Synology DiskStation DS413j review

Perhaps the best thing about a Synology NAS is its interface. The DiskStation DS413j runs Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.1 operating system. Our review model came with DSM 4.0 installed, but it’s easy to upgrade the NAS automatically over the internet, or manually using a file on a USB disk. When you connect to the NAS using your web browser, you’re provided with a windowed Graphical User Interface (GUI) that provides easy, user-friendly access to all of the NAS’s features, and there are plenty of them. By default, the DiskStation has the necessary tools for managing your storage, shares and iSCSI targets, as well as an FTP server, web-based remote access for users and an HTTP web server.

The latest version of Synology’s DiskStation Manager firmware provides an easy-to-use interface to control your NAS

A massive range of optional tools is available from Synology’s online Package Center. These include CloudStation, which allows you to synchronise data from your mobile devices and computers with the NAS no matter where you are, tools to help you manage your backup strategy, and add-ons for your web server, including MySQL and PHP management. You also get server-class features such as Asterisk IP telephony, a VPN server and even a DHCP server to take the role usually carried out by a router.

The DS413j’s transfer speeds and memory are no match for some of the more heavy-duty business-oriented NAS devices we’ve tested, but the price of this entry-level four-bay NAS makes it an extremely appealing option for SOHO users. It’s also fast enough for most common business uses, such as providing shared storage and a convenient backup target. It also benefits from Synology’s excellent DSM operating system and its massive range of easy-to-install packages. The DS413j can handle everything from streaming media across your network to running the back-end of a commercial website. It’s a Budget Buy.