NAS Backup Questions...

[mlondon]

Hi,
I'm a NAS Newbie. Just bought a DS923+ which I'm using in a Mac/iOS environment.
Using 3 x 12TB Synology HDD in RAID 5 (as this is just one part of a larger backup strategy including Backblaze and AmazonS3DeepGlacier, I dont feel the need for RAID 6 now)
NAS is connected to local network using the LinkAggregate so 2x1GbE ports.
I'm not using SSD's, I don't need fast Read speed, so not sure that upgrading to the 10GbE adapter would buy me much (and I'd need to upgrade my switch to 10GbE as well.)

I have a few needs:

• Backing up a 14TB RAID that is directly connected to my Mac using Carbon Copy Cloner (I can direct attach the NAS for the initial backup, from there I only need to add a few GB per day)
• Being able to Read small numbers of files from this backup when I'm away from my home-office
• Being able to Write files to this backup when I'm on the road and have a fast internet connection (I'm a photographer, so would love to be able to backup my new images from anywhere in the world.)
• Backing up the contents of this backup to Amazon S3 Deep Glacier storage (which is the cheapest option I can find)
• Using the NAS as a TimeMachine backup for two different Macs when I'm at home-office.
• Using the NAS as a Media Server for Movies which I'll access from AppleTV

A few questions:

• Should I create just one Storage Pool for all the above needs?
• Should I create just one Volume for all the above needs?
• If everything in one Volume, Should each separate scenario go inside its own folder (14TB RAID backup, TimeMachine BU, MediaServer)
• For remote access of the files (ie: I am NOT on my home-office network), are there other considerations I need to take into account?

Grateful for suggestions on the above, or other considerations I should keep in mind. Thank you.

 

[Rusty]

Welcome to the forum. A great model for a 1st bay it will go a long way for you (including 10G if you opt for it one day)

• Should I create just one Storage Pool for all the above needs?
• Should I create just one Volume for all the above needs?

This will depend on the overall number of drives and the expected/needed volume size. Considering that you have used 3/4 bays and have about 22TB of usable space, the question now is, is that enough for you?

That 14TB+ DAS storage that you have on your Mac will need room to where it needs to be backed up, so splitting to a smaller volume will not really be an option with 3 drives atm. So looking at your needs from a usable space perspective imho you are spot on.

If everything in one Volume, Should each separate scenario go inside its own folder (14TB RAID backup, TimeMachine BU, MediaServer)

This is something that will be up to you again, but there are a few best practices when it comes to TM. Using a dedicated folder for a backup (as well as a DSM account) will allow for quota settings. This is something that you should do to prevent TM from taking the whole NAS space for its needs. Regarding anything else, sure you could break down and organize as you see fit. Certain DSM apps also come with their own root/custom folders that need to be used so you will see this as you go along the way.

For remote access of the files (ie: I am NOT on my home-office network), are there other considerations I need to take into account?

If this is connected to the above "needs" that you have stated, it might get a bit tricky and there are multiple ways to do it. Depending on your upload speed where the NAS is located as well as the speed of your current location when you connect to the NAS, the experience will vary. Synology Drive, as well as pure File Station access (via VPN), would be examples of how to get to your data.

It will also depend on how you want to access the data, and what devices will you be using (desktop, table, mobile, etc).

 

[mlondon]

This will depend on the overall number of drives and the expected/needed volume size. Considering that you have used 3/4 bays and have about 22TB of usable space, the question now is, is that enough for you?

@Rusty - Thanks for very informative reply.

22TB is enough for now, and I can always add a 4th 12TB drive if needed.

(I was planning on using SRH rather than RAID5 for the added flexibility if needed.)

This is something that will be up to you again, but there are a few best practices when it comes to TM. Using a dedicated folder for a backup (as well as a DSM account) will allow for quota settings. This is something that you should do to prevent TM from taking the whole NAS space for its needs. Regarding anything else, sure you could break down and organize as you see fit. Certain DSM apps also come with their own root/custom folders that need to be used so you will see this as you go along the way.

Good to know. Setting the TM quota is important.

I'm having trouble getting the TM to work, but will work with Synology Tech Support to resolve this.

If this is connected to the above "needs" that you have stated, it might get a bit tricky and there are multiple ways to do it. Depending on your upload speed where the NAS is located as well as the speed of your current location when you connect to the NAS, the experience will vary. Synology Drive, as well as pure File Station access (via VPN), would be examples of how to get to your data.
It will also depend on how you want to access the data, and what devices will you be using (desktop, table, mobile, etc).

In relation to "remote access of the files (ie: I am NOT on my home-office network)"

There is no single scenario. For upload (or occasional download), mostly would do from MacBookPro while on the road. I may be at a location with ultrafast internet, or it may be a place out in the sticks with just a modest connection, but I can leave my computer on overnight for a few nights to upload.

What is the advantage of "pure File Station access" vs Synology Drive?
Seems the VPN is essential for security. Is the VPN access only available for File Station access? Or is there also a way to use VPN when accessing Synology Drive?

Thank you.

 

[Rusty]

I'm having trouble getting the TM to work, but will work with Synology Tech Support to resolve this.

Maybe this will help as well: Synology 101 - Set up Apple Time Machine backup

What is the advantage of "pure File Station access" vs Synology Drive?

Those are two separate solutions and while FS is geared towards general file manipulation, Drive is more of a Dropbox alternative (sync and endpoint backup tool). Still, both can serve for general file manipulation.

Is the VPN access only available for File Station access? Or is there also a way to use VPN when accessing Synology Drive?

VPN will allow a secure tunnel towards all services on your nas including FS and Drive for example. The fact is that you will have no need to configure them using publicly accessible services, but rather access them as you would from your local network.

 

[PunchCardBoss]

Is the VPN access only available for File Station access?

Consider Synology's built-in Reverse Proxy features for remote DSM access.

And, just as a reminder, when ever possible, use a "User" account to remote access - not an "Admin" account.