Skip to main content

NAS Synology

Synology NAS devices play a significant role in home and small business networks for data storage, backup, and media sharing. Three models - DS224+, DS223, and DS223j - offer different levels of performance and features for various user needs, including the ability to host Home Assistant in the HA Container version - thus HA Supervisor and add-ons are not available.

Pros

  • Powerful DSM software: All models support Synology DSM, which offers a wide range of applications and features, including Docker for installing Home Assistant.
  • Ease of use: Intuitive web interface and mobile apps for easy management and data access.
  • Storage flexibility: Support for various RAID configurations for data protection.
  • Low power consumption: Efficient operation with low power consumption, especially for J series models.
  • Quiet operation: All models are designed for quiet operation, ideal for home environments.
  • Stability and reliability: Suitable for continuous operation of Home Assistant without frequent reboots.

Cons

  • Network connection limitations: Most models are limited to 1GbE ports, which can be limiting for fast data transfer.
  • Limited expansion options: Especially for lower models, there is no option to expand RAM or add SSD cache.
  • Higher initial cost: Compared to some competing solutions, Synology NAS can be more expensive, but they offer a comprehensive solution for Home Assistant and other home services.
  • Performance limitations for lower models: DS223j has limited performance for more demanding applications.
  • Lack of advanced features in basic models: Some advanced features are only available in higher models.

These Synology NAS devices offer a robust platform for hosting Home Assistant and other home services. The DS224+ is most suitable for demanding users with complex Home Assistant setups, while the DS223 offers a good compromise between performance and price. The DS223j is suitable for basic Home Assistant installations and users with a limited budget. The choice depends on specific performance, storage requirements, and the planned scope of the smart home solution.

Synology DS224+

Powerful 2-bay NAS device for home users and small offices, offering high performance and versatile usage options.

Synology 224+

Specifications

  • Processor: Quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 2.0 GHz, burst up to 2.7 GHz
  • RAM: 2 GB DDR4 (expandable up to 6 GB)
  • Storage: 2x 3.5"/2.5" SATA HDD/SSD
  • USB ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
  • Network: 2x 1GbE (RJ-45)
  • Bluetooth:
  • Zigbee/Thread:
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 165 x 108 x 232.2 mm
  • Weight: 1.30 kg
  • Power consumption: 14.69 W (access), 4.41 W (HDD hibernation)

HA Installation

  1. Log in to Synology DiskStation and open the Package Center.

  2. Search for and install the Container Manager package and then launch it.

    Synology Container Manager

    What is Container Manager?

    Container Manager is a virtualization application that allows running thousands of docker containers in the DSM system. Docker Hub, a popular built-in repository, offers access to applications from developers around the world.

  3. In the Registry section, search for homeassistant.

    Synology Container HomeAssistant

  4. Select homeassistant/home-assistant and click Download.

  5. Choose the latest version (latest) and wait for the image to download (approx. 2GB).

    Synology Container Tag

  6. In File Station, create a shared folder docker if it does not exist.

    Synology Shared drive

  7. In Container Manager, select the homeassistant image and click Run. Set:

    • container name: e.g., homeassistant
    • enable auto-restart: yes

    Synology Container Start

  8. In Volume Settings, create a folder homeassistant in the docker directory.

    Synology Container Create folder

  9. Inside the newly created homeassistant directory, create a folder config.

    Synology Container Create folder 2

  10. For the new volume, enter the path /config.

    Synology Container Create folder 4

  11. In the settings, scroll down to the Network section and select the Host option.

    Synology Container Create folder 5

  12. We are done, and we can move to the final step, where we have a summary of what we have set up.

    Synology Container Create folder 6

  13. And we are at the end. Now just click Done, and HomeAssistant will start and should be available at http://homeassistant.local:8123

Note

If you still do not see anything in the last step, try to find out the IP address of the NAS and connect using it, i.e., http://X.X.X.X:8123 (replace X.X.X.X with the NAS IP address).

Comments