DiskStation

DiskStation is Synology’s brand name for its line of network-attached storage devices designed for home and small to mid-sized business use. DiskStation devices provide centralized data storage, file sharing, and network services through an integrated operating system called DiskStation Manager (DSM). The DiskStation family encompasses desktop NAS units (the DS series) and, alongside it, rack-mount models marketed under RackStation for larger deployments.

DSM is a Linux-based, web-based operating system that runs on DiskStation hardware. It offers storage management features such as storage pools and volumes, various RAID configurations including Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), and data encryption. DiskStations support common network file protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, and FTP, enabling file access from Windows, macOS, and Linux clients. The platform is extendable through the Package Center, which provides applications for backup, virtualization, media management, surveillance, and more.

Key capabilities include data protection and backup tools (for local, cloud, and cross-device backups), virtualization and container support (via Virtual Machine Manager and Docker), and multimedia services (Video Station, Photo Station, and Media Server). Surveillance functionality is provided by Surveillance Station, which supports a range of IP cameras. Remote access is available through Synology's QuickConnect or dynamic DNS options, and DSM can integrate with enterprise authentication systems such as Active Directory or LDAP.

DiskStations are commonly used to store and protect digital files, enable file sharing across devices on a local network, and provide remote access to data. They are popular for home media libraries, small offices, and small to mid-sized businesses seeking centralized storage, data protection, and scalable services.