Add a DX517 extension or go with another NAS?

[senseimitch]

I am getting ready to expand my synology footprint to include a backup copy of my data. I currently have a DS920+ with 1 volume. I am leaning toward getting the DX517 to add another volume that I can replicate my data to. The other option would be to add a second DS920+ but that is more expensive.

Thoughts?

 

[Rusty]

The other option would be to add a second DS920+ but that is more expensive.

This.

Backing up one volume to a secondary volume on the same hw is not really a backup. Also if anything happens to the 920 unit you can’t get to your secondary volume unless you hook it up to another compatible main unit.

my2c

 

[EAZ1964]

my 10cts: If it is for backup: go for a second nas, a DS423+ is similary priced as DX517 and may serve you well as a backup target. In case of emergency as backup nas as well.

 

[Telos]

If it is for backup

... a j-series could be used for backups (but otherwise no heavy lifting).

 

[AcetoneUK]

You could also look at refurbished units on the Synology site, they currently have 918+ and 420+ for less than a dx517

 

[BoosterT]

I am getting ready to expand my synology footprint to include a backup copy of my data. I currently have a DS920+ with 1 volume. I am leaning toward getting the DX517 to add another volume that I can replicate my data to. The other option would be to add a second DS920+ but that is more expensive.

Thoughts?

I would avoid an extension unit, They are finicky and because they are tethered metaphorically and literally to the main unit, things can mess up. I speak from experience <sigh> Given the cost of DX517, you're better off with an independent unit that can serve as a backup or a second NAS.

Stephen

 

[fredbert]

As already said, the expansion unit is part of the main NAS unit and so it's storage pool* and volume/s will be accessible should anything malicious or erroneous happen on the NAS.

Go for a second NAS unit. It doesn't have to be as powerful, it just has to be able to run Hyper Backup Vault and using Btrfs file system would be best though not essential. You can even hang USB drives off it as removal destinations. This NAS really only has to be a cheaper traditional NAS, e.g. not a media server etc, though if higher spec'ed it may be useful to know you also have backup NAS hardware too.

*you won't be doing this, but an expansion unit can be used to span a storage pool from the main NAS. But this then means your data would rely on no faults happening on any of: one interconnecting eSata cable; two power supplies; two power sockets; two motherboards.