Packaging and A Closer Look
The Synology Packaging
Synology’s packaging is simple, and I like that. The cardboard box is only printed with the Synology and DiskStation logos while the rest is printed on two labels. That makes it effective and Synology doesn’t waste any resources on the packaging.
The front sticker has a picture of the included device as well as a list of its main features. In this case, it’s the 64-bit quad-core processor, 4K transcoding, adjustable LEDs, and the operating system.
The rear label has the product features, hardware, and included parts listed.
Inside, everything is packed up nice and secure.
Accessories
Besides the NAS, you get a power supply, a LAN cable, screws for the drive and case, and a quick installation guide. There’s also a C2 Backup trial code included with this NAS
Front View
Synology’s DS118 is slim enough to hide in many locations. After all, a NAS just has to work, it doesn’t have to be seen. When it is seen, it still looks great with the matte black finish and Synology logos on the sides.
There are three LEDs at the top. System status, LAN, and drive activity is shown here.
Further down the front is the power button which also has a built-in LED light.
Rear View
All connections are on the rear side of the DS118. Here are two USB 3.0 ports for external storage, wireless networking or Bluetooth dongles, or printers. Next to the USB ports is the LAN port for your network. There’s also a power plug for the PSU and a Kensington lock for physical security.
Above the connectors is the cooling, a 60mm fan. The silent fan won’t make a lot of noise and it will be less audible than the HDD you install into the DS118.
Bottom and Side View
Both sides have the Synology logo prominently displayed. The logo isn’t just for looks, it also acts as an intake area for the cooling. Fresh air can also enter through the bottom and the front while it is exhausted to the rear
Four large feet, at least for the device size, keep the NAS firmly seated and offer a secure stand.
Drive Trays
The DS118 has no drive trays and the one drive there’s room for is mounted inside. The case is easy to open, so it’s no hassle to install.
HDD Installation
The DS118 is suited for HDDs without the middle mounting hole too, such as my IronWolf 10TB drives. Without the last mounting bracket, the drive would have wobbled and it wouldn’t be secure.
However, the drive is only secured on one side with the last screw. The drive is still safely mounted and it’s nothing to worry about.
Great review Bohs!!
I would like to ask you a question: is it possible to connect an USB WiFi dongle to the DS118? I was thinking about the ASUS AC56, but can’t find any data of it. Even on Synology web site, there is no option to look for Wifi dongles for the DS118. Starting to wonder if this is a problem of data not being actualized for the DS118 model, or maybe it is not compatible at all.
Thanks a lot in advance,
Jordi
In general, Synology’s DSM does support wireless network and Bluetooth dongles – however – I haven’t tested it on the DS118 directly. There might be issues with specific USB dongles due to driver support, but most should work. At this point, my best advice would be to generally search for which USB WiFi adapters other people successfully have used on Synology NAS. It doesn’t matter which device in the end, whether it’s the DS118 or another DiskStation.
I don’t have any WiFi dongles in the office currently except for a “slow” Linksys AC600 one (WUSB6100M), so I can’t test it for compatibility with the AC56.
Alternatively, you could try and contact Synology directly through their support. They might be able to come with more specific information in regard to the ASUS AC56.