General
Processor	Realtek RTD1619B
Clock frequency	1,7 GHz
Main memory	2 GB
Type of memory	DDR4
Number of drives	2
Drive format	2.5"/3.5"
Drive interface	SATA III
RAID support	0/1/JBOD
LAN port	1 x 1 GbE RJ-45
USB ports	3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
Network protocols	SMB1 (CIFS), SMB2, SMB3, NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, NFS Kerberized sessions, iSCSI, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, WebDAV
Encoding	256-bit AES
Anti-theft protection	Kensington Lock
Operating system	DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Supported browsers	Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari
iSCSI support
SSD cache
TRIM support
4K transcoding
DLNA server
iTunes Server
BitTorrent client
WebDAV

The Synology DiskStation DS223 is a 2-bay NAS server designed as a central storage solution for small businesses and home-office environments. The device offers two drive bays for hard drives in 6,3 cm ( 2,5 inch ) or 8,9 cm ( 3,5 inch ) format with SATA-6Gb/s interface, supporting both HDDs and SSDs. It features a Quad-Core processor of type Realtek RTD1619B with a clock frequency of 1.7 GHz and is equipped with 2 GB DDR4 RAM, which according to specifications is not expandable. The platform operates via the DiskStation Manager (DSM), an integrated operating system that enables management, organization, and sharing of data through a user-friendly interface.

Applications

The DS223 is suitable for central data storage, data backup, multimedia management, and shared file access in small offices or home offices. Integrated functions such as DLNA server, iTunes server, BitTorrent client, and WebDAV enable flexible use for various application scenarios. Support for RAID configurations (0, 1, JBOD) provides additional security and performance options depending on requirements. The platform is also suitable for use as a private cloud, allowing files to be accessed from various devices.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device features three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (also referred to as USB 3.0), which can be used to connect external storage devices or printers. An RJ-45 port with 1 GbE network interface enables connection to the local network. Integrated 256-bit AES encryption provides high protection for sensitive data. Additional features include FTP server, iSCSI support, 4K transcoding, SSD cache, and TRIM support, which improves performance when using SSDs. A Kensington Lock screw hole provides physical theft protection.

Technology Explained Simply

The Realtek RTD1619B processor with four cores and a clock frequency of 1.7 GHz provides sufficient computing power for file access, streaming, and network traffic. The 2 GB DDR4 RAM capacity is sufficient for standard requirements of a 2-bay NAS, although not expandable, which limits maximum performance. The SATA-6Gb/s interface enables high data transfer rates between internal drives and the system. Support for RAID 0, 1, and JBOD offers flexibility in configuring the storage architecture – RAID 0 for maximum speed, RAID 1 for redundant backup, and JBOD for combining capacities.

Compatibility and Accessories

The DS223 is compatible with a variety of network protocols, including SMB1 (CIFS), SMB2, SMB3, NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, NFS Kerberized sessions, iSCSI, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and WebDAV. Support for these protocols ensures integration into various network environments and use of file systems on different operating systems. The devices are compatible with common browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, enabling access via web interfaces.

Installation and Mounting

Installation is performed via the integrated software platform DSM, accessible through a web browser. Setup includes configuring network settings, selecting the RAID configuration, and setting up user accounts and shares. The physical installation of hard drives takes place in the two designated slots within the device. Connections for USB devices and the network are located at the rear of the device. The device features a power on/off switch on the front panel.

Advantages in Operation

The DS223 offers energy-efficient operation, reducing operating costs. Integrated backup functions enable secure data storage, even over network connections. Support for 4K transcoding and DLNA servers makes the device a multimedia platform. Use as a private cloud enables secure access to files from anywhere with an internet connection. The combination of user-friendliness, security, and flexibility makes the DS223 a suitable solution for small workgroups.