kindly suggested me it might just work, but they have to test it yet. Anyone run into this issue by now?

[koso]

I'm in the same question about proper synchronizing of DS 212+ with nearly the same StarTech 2-bay (instead of Badeavasile's 4-bay) USB 3.0 docking station which I want to use for an external backups in connection with DS212+.

I have written an email to StarTech.com with following Question:

"We are seriously interested in purchasing of your dual docks :
> (http://eu.startech.com/HDD/Docking/~SATDOCK2U3EU)
>
> Model Name: SATDOCK2U3EU
>
> For a flawless synchronising with the existing HW in our company first I need to know whether the chipset Asmedia ASM1051 used inside of your SATDOCK2U3EU will be properly working with our Synology NAS servers?
>
> We symply have Synology NAS servers in our company and we are afraid about their compatibility and flawless data running through USB 3.0 connection. I have read in many forums, that some controllers exhibit random disconnection issues especially during a high volume (over 1TB) data transfers!
> Just by chance -> can you confirm from your own experience a smooth cooperation of your SATDOCK2U3EU with the Synology NAS servers?"

and received from them following Answer:
" Thank you for your inquiry! We can't speak specifically for the Synology NAS servers, but the computer will recognize these as usb external hard drives with the common "USB Mass storage driver".
>
> If your system is able to use a usb3 drive enclosure without issues then there shouldn't be any reason you won't be able to use the docking style either.
>
> If you have any further questions, please contact us.
>
> Sincerely,
> Joe St.Louis
> Technical Advisor
> StarTech.com Ltd.".

Please, Badeavasile, have you got any new news regarding this topic? Or maybe you could already drop some of your own experiences - you probably already are running both DS212+ together with your 4-Bay eSATA docking station?
Thanks for your helping practical info in advance!

[koso]

Please, Badeavasile, have you got any new news regarding this topic? Or
maybe you could already drop some of your own experiences - you probably
already are running both DS212+ together with your 4-Bay eSATA docking
station?
Thanks for your helping practical info in advance!

[badeavasile]

Please, Badeavasile, have you got any new news regarding this topic? Or
maybe you could already drop some of your own experiences - you probably
already are running both DS212+ together with your 4-Bay eSATA docking
station?
Thanks for your helping practical info in advance!

I've been using once my DS212+ along with a dual bay Icy Box eSATA docking station with no problem whatsoever. Sharing through DSM 3.2 works fine. Looking forward for the 4-bay JBOD docking solution. In my experience eSATA connection is more reliable than USB connection (on the long term high speed data transfer; need more time for testing USB 3.0). Please keep in mind that your hardware should be properly powered, otherwise is a bad docking station and problems could occur.

[Nickilford]

Hi,

Badeavasile, my experience is the exact opposite. I'm unable to backup to external HD via eSata. The DS212+ recognizes the external but refuses to format it and then it just disappears from DSM>External devices. I'm ok with USB 2.0 though, but I'm disappointed as I was expecting to use eSata. I've posted this problem in the Hardware compatibility section but no help so far.

[ntm1275]

Hi,

Badeavasile, my experience is the exact opposite. I'm unable to backup to external HD via eSata. The DS212+ recognizes the external but refuses to format it and then it just disappears from DSM>External devices. I'm ok with USB 2.0 though, but I'm disappointed as I was expecting to use eSata. I've posted this problem in the Hardware compatibility section but no help so far.

I have no idea if your issue is the same as I had, but I had issues with certain hard drives in an external IcyDock eSATA enclosure (USB was fine)

The issue was down to the internal chips of the IcyDock not being able to recognise certain hard discs and was not a Synology problem

Try plugging the external drive in to a PC via eSATA to see if the PC recognises it
If not, then you may have the same issue as me

[Nickilford]

I have no idea if your issue is the same as I had, but I had issues with certain hard drives in an external IcyDock eSATA enclosure (USB was fine)

The issue was down to the internal chips of the IcyDock not being able to recognise certain hard discs and was not a Synology problem

Try plugging the external drive in to a PC via eSATA to see if the PC recognises it
If not, then you may have the same issue as me

I returned the external HD (G-Tech G-Drive) and Apple sent me a replacement only to find out the the problem persisted. I'm now getting a refund and am looking at Icy Box enclosures with eSata connections (ICY BOX 3.5" SATA2 - USB2.0/ESATA (IB-390STUS-B).
The G-Drive when connected to a PC with eSata worked fine. Another HD was connected via eSata to a Synology DS212+ with no problem (tested by the guys that sold me the DS).

[badeavasile]

That's one thing I really like the raidsonic products And delock connectivity too...