Expanding Synology NAS Storage Capacity Over Time
Expanding the storage capacity of your Synology NAS over time can be easily achieved using various methods. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Adding Internal Hard Drives
The most common method is to add internal hard drives to your Synology NAS. Synology NAS devices typically come with multiple drive bays, allowing you to install additional hard drives as your storage needs grow. The number of available drive bays varies depending on the specific model.
Each hard drive bay can accommodate a specific capacity, such as 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch hard drives. Synology NAS devices support a wide range of hard drive capacities, giving you the flexibility to choose the size that best suits your needs.
2. Expanding Storage with Expansion Units
If you have maximized the internal drive bays available on your Synology NAS, you can further expand storage capacity by connecting expansion units. Expansion units are separate devices that connect to your NAS and provide additional drive bays.
Synology offers various expansion units that are compatible with different NAS models. These expansion units can be easily connected via SATA or eSATA connections, allowing you to seamlessly expand your storage capacity.
3. Utilizing Virtualization and Cloud Storage
Synology NAS devices support virtualization technologies, allowing you to create virtual machines (VMs) and allocate storage space as needed. By utilizing virtualization, you can create virtual volumes and dynamically allocate storage capacity to meet your changing requirements.
In addition to virtualization, Synology NAS devices offer seamless integration with popular cloud storage providers. You can set up cloud sync or backup tasks to utilize cloud storage as an extension of your NAS storage. This provides you with virtually unlimited storage options without the need to invest in additional hardware.
4. Upgrading Hard Drive Capacities
If you initially installed smaller-capacity hard drives in your Synology NAS, you can upgrade them to higher-capacity drives over time. Synology NAS devices support the process of replacing and upgrading hard drives without losing any data.
By removing a smaller-capacity drive and installing a higher-capacity drive, you can gradually increase the overall storage capacity of your NAS. Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides a straightforward process for upgrading drives while preserving your data integrity.
Remember to check the compatibility of the new drives or expansion units with your Synology NAS model and consult the official documentation or support resources provided by Synology for detailed instructions on installation and configuration.
