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+
- Synology DS223
- Synology DS223j
- Comparison
Synology DS224+
Powerful 2-bay NAS device for home users and small offices, offering high performance and versatile usage options.
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)
Synology DS223
Reliable 2-bay NAS device for home users and small offices, offering good performance and wide usage options.
Specifications
- Processor: Dual-core Realtek RTD1619B 2.0 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB DDR4 (non-expandable)
- 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 232.7 mm
- Weight: 1.28 kg
- Power consumption: 17.343 W (access), 4.08 W (HDD hibernation)
Synology DS223j
Affordable 2-bay NAS device for home users, ideal for basic data storage and media streaming.
Specifications
- Processor: Dual-core Realtek RTD1619B 1.7 GHz
- RAM: 1 GB DDR4 (non-expandable)
- Storage: 2x 3.5" SATA HDD
- USB Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
- Network: 1x 1GbE (RJ-45)
- Bluetooth: ❌
- Zigbee/Thread: ❌
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 165 x 100 x 225.5 mm
- Weight: 0.88 kg
- Power consumption: 16.31 W (access), 4 W (HDD hibernation)
Comparison
Feature | DS224+ | DS223 | DS223j |
---|---|---|---|
Processor | Intel Celeron J4125 | Realtek RTD1619B | Realtek RTD1619B |
RAM | 2 GB (expandable to 6 GB) | 2 GB (non-expandable) | 1 GB (non-expandable) |
Maximum capacity | 40 TB | 40 TB | 40 TB |
Network ports | 2x 1GbE | 2x 1GbE | 1x 1GbE |
USB ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Plex support | Yes, with transcode | Limited | Very limited |
Power consumption | 14.69 W (access) | 17.34 W (access) | 16.31 W (access) |
Weight | 1.30 kg | 1.28 kg | 0.88 kg |
HA Installation
-
Log in to Synology DiskStation and open the Package Center.
-
Search for and install the Container Manager package and then launch it.
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.
-
In the Registry section, search for
homeassistant
. -
Select homeassistant/home-assistant and click Download.
-
Choose the latest version (
latest
) and wait for the image to download (approx. 2GB). -
In File Station, create a shared folder
docker
if it does not exist. -
In Container Manager, select the homeassistant image and click Run. Set:
- container name: e.g.,
homeassistant
- enable auto-restart:
yes
- container name: e.g.,
-
In Volume Settings, create a folder
homeassistant
in thedocker
directory. -
Inside the newly created
homeassistant
directory, create a folderconfig
. -
For the new volume, enter the path
/config
. -
In the settings, scroll down to the Network section and select the
Host
option. -
We are done, and we can move to the final step, where we have a summary of what we have set up.
-
And we are at the end. Now just click Done, and HomeAssistant will start and should be available at
http://homeassistant.local:8123
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).
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