What are the steps to configure a RAID 5 array on a Synology DS920+ for data redundancy?

In today’s digital age, ensuring the safety and redundancy of your data is paramount. With ever-increasing amounts of information being stored, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device like the Synology DS920+ becomes an essential tool for businesses and tech-savvy individuals. One of the most effective ways to protect and maintain your data is by setting up a RAID 5 array. This method provides a good balance of storage capacity, performance, and redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to configure a RAID 5 array on a Synology DS920+ to safeguard your valuable information.

Understanding RAID and Its Importance

Before diving into the configuration process, it’s crucial to understand what RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is and why it’s beneficial. RAID is a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single unit for better performance, redundancy, or both.

RAID 5 is among the most popular RAID configurations due to its balanced approach. It requires at least three hard drives and uses striping with parity. This means data and redundancy information (parity) are scattered across all drives. If a single drive fails, the system can rebuild the lost data using the parity information from the remaining drives, preventing data loss.

Why Choose RAID 5?

• Data Redundancy: RAID 5 offers fault tolerance by allowing one drive to fail without losing data.
• Improved Performance: Data is striped across multiple disks, increasing read and write speeds.
• Efficient Storage Use: Compared to RAID 1, RAID 5 offers more usable storage capacity.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to configure a RAID 5 array on your Synology DS920+.

Preparing Your Synology DS920+ and Drives

To begin with, ensure you have the necessary components ready. You will need at least three compatible hard drives for the RAID 5 setup. Seagate IronWolf drives are often recommended due to their reliability and performance in NAS environments.

Installing the Hard Drives

1. Power Off the NAS Device: Before installing the hard drives, ensure your Synology DS920+ is powered off to avoid any damage.
2. Open the Drive Bays: Unlock and open the front drive bays of your NAS device.
3. Insert the Hard Drives: Carefully insert each hard drive into the bays, making sure they are firmly seated.
4. Secure the Drives: Lock the drive bays to secure the hard drives in place.
5. Power On the NAS: Once all drives are installed, power on the Synology DS920+.

With the hardware installation complete, proceed to the initial NAS setup.

Initial NAS Setup and DSM Installation

The next step involves setting up your Synology NAS and installing the DiskStation Manager (DSM), Synology’s operating system.

Initial Setup

1. Connect to Network: Connect your NAS to your network using an Ethernet cable. Ensure it is connected to the same network as your computer.
2. Power On and Access DSM: Turn on the Synology DS920+. Open a web browser on your computer and enter “find.synology.com”. This will search for your NAS device on the network.
3. Follow the Setup Wizard: Click on your device and follow the setup wizard. During this process, you will create an administrator account and install the latest version of DSM.

Configuring the RAID 5 Array

With DSM installed, you can now configure the RAID 5 array using the Storage Manager tool.

Creating a Storage Pool

1. Open Storage Manager: In the DSM interface, click on “Storage Manager” from the main menu.
2. Create Storage Pool: Click on “Storage Pool” in the left panel and select “Create”.
3. Select RAID Type: Choose RAID 5. The wizard will guide you through the process, allowing you to select the drives you want to include in the RAID array.
4. Configure Storage Pool: Follow the steps, which include naming your storage pool and confirming the settings. For RAID 5, at least three drives should be selected.

Creating a Volume

Once the storage pool is created, you need to create a volume to store your data.

1. Go to Volume: In the Storage Manager, click on “Volume” and select “Create”.
2. Select Storage Pool: Choose the storage pool you just created.
3. Configure Volume: Configure the volume settings, including the file system (Btrfs is recommended for its advanced data protection features). Name your volume and allocate the size.

Configuring Backup and Data Protection

After setting up the RAID 5 array, it’s essential to configure the backup options and other data protection measures to safeguard your data.

Setting Up Automatic Backups

1. Install Backup Software: Synology offers various backup solutions like Hyper Backup. Install this from the Package Center.
2. Create Backup Task: Open the backup application, and create a new backup task. Select the data you want to backup, the destination, and schedule.
3. Configure Backup Settings: Set up the backup frequency, retention policy, and enable encryption if needed.

Ensuring Remote Access

Allowing users to access their data remotely is one of the key benefits of a NAS device.

1. Enable QuickConnect: In DSM, go to Control Panel > QuickConnect. Enable QuickConnect and create an ID.
2. Configure Permissions: Go to Control Panel > User to set up user accounts and permissions. Ensure each user has the necessary access rights.
3. Test Remote Access: Use your QuickConnect ID to test remote access from a different network.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring and maintenance of your NAS device ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Monitoring NAS Health

1. Check System Health: In DSM, go to Storage Manager and check the health of your drives and storage pool regularly.
2. Enable Notifications: Set up email or SMS notifications for critical alerts. This can be done in Control Panel > Notification.
3. Update DSM: Keep your DSM and installed packages up to date to benefit from the latest features and security updates.

Performing Periodic Maintenance

1. Replace Failing Drives: If DSM indicates a drive is failing, replace it immediately. The RAID array will rebuild using the new drive.
2. Run S.M.A.R.T. Tests: Regularly run S.M.A.R.T. tests on your drives to check their health status.
3. Clean the Device: Physically clean your NAS device periodically to prevent dust buildup, which can cause overheating.

Configuring a RAID 5 array on a Synology DS920+ is a robust way to enhance data redundancy and performance. By following the steps outlined above, you will set up a resilient storage system that protects against data loss and improves overall efficiency. From installing and configuring the hard drives to setting up automated backups and enabling remote access, every step contributes to a secure and reliable NAS environment. Regular monitoring and maintenance will ensure your data remains safe and accessible over time. With the Synology DS920+ and RAID 5, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your valuable information is well-protected and efficiently managed.