Synology RX418 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit

The Synology RX418 is a compact 4-bay 1U rackmount expansion unit designed to add hot-swappable SATA storage capacity to compatible Synology RackStation systems through an eSATA connection.

Product Description

The Synology RX418 is a 4-bay rackmount expansion unit designed to increase the storage capacity of compatible Synology RackStation systems.

It provides four additional drive bays and supports compatible 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, 2.5-inch SATA hard drives and 2.5-inch SATA solid-state drives.

All four drive bays support hot-swapping when permitted by the connected RackStation, storage configuration and Synology DiskStation Manager status.

The RX418 connects to a compatible Synology RackStation through the supplied eSATA expansion cable.

Once connected, drives installed in the RX418 operate as part of the connected Synology storage environment and are managed through Synology DiskStation Manager.

No separate management software is required.

Depending on the connected RackStation model, the RX418 can be used to expand an existing compatible storage pool, create a separate storage pool or provide a dedicated local backup destination.

Selected compatible RackStation models support creating storage volumes across the main NAS and RX418.

For improved performance and easier storage management, Synology recommends creating volumes using drives physically located within the same NAS or expansion unit rather than spanning a volume across both devices.

The Synology RS217 supports volume creation within a single unit only and does not support volumes spanning the RackStation and RX418.

The RX418 is not a standalone NAS.

It does not include a processor, system memory, network interface, independent operating system or standalone DSM installation.

A compatible Synology RackStation is required for operation.

The RX418 supports synchronised power recovery with the connected RackStation.

When the connected RackStation powers on or recovers after a power interruption, the expansion unit can follow the host system’s supported power behaviour.

Its compact 1U rackmount chassis supports direct installation in a compatible 2-post 19-inch rack.

Installation in a compatible 4-post 19-inch rack is supported using a separately sold Synology RKM114 or RKS-02 rail kit.

The RX418 includes a 100W internal power supply and three 40mm system fans.

Storage drives and optional rack rails are not included.

Key Features

• Official Synology rackmount expansion unit
• Four additional SATA drive bays
• Compact 1U rackmount design
• Designed for compatible Synology RackStation systems
• Supports compatible 3.5-inch SATA hard drives
• Supports compatible 2.5-inch SATA hard drives
• Supports compatible 2.5-inch SATA solid-state drives
• Four hot-swappable drive bays
• RAID and storage management through Synology DSM
• One eSATA expansion port
• Supplied eSATA expansion cable
• Can expand compatible RackStation storage capacity
• Can provide a dedicated local backup destination
• Supports selected cross-unit volume configurations
• Supports single-unit volume configurations
• Synchronised power recovery with the connected RackStation
• Supports direct 2-post 19-inch rack mounting
• Supports compatible 4-post 19-inch rack installation
• Compatible with optional Synology RKM114 rail kit
• Compatible with optional Synology RKS-02 sliding rail kit
• 100W internal power supply
• Three 40mm system fans
• Approximately 25.1dB(A) rated noise level
• RoHS compliant
• Three-year limited hardware warranty
• Warranty extension options available where eligible
• Storage drives sold separately
• Rail kits sold separately
• Requires a compatible Synology RackStation

Recommended Use Cases

• Synology RackStation storage expansion
• Business file-storage expansion
• Additional backup storage
• Local backup destinations
• Archive storage
• Surveillance-recording expansion
• Media-library expansion
• Project-file storage
• Business document storage
• Additional RAID capacity
• Branch-office storage
• Rack-based storage environments
• Data-retention storage
• Secondary storage pools
• DSM-managed expansion storage
• Compatible volume expansion
• Storage-capacity growth without replacing the host RackStation
• Compact 2-post rack installations
• Standard 4-post rack installations

Specifications

Compatible Synology Models

The Synology RX418 is compatible only with selected Synology RackStation systems.

The supported storage-volume behaviour depends on the exact connected RackStation model.

Models Supporting Volumes Across Different Units

The following systems support creating compatible volumes across drives installed in the RackStation and RX418.

22 Series

• Synology RS822RP+
• Synology RS822+

21 Series

• Synology RS1221RP+
• Synology RS1221+

20 Series

• Synology RS820RP+
• Synology RS820+

19 Series

• Synology RS1219+
• Synology RS819

18 Series

• Synology RS818RP+
• Synology RS818+

16 Series

• Synology RS816

15 Series

• Synology RS815RP+
• Synology RS815+
• Synology RS815

Model Supporting Volumes on a Single Unit Only

• Synology RS217

The RS217 supports storage volumes located entirely within one physical unit.

A volume should therefore be created using drives located either in the RS217 or in the RX418 rather than spanning both devices.

Compatibility may change through DSM updates, product revisions and Synology support changes.

Confirm that the exact RackStation remains listed on Synology’s current RX418 compatibility information before ordering.

DSM Requirements

Synology lists the following minimum operating-system requirement:

• DSM 6.1.4-15217-3 or later

A newer DSM release may be required according to:

• Connected RackStation model
• Current product-support status
• Storage Manager requirements
• Drive compatibility
• Security updates
• Synology expansion-unit support

Update the compatible RackStation to a supported DSM version before connecting or configuring the RX418.

Important files and system configuration should be backed up before performing DSM, storage-pool or expansion-unit changes.

Storage and Volume Guidance

The RX418 adds four physical drive bays to a compatible Synology RackStation.

Depending on the host model and DSM configuration, the additional drives may be used for:

• Expanding a compatible existing storage pool
• Creating a separate storage pool
• Creating an independent volume
• Providing a local backup destination
• Adding archive capacity
• Increasing surveillance-recording capacity
• Adding compatible hot-spare drives

Supported options depend on:

• Connected RackStation model
• DSM version
• Existing storage-pool configuration
• RAID type
• Installed drive models
• Drive capacities
• Available storage space
• Volume location
• Current system health

Synology recommends creating storage volumes using drives physically located within the same NAS or expansion unit for improved performance.

A volume spanning the RackStation and RX418 depends on both physical devices and the eSATA connection remaining operational.

Failure, disconnection or power loss affecting either unit may interrupt access to a cross-unit volume.

Where practical, separate storage pools or volumes can provide simpler physical separation and management.

RAID and Backup Guidance

RAID configuration is controlled through the connected RackStation and Synology DiskStation Manager.

Available RAID options depend on:

• Connected RackStation model
• Number of installed drives
• Existing storage pool
• Drive capacities
• DSM version
• Supported RAID migration options

The RX418 does not provide independent RAID management without a compatible RackStation.

RAID can protect against selected drive failures but does not protect against every cause of data loss.

RAID does not replace an independent backup.

Important data should also be stored on another physical or remote destination, such as:

• Another Synology NAS
• A compatible USB storage device
• A supported remote server
• A compatible cloud backup service
• An off-site backup location

The RX418 can itself be used as a dedicated local backup destination when configured with a compatible RackStation.

A local backup stored in the same rack or physical location may not protect against theft, fire, water damage or site-wide electrical damage.

Drive Compatibility

The Synology RX418 supports up to four compatible:

• 3.5-inch SATA hard drives
• 2.5-inch SATA hard drives
• 2.5-inch SATA solid-state drives

Storage drives are sold separately.

Synology guarantees full functionality, reliability and performance only with Synology drives listed as compatible for the RX418 and connected RackStation.

Officially supported drive families may include selected models from the:

• Synology HAT5300 Enterprise Series
• Synology HAT3300 Plus Series
• Synology SAT5200 Enterprise SSD Series

Before ordering drives, confirm:

• Connected RackStation model
• RX418 compatibility
• Exact drive product code
• Drive capacity
• Drive firmware
• Intended RAID configuration
• Intended storage-pool configuration
• Current Synology validation status

A matching SATA connector and physical drive size do not automatically guarantee full compatibility.

Using non-validated drives may limit selected functionality, system support, reliability information or performance.

Actual usable storage capacity will be lower than the combined manufacturer-rated drive capacity because of formatting, RAID configuration, file-system data and DSM requirements.

Hot-Swap Guidance

The RX418 supports hot-swappable drives.

Hot-swapping does not mean that a drive can be removed without first checking the storage status.

Before removing a drive:

• Confirm the correct drive bay
• Check Storage Manager
• Confirm the drive has failed or is safe to remove
• Confirm the RAID configuration can tolerate removal
• Allow active repair, expansion or data-scrubbing tasks to finish where required
• Follow the connected RackStation’s drive-replacement procedure

Removing the wrong drive from a degraded RAID group may cause data loss.

Drives should not be removed during:

• RAID repair
• Storage-pool expansion
• Volume expansion
• Data scrubbing
• Active migration
• Firmware updates
• Other critical storage operations

eSATA Expansion Connection

The RX418 connects to the compatible RackStation through one eSATA expansion cable.

The required eSATA cable is included.

The expansion cable carries data between the RackStation and the RX418.

The RX418 also requires its own AC power connection.

Before connecting the expansion unit:

• Shut down the compatible RackStation where instructed
• Confirm the correct eSATA expansion port
• Use the supplied or officially supported expansion cable
• Insert both cable ends securely
• Connect the RX418 power cord
• Follow the host RackStation installation guide
• Confirm that the expansion unit is detected in DSM

Do not disconnect the eSATA cable while the RX418 is operating or while an active storage pool uses drives installed in the expansion unit.

Unexpected cable disconnection may interrupt storage access and may cause storage-pool degradation, file-system errors or data loss.

Power and Cooling

The RX418 includes a 100W internal power supply.

It supports an AC input range of 100V to 240V at 50/60Hz.

Synology lists power consumption of approximately:

• 23.26W during drive access
• 6.39W during HDD hibernation

These measurements were recorded under Synology’s specified test configuration and may differ from actual use.

Power consumption depends on:

• Installed drive quantity
• Drive models
• Drive activity
• Operating temperature
• DSM settings
• Fan operation
• Storage workload

Three 40mm system fans provide chassis cooling.

The rated noise level is approximately 25.1dB(A) under Synology’s specified test conditions.

Actual noise depends on:

• Installed drives
• Fan speed
• Rack acoustics
• Room temperature
• Drive activity
• Mounting structure
• Surrounding equipment

Rack Installation

The RX418 uses a compact 1U rackmount chassis.

Supported installation options include:

• Direct mounting in a compatible 2-post 19-inch rack
• Installation in a compatible 4-post 19-inch rack using a Synology RKM114 rail kit
• Installation in a compatible 4-post 19-inch rack using a Synology RKS-02 sliding rail kit

The RKM114 and RKS-02 rail kits are sold separately.

Before installation, confirm:

• Rack width
• Rack depth
• Rail-kit compatibility
• Available 1U rack space
• Rack load capacity
• Front and rear clearance
• Ventilation
• Cable-routing space
• Access to the power outlet
• Access to the host RackStation expansion port

The expansion unit should be installed in a stable rack that is properly secured against tipping.

For improved cable management, install the RX418 close enough to the host RackStation for the supplied eSATA cable to reach without tension.

Compatibility Note

The Synology RX418 is not universally compatible with every Synology RackStation or other Synology NAS.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Exact Synology RackStation model
• Current DSM version
• RX418 support
• Supported volume configuration
• Available eSATA expansion port
• Selected drive compatibility
• Intended RAID configuration
• Required storage capacity
• Rack type and available space
• Rail-kit requirements
• Power and cooling availability

Do not assume compatibility based only on:

• RackStation branding
• Presence of an eSATA port
• Similar chassis dimensions
• Product generation
• Number of drive bays

The RX418 cannot be connected through USB, Ethernet or a standard SATA drive connector.

It is not intended for use with ordinary desktop computers, third-party servers or unsupported NAS systems.

Installation Guidance

Before installing the RX418:

• Back up important data and configuration
• Confirm host RackStation compatibility
• Confirm the minimum DSM version
• Confirm drive compatibility
• Confirm the required rack hardware
• Shut down the connected RackStation where instructed
• Disconnect power before physical installation
• Use suitable anti-static precautions
• Install the RX418 securely in the rack
• Install compatible drives
• Connect the supplied eSATA cable
• Connect the supplied AC power cord
• Start the connected RackStation
• Confirm that the RX418 is detected in DSM

After installation:

• Open Synology Storage Manager
• Confirm all installed drives are detected
• Check drive health
• Configure or expand the intended storage pool
• Confirm the selected RAID type
• Confirm volume location
• Monitor the initialisation or expansion process
• Do not interrupt the system during storage operations

Professional installation is recommended where the connected RackStation contains business-critical data or forms part of an active production environment.

What’s in the Box

• 1 × Synology RX418 Main Unit
• 1 × User’s Guide
• 1 × Accessory Pack
• 1 × AC Power Cord
• 1 × eSATA Expansion Cable

Storage drives, Synology RackStation systems and rack rail kits are not included.

Warranty

Three-Year Synology Limited Hardware Warranty

The hardware warranty can be extended to five years using Synology EW201 or Extended Warranty Plus where the product, region and purchase qualify.

Sustainability

The Synology RX418 is RoHS compliant.

It allows compatible RackStation systems to increase storage capacity without replacing the complete NAS platform.

Drive hibernation support can reduce power consumption during periods of inactivity when configured through the connected RackStation.

Its support for replaceable storage drives and optional rack-mounting hardware allows the system to be expanded and maintained as storage requirements change.