Changing HDDs in Synology DS418: Adding Another Synology NAS

Introduction

This article focuses on changing hard disk drives (HDDs) in a Synology DS418 NAS and adding another Synology NAS to expand storage capacity. The Synology DS418 is a 4-bay NAS that currently uses 4-4TB HDDs for file storage, while MediaStorage (MP4, MKV files) uses Plex Media Server. This guide will provide a detailed context on changing HDDs and adding another Synology NAS.

Changing HDDs in Synology DS418

Before starting the process, ensure the following:

• Backup important data.
• Have new HDDs with the same capacity or larger.

Preparation

1. Shut down the Synology DS418:

2. Unplug the power cable and disconnect all the HDDs from the NAS.

Installing New HDDs

1. Install the new HDDs in the appropriate bays.

2. Connect the NAS to the power source and the network.

Initializing New HDDs

1. Access the Synology DS418 web interface.

2. Go to Control Panel > Storage Manager.

3. Click on "Create New Volume" and select the new HDDs.

4. Format the new HDDs with the desired file system (XFS or EXT4).

Rebuilding the Array

1. Go to Control Panel > Storage Manager.

2. Select the old volume and click on "Unmount" and "Delete."

3. Click on "Create New Volume" and select the new HDDs that were previously part of the old array.

4. Format the new volume with the same file system as the old one.

5. Rebuild the RAID array.

Adding Another Synology NAS

To add another Synology NAS, follow these steps:

Setting Up the New Synology NAS

1. Install and configure the new Synology NAS.

Linking the Two Synology NASs

1. Access the new Synology NAS web interface.

2. Go to Control Panel > Shared Folder.

3. Create a new shared folder and note down the shared folder name and path.

Configuring Synology DS418

1. Access the Synology DS418 web interface.

2. Go to Control Panel > Shared Folder.

3. Create a new shared folder and add the new Synology NAS to it as a remote folder.

Summary

Changing HDDs in a Synology DS418 and adding another Synology NAS involves preparing the environment, installing new HDDs, initializing them, rebuilding the array, and linking the two Synology NASs. This process ensures data continuity and increased storage capacity.