Personal computer network storage centralises files, backups and local surveillance for homes and small offices. Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 makes setup straightforward while keeping family media and business documents accessible. Is a compact, diskless NAS the sensible alternative to recurring cloud subscriptions?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Storage Management: Centralised ownership with multi-platform access and seamless drive migration
- • Best for: Home users and small offices needing reliable backups, media hosting and monitoring
- • Not ideal for: Those seeking a ready-to-run system with preinstalled drives
Two-bay, diskless NAS designed for centralising files, backups and surveillance. Simple setup and quiet operation suit continuous media hosting and home monitoring.
Centralised file access – with a two-bay, diskless chassis
A two-bay configuration accepts user-installed drives and consolidates storage so data remains under owner control, while multi-platform access supports common desktop and mobile systems. Drive migration is supported to transfer existing disks into the system without lengthy reconfiguration.
Consolidate photos, documents and media into a single, locally controlled library that is reachable from laptops and phones. Drive migration helps preserve existing data when upgrading from an older NAS.
Reliable backups – with support for multiple backup destinations
Backup tools enable copies to a variety of destinations, allowing scheduled or manual replication to local drives, remote servers or other supported targets. Flexible destinations reduce single-point-of-failure risk by keeping data in more than one location.
Keep business documents and media safe with routine backups to alternative locations, simplifying recovery after accidental deletion or hardware issues. Multiple destinations provide practical redundancy for important files.
Home monitoring made practical – thanks to intelligent surveillance tools
Surveillance capabilities include flexible monitoring tools that integrate with local storage so video footage is kept on-site. Configuration supports connecting cameras and managing recorded footage through the system’s monitoring utilities.
Use the NAS as a local recorder for home or small-office cameras, keeping footage accessible without relying on third-party cloud services. Flexible monitoring settings let users tailor retention and alerts to their needs.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223
- Seamless drive migration — Transfer existing drives quickly without complex reformatting
- Multi-platform access — Reach files from Windows, macOS and mobile devices easily
- Flexible backup destinations — Schedule backups to multiple targets for practical redundancy
- Quiet operation — Run media hosting and surveillance 24/7 without noticeable noise
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Personal Computer
- Brand: Synology
- Model: DS223
- Product ID: B0BRNBVTJK
- Bays: 2-bay, user-populated
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the NAS come with hard drives installed?
A: No, the DS223 is diskless and requires user-supplied drives to populate the two bays.
Q: Can the NAS be used for home surveillance cameras?
A: Yes, intelligent surveillance features and flexible monitoring tools enable local recording and management of camera footage.
Q: Is setup difficult for someone replacing an older Synology unit?
A: Setup is described as simple and fast, with seamless drive migration that helps transfer existing drives without complex reconfiguration.
🏆 Our Verdict
The Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 is ideal for home users and small offices that want local control of backups, media and camera footage. Straightforward setup, quiet running and features for sharing, backups and surveillance make it a practical hub for centralised data. While the initial outlay may be higher than a basic external drive, long-term value comes from local ownership, flexible backup options and reliable day-to-day operation.
