This article covers 【NASキット】Synology DiskStation DS218j [2ベイ.

Overview

The Synology DiskStation DS218j is a 2-bay NAS kit designed for home users and beginners. It packs a Marvell dual-core 1.3GHz (32-bit) processor and 512MB of RAM, focusing on essential file sharing, backup, and media serving functions in a compact chassis. The bundled DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is intuitive and user-friendly, complemented by a suite of mobile apps that make remote access straightforward. Setup is remarkably simple: install your drives, connect power and Ethernet, and you're up and running in minutes. QuickConnect eliminates the need for port forwarding or DDNS, giving you secure internet access to your files from anywhere. Low power consumption — around 7W idle — makes it affordable to run 24/7.

Connectivity & Compatibility

The DS218j features a single Gigabit Ethernet port for wired network connection. Two USB 2.0 ports are available on the back for connecting external drives or USB flash drives for data transfer and backup. It supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs, with two drive bays. RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and basic volumes are supported, allowing you to choose between performance (RAID 0) or data redundancy (RAID 1).

Product Info

Positioned as an entry-level model in Synology's 'j' series, the DS218j launched in 2018 but remains a solid choice for basic NAS duties. It's widely available on the second-hand market, but new units can still be found. The warranty is 2 years. The box includes an AC adapter, power cord, RJ-45 LAN cable, and quick installation guide. HDDs are sold separately. Current pricing on Japan is around ¥36,000. Market positioning is clear: entry tier. Compared to the more powerful 'Plus' or 'Value' series, the DS218j cuts corners on CPU performance, RAM, and expandability, but for file sharing, backups, and light media streaming, it delivers exactly what most home users need.

Best Use Cases

First-time NAS buyers: The guided setup wizard and DSM's ease of use make it a perfect introduction to network storage. It's an ideal first NAS for file serving and backup. Families wanting to share photos & videos: Mobile apps like DS photo and DS video, combined with QuickConnect, let family members access shared media from anywhere without complex networking. Budget-conscious home cloud builders: With two bays and RAID 1 mirroring, you get basic data protection at a low entry price. Users who need 24/7 operation: Low power draw (idle ~7W, active ~10W) keeps electricity bills minimal even when running around the clock. Avoid if you need heavy concurrent access, real-time video transcoding, or advanced virtualization. For those workloads, stepping up to a DS220+ or DS224+ is recommended.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: Synology
  • ASIN: B076G6YKWZ
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.