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Synology DS418j Budget-Friendly 4-Bay NAS Review

OS and Software Features

Media Streaming

A place where the Synology DiskStation DS418j will shine is in media streaming. With a long list of great multimedia apps, including Plex, the NAS is well equipped for the task. Synology’s own Media Player, the Video Station, is also among the powerful features. Whether you want to stream to computers, mobile devices, Samsung TV, Roku players, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, or general DLNA devices, the DS418j can do it.

Centralised and Secure Backup Storage

One thing you hear a lot when it comes to any device with storage is that you should back it up. There are many ways to do this, but if you have a NAS, why not use it. Whether you want to create backups from your PC or mobile device, from NAS to NAS, or other random backup tasks, Synology’s DSM will handle it with just a few steps of setup. While the NAS can act as your personal cloud storage while you’re on the go, it can also connect to various third-party cloud solutions for an extra layer or backup. Among backup options are multi-level solutions with up to 32 historical versions of a single file.

Remote Connection

If you want to use your NAS as a private cloud solution, you’ll need to be able to connect to it. There aren’t a lot of people who have a static IP address these days, but that’s no problem. With the QuickConnect feature, you can access your NAS easily from any location, and it’s a free service for all Synology users. You get a name of your choice which is a lot easier to remember than an IP address would be.

Now you can easily access files on your Synology NAS over the Internet without the hassle of setting up port forwarding rules, DDNS, or other complicated network settings. QuickConnect allows you to connect via a simple and customizable address (e.g. https://customID.quickconnect.to), so that you can instantly access media and work files on any Windows/Mac/Linux computer, laptop, or mobile device without additional charge.

More Functions

The above are the key features for which this particular NAS is intended. While that’s true, it does in no way mean that you are limited to them. Synology offers a lot more features and functionality through the installation of apps. You can run your own surveillance station where you connect your IP and WiFi cameras, run your own web and email server, or collaborate with people on shared files and documents. All your digital memories can easily be shared with your family and friends too, and even strangers if you want to. There are a whole lot of options.