Synology RS1221+ Manual

Synology NAS RS1221+
Hardware Installation Guide

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Before You Start
Package Contents 3
Synology RS1221+ at a Glance 4
System Modes and LED Indicators 6
Other LED Indicators 8
Hardware Specication 9
Spare Parts 10
Optional Accessories 10
Safety Instructions 11
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
Tools and Parts for Component Installation 12
Install Drives 12
Install Memory Modules 14
Install a PCle Add-in Card 17
Mount the Synology NAS to a 2-Post Rack 18
Start up Your Synology NAS 19
Chapter 3: System Maintenance
Replace System Fan 20
Chapter 4: Install DSM on Synology NAS
Install DSM with Web Assistant 22
Learn More 22
Synology_HIG_RS1221+_20200825
2

Thank you for purchasing this Synology product! Before setting up your new Synology NAS, please check the
package contents to verify that you have received the items below. Also, make sure to read the safety instructions
carefully to avoid harming yourself or damaging your Synology NAS.
Note: All images below are for illustrative purposes only, and may di󰀨er from the actual product.
Package Contents
Main unit x 1 AC power cord
C13-C14 power cord
Screws for 3.5" drives x 36 Screws for 2.5" drives x 36 Drive tray key x 2
Before You Start 1
Chapter
3

4Chapter 1: Before You Start
Synology RS1221+ at a Glance
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1 52 3 4 6
12
10 11
8
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No. Article Name Location Description
1 POWER Indicator
Front
Displays the power status of your Synology NAS. For more
information, see "LED Indicators and System Modes".
2 Power Button
1. Press to power on your Synology NAS.
2. To power o󰀨 your Synology NAS, press and hold until you hear
a beep sound and the Power LED starts blinking.
3 Beep O󰀨 Button Press to deactivate the beep that sounds when a malfunction
occurs.
4 STATUS Indicator Displays the status of the system. For more information, see
"LED Indicators and System Modes".
5 ALERT Indicator Displays warnings regarding fan or temperature. For more
information, see "LED Indicators and System Modes".
6 DRIVE Status
Indicator
Displays the status of drive. For more information, see "Other
LED Indicators".
7 Drive Tray Install drives (hard disk drives or solid state drives) here.

5Chapter 1: Before You Start
No. Article Name Location Description
8Fan
Back
Disposes of excess heat and cools the system. If the fan
malfunctions, the Synology NAS will emit a beeping sound.
9PCI Express
Expansion Slot Supports the addition of PCIe network interface cards.
10 RESET Button
1. Press and hold until you hear a beep sound to restore the IP
address, DNS server, and password for the admin account to
default.
2. Press and hold until you hear a beep, then press and hold
again until you hear three beeps to return the Synology NAS to
“Not Installed” status so that DiskStation Manager (DSM) can
be reinstalled.
11 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port Connect external drives or other USB devices to the Synology
NAS here.
12 1GbE RJ-45 Port Connect RJ-45 network cable here.
13 eSATA Port Connect Synology Expansion Unit1to the Synology NAS here.
14 Power Port Connect power cord here.
15 Console Port This port is used for manufacturing only.
1For more information about Synology Expansion Unit supported by your Synology NAS, please visit www.synology.com.

6Chapter 1: Before You Start
System Modes and LED Indicators
System Modes and Denitions
There are 7 system modes in Synology NAS. The system modes and their denitions are as below:
System mode Denition
Powering on Synology NAS is powering on and performing hardware initialization, such as
hardware reset or BIOS initialization.
Shutting down Synology NAS is shutting down as a result of pressing the power button or operation
in DSM.
DSM not ready
DSM is not ready for use. This could either be:
• Synology NAS is powered on, but DSM is not properly installed.
• Synology NAS is currently powering on and initializing services necessary for
DSM to fully function.
• The attached UPS device has insu󰀩cient power; DSM stops all services to
prevent data loss (enters safe mode).
DSM is ready for use DSM is fully functioning and users can sign in.
Hibernation Synology NAS has been idle for a while and is now in Hibernation mode.
Application
Certain packages/services (e.g., USB Copy and Find me service) while in operation
will control the actions of the LED. After the operation is complete, the LED indicator
will return to its normal state.
Powered o󰀨 Synology NAS is powered o󰀨.
Identify System Modes
You can identify the system mode through the POWER and STATUS LED indicators. Please refer to below table
for more details.
System mode
LED Indicator
POWER STATUS
Green Green Orange
Powering on Blinking O󰀨 O󰀨
Shutting down Blinking Static O󰀨
DSM not ready Static Blinking O󰀨
DSM is ready for use Static Static O󰀨
Hibernation Static O󰀨 O󰀨
Application Static Switching
Powered o󰀨 O󰀨 O󰀨 O󰀨

7Chapter 1: Before You Start
Transitions between System Modes
To better understand the transition between system modes, please refer to below examples:
• Powered on with no DSM installed:
Powered o󰀨 > Powering on > DSM not ready
• Powered on with DSM installed:
Powered o󰀨 > Powering on > DSM not ready > DSM is ready for use
• Enter hibernation then wake up from hibernation:
DSM is ready for use > Hibernation > DSM is ready for use
• Shutdown Synology NAS:
DSM is ready for use > Shutting down > Powered o󰀨
• Power failure with UPS attached:
DSM is ready for use > DSM not ready (due to power failure, DSM enters safe mode) > Shutting down >
Powered o󰀨 > Powering on (power has recovered, DSM will reboot)> DSM not ready > DSM is ready for use

8Chapter 1: Before You Start
Other LED Indicators
LED Indicator Color Status Description
DRIVE status Indicator
(on tray)
Green
Static Drive ready and idle
Blinking Accessing drive
Orange Static Drive error/Port disabled1
O󰀨 No internal Drive
ALERT
Orange Blinking System error2
O󰀨 System normal
Rear 1GbE LAN
(on left side of jack)
Green
Static Network connected
Blinking Network active
O󰀨 No network
Rear 1GbE LAN
(on right side of jack)
Green
Static
1 Gbps connected
Orange 100 Mbps connected
O󰀨 10 Mbps connected/No network
Note:
1 Please try to restart your Synology NAS or re-insert the drives, then run the HDD/SSD manufacturer's
diagnostic tool to check the health status of the drives. If you can sign in to DSM, please run the built-in
S.M.A.R.T. test to scan the drives. If the problem remains unresolved, please contact Synology Technical
Support for help.
2 If the ALERT LED continuously blinks orange, this indicates there are system errors such as fan failure,
system overheating, or volume degrade. Please sign in to DSM for detailed information.

9Chapter 1: Before You Start
Hardware Specication
Item RS1221+
Compatible Drive Type 3.5"/2.5" SATA x 8
Maximum Drive Bays with
Expansion Unit 12 (RX418 x 1)
External Port
•USB 3.2 Gen 1 x 2
• eSATA x 1
LAN Port 1GbE RJ-45 x 4
PCIe Slot Gen3 x8 slot (x4 link) x 1
Size (H x W x D) (mm)
• 88 x 430.5 x 297.6
• 88 x 482 x 306.6 (with server ears)
Weight (kg) 6.9
Supported Client
• Windows 7 onwards
• macOS 10.12 onwards
File System
• Internal: Btrfs, ext4
• External: Btrfs, ext4, ext3, FAT32, NTFS, HFS+, exFAT1
Supported RAID Type
• Basic • JBOD • RAID 0 • RAID 1
• RAID 5 • RAID 6 • RAID 10
• Synology Hybrid RAID (2-Disk Fault Tolerance)
Agency Certication • FCC Class A • CE Class A • BSMI Class A
• EAC • VCCI • CCC • RCM • KC • RoHS Compliant
HDD Hibernation Yes
Scheduled Power On/O󰀨 Yes
Wake on LAN Yes
Language Localization
Environment Requirement
• Line voltage: 100 V to 240 V AC
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
•Operating Temperature: 32 to 95˚F (0 to 35˚C)
•Storage Temperature: -5 to 140˚F (-20 to 60˚C)
• Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% RH
Note: Model specications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to www.synology.com for the latest information.
1Support for exFAT can be enabled by purchasing and downloading exFAT Access in Package Center.

10 Chapter 1: Before You Start
Spare Parts
Visit www.synology.com/products/spare_parts if you need to replace system fans, disk trays, or power supply
units
Model Name Picture Description
Disk Tray (Type R8) 3.5"/2.5" Drive Tray With Lock
FAN 80*80*25_3 System Fan 80*80*25 mm
PSU 250W_5PSU 250W 24p+12p+8p
Optional Accessories
With Synology accessories, you can customize your Synology NAS to t di󰀨erent business environments without
worrying about compatibility and stability. Visit www.synology.com/compatibility for more information.

11 Chapter 1: Before You Start
Safety Instructions
Keep away from direct sunlight and away from chemicals. Make sure the environment
does not experience abrupt changes in temperature or humidity.
Place the product right side up at all times.
Do not place near any liquids.
Before cleaning, unplug the power cord. Wipe with damp paper towels. Do not use
chemical or aerosol cleaners.
To prevent the unit from falling over, do not place on carts or any unstable surfaces.
The power cord must plug in to the correct supply voltage. Make sure that the supplied
AC voltage is correct and stable.
To remove all electrical current from the device, ensure that all power cords are
disconnected from the power source.
Risk of explosion if battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries
appropriately.

Tools and Parts for Component Installation
Please prepare below tools and parts before setting up your Synology NAS:
• A screwdriver
• At least one 3.5" or 2.5" SATA drive (please visit www.synology.com/compatibility for compatible drive
models)
Warning: If you install a drive that contains data, the system will format the drive and erase all existing data.
Please back up any important data before installation.
• Rail mounting kit (please see the Optional Accessories section to nd out the suitable rail kit for cabinet
installation)
Warning: We suggest mounting your Synology NAS on a cabinet before installing any drives since the heavy
weight will increase the installation di󰀩culty.
Install Drives
Please follow the steps below for drive installation:
1 To remove the drive tray, pull out the drive tray handle in the direction as shown in the image below.
2 Install drives:
• For 3.5" drives: Place the drive in the drive tray. Turn the tray upside down and tighten screws into the four
spots indicated below to secure the drive in place.
• For 2.5" drives: Place the drive in the drive tray. Turn the tray upside down and tighten screws into the four
spots indicated below to secure the drive in place.
Hardware Setup
12
2
Chapter

13 Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
3 Insert the loaded drive tray into the empty drive bay.
Note: Make sure that the drive tray is completely inserted. Otherwise, the drive might not function properly.
4 Push the handle inward to secure the drive tray.
5 Insert the drive tray key into the drive tray lock, turn the key clockwise (to the "I" position) to lock the drive tray
handle, and then remove the key.
6 Repeat the steps above to install the other drives you have prepared.
7 Drives are numbered as shown below.
1 2 43
5678
Note: If you plan to create a RAID volume, we recommend installing drives of identical size to make the best
use of drive capacity.

14 Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
Install Memory Modules
Optional Synology memory modules are designed to expand the memory of your Synology NAS. Follow the steps
below to install, check, or remove a memory module on your Synology NAS.
The following table shows the memory conguration for best practice:
A B Total Memory
4 GB - 4 GB
4 GB 4 GB 8 GB
8 GB 8 GB 16 GB
16 GB 16 GB 32 GB
To install the memory module
1 Shut down your Synology NAS. Disconnect all cables connected to your Synology NAS to prevent any possible
damage.
2 Remove the screws on the top cover of you Synology NAS, then lift it up and put it aside.
Note: When you remove the top cover, sensitive internal components are exposed. Avoid touching anything
other than the memory assembly when removing or adding memory.
3 You will see one pre-installed 4 GB memory module.
SLOT A
SLOT B

15 Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
4 Insert the new memory module into the empty slot:
a Align the small gap between the gold connectors of the memory module with the notch on the empty slot.
Insert the memory module into the slot. Make sure that the module is properly inserted.
b Gently push down the memory module until you hear a click.
a
b
c
Note:
• Hold the memory module by its edges and avoid touching the gold connectors.
• Synology will not provide full product warranty or technical support if a non-Synology memory module is
used for memory upgrade.
5 Place the top cover back and fasten the screws that removed in step 2.
6 Reconnect the cables removed in step 1, then press the power button to turn on your Synology NAS.
To make sure Synology NAS recognizes the new memory capacity
1 Install DiskStation Manager (DSM). Please see "Install DSM on Synology NAS" for more information.
2 Sign in to DSM as admin or a user belonging to the administrators group.
3 Go to Control Panel > Info Center and check Total Physical Memory.
If your Synology NAS does not recognize the memory or does not start up successfully, please make sure that
the memory module is installed correctly.

16 Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
To remove the memory module
1 Follow step 1 and 2 of the "To install the memory module" section to shut down your Synology NAS,
disconnect the cables and remove the top cover.
2 Remove the memory module from the slot:
a Push the levers on both sides of the memory module outward. The memory module will be released from
its slot.
b Hold the memory module by its edges and remove it from the slot.
a
b
c
3 Replace the top cover by following step 5 of the "To install the memory module" section.
4 Reconnect the cables removed in step 1, then press the power button to turn on your Synology NAS.

17 Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
Install a PCle Add-in Card
RS1221+ provides one PCIe slot for optional add-in card expansion, allowing network interface card to be
installed.
To install network interface card
1 Follow step 1 and 2 of the "To install the memory module" section to shut down your Synology NAS,
disconnect the cables and remove the top cover.
2 Install the network interface card:
a Remove the screw that secures the expansion slot’s cover. Remove the cover from the expansion slot.
b Align the card's connector with the expansion slot and insert the card into the slot.
c Place back the latch and fasten the screw that you removed in step 2-a to secure the newly inserted card in
place.
Note: Conrm that the connector is fully inserted. Otherwise, the network interface card might not be able to
function properly.
3 Replace the top cover by following step 5 of the "To install the memory module" section.
4 Reconnect the cables that removed, then press the power button to turn on your Synology NAS.

18 Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
Mount the Synology NAS to a 2-Post Rack
Please follow the steps below to mount the Synology NAS to a 2-Post rack:
1 Lift your Synology NAS to the desired height.
2 Use four screws to secure your Synology NAS to the 2-Post rack.
Note: You can purchase Synology Rail Kit RKS1317 if you need sliding rails to mount the Synology NAS into a
rack cabinet.

19 Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
Start up Your Synology NAS
1 Connect one end of the power cord to the power port located on the back of your RS1221+ and the other end
to a power outlet.
2 Connect at least one LAN cable to one of the LAN ports and the other end to your switch, router, or hub.
3 Press the power button to turn on your RS1221+.
Congratulations! Your Synology NAS is now online and detectable from a network computer.

Replace System Fan
If a system fan malfunctions, please follow the steps below to open the case of your RS1221+ and replace the
malfunctioning fan.
To replace the system fan:
1 Follow step 1 and 2 of the "To install the memory module" section to shut down your Synology NAS,
disconnect the cables and remove the top cover.
2 Fans are numbered as shown below.
3 Loosen the screws that secure the fan to the back cover as shown below.
4 Remove the malfunctioning fan:
a Find the cable of the fan and carefully unplug it.
3
Chapter
System Maintenance
20