My Comprehensive Backup Solution Unveiled: The DS1522+ NAS
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Chapter 1: Introduction to My Backup Journey
For a long time, I hesitated to discuss my backup system because it was frankly lacking. However, I've recently made significant improvements that I’m eager to share with you, especially as a busy content creator.
The Perks of Being a Tech YouTuber
One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a tech YouTuber is receiving amazing products for review. Recently, I was gifted a state-of-the-art NAS from Synology, and they even assisted with the installation!
Although this content isn’t sponsored, the generosity of Synology has inspired me to establish a reliable backup system, allowing me to sleep more soundly. Today, I want to introduce you to the DS1522+ DiskStation NAS and explain how it has completely changed the way I secure my important files.
Chapter 2: Understanding NAS Technology
What Exactly is a NAS?
You might be wondering, what does NAS mean? NAS stands for "network attached storage." Essentially, it functions like a personal Dropbox or iCloud Drive, but with more versatility.
A NAS is connected to your broadband router, allowing you to insert multiple hard drives, which can be configured for various storage and backup needs. This device is utilized by both businesses and individuals to centralize data access, regardless of location or device. Some even use NAS for streaming large media libraries, although this has diminished with the prevalence of services like Netflix. Synology also markets their NAS as a central hub for photo storage and home surveillance systems.
The Specifications of the Synology DS1522+
The DS1522+ is priced between £700 and £800, excluding drives, which might seem steep, but it’s an exceptional piece of technology.
The NAS is equipped with an AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, 8GB of memory (expandable to 32GB), five drive bays, two SSD cache slots, four LAN ports, and optional 10GbE networking.
You can expand the five drive slots to 15 with additional units. The SSD cache allows for quicker data transfers, although it cannot be used for storage. The DS1522+ can be managed through a user-friendly web interface, and it also supports external drive connections for macOS and Windows. Synology provides a ‘QuickConnect’ URL for secure remote access to your NAS.
Chapter 3: My Backup Configuration
Current Setup
At present, my NAS contains two 16TB drives (14TB usable), configured with Synology Hybrid RAID. This setup ensures that if one drive fails, the other continues to function seamlessly, allowing for easy replacement.
The NAS serves two primary purposes: first, it’s a secure location for my critical files, primarily video content, brand assets, blog images, and Final Cut Pro libraries. I also store b-roll footage and published videos for easy access, significantly streamlining my production workflow. The built-in sharing feature allows me to send links to collaborators and sponsors, saving time and reducing my reliance on services like Dropbox.
The second function of my DS1522+ is as a Time Machine backup for my Mac. I created a shared folder labeled “Time Machine” on the NAS, enabling it to serve as a backup destination for my 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Super Backups Android App Review - An overview of a backup solution for Android users, which also highlights key functionalities.
Additional Backup Solutions
I’ve also integrated Synology’s C2 cloud backup service with my DS1522+, allowing for automatic backups of selected folders to the cloud. This provides an essential offsite backup option for my data.
To further enhance my security, I have a 14TB external drive connected to the NAS that utilizes Synology’s Hyper Backup tool for automatic backups of selected files, ensuring that even if both NAS drives fail, I still retain copies of my most crucial data.
Lastly, Synology offers an iPhone app called Photos Mobile, which automatically uploads my photos and videos to the NAS for backup and easy access.
Chapter 4: Evaluating My Setup
Is This Too Much?
I acknowledge that my backup setup is quite extensive. I’ve transitioned from a basic system to one that might be considered overkill. However, it demonstrates the potential of building a comprehensive backup solution tailored to your needs over time.
For example, I have an additional Time Machine backup connected to my Synology router, meaning I have two Time Machine setups running simultaneously. I created a video detailing this more budget-friendly NAS solution.
Thoughts on the Synology DS1522+
The DS1522+ is a powerful NAS that may be excessive for many home users. However, I am already utilizing almost 40% of the available space, indicating I may need to expand my storage next year. The variety of options provided by the DS1522+ is impressive, appealing particularly to small businesses and tech enthusiasts.
While it is built robustly, the device can be noisy during data access, which may be a concern in quieter environments.
Conclusion
I’m curious to know if my experience with the DS1522+ has inspired you to consider your backup strategy. Do you have a solid backup system in place, or have I highlighted some gaps in your current setup? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
All Synology Backup Methods Explained - A detailed guide on various Synology backup options and how to choose the right one for your needs.
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