Unlocking the Power of Synology High Availability
In the realm of data management and network-attached storage (NAS), ensuring continuous system uptime and data integrity is paramount. Synology, a leader in the NAS market, offers a robust solution for creating highly available storage systems. This article delves into the intricacies of setting up a Synology High Availability (HA) cluster, providing a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your data against hardware failure and ensuring seamless access to critical information.
Understanding Synology High Availability
Before we dive into the setup process, it’s essential to grasp what Synology High Availability is and how it can benefit your organization. Synology HA is a system configuration that pairs two Synology NAS units in a cluster, one as the active server and the other as a passive standby. This configuration ensures that if the active server encounters a problem, the passive server can take over immediately, minimizing downtime and maintaining access to your data.
Key Features of Synology HA
- Automatic Failover: In the event of a system failure, the passive server automatically takes over, ensuring continuous service.
- Data Redundancy: All data is replicated from the active server to the passive server, providing real-time data redundancy.
- Heartbeat Connection: A dedicated network connection between the two servers monitors the health of the active server.
- Easy Management: Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides a user-friendly interface for managing the HA cluster.
Prerequisites for Synology HA Setup
Before embarking on the journey to create a Synology HA cluster, there are several prerequisites to consider:
- Two identical Synology NAS units with the same DSM version.
- At least one shared storage volume on both NAS units.
- A reliable network infrastructure with at least two LAN ports available on each NAS for heartbeat and data synchronization.
- Understanding of basic networking concepts and configurations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring Synology High Availability
With the prerequisites in place, let’s walk through the process of setting up a Synology HA cluster.
Step 1: Initial Hardware Setup
Begin by physically installing your Synology NAS units in their desired location. Ensure they are connected to a reliable power source and have network connectivity. It’s crucial to connect the dedicated heartbeat LAN ports on both NAS units to the same network switch to facilitate communication between them.
Step 2: DiskStation Manager Configuration
Install the latest version of DSM on both NAS units. You can download the DSM software from Synology’s official website and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 3: Network Configuration
Configure the network settings on both NAS units, assigning static IP addresses to ensure stable communication. It’s recommended to use separate subnets for the heartbeat and data synchronization networks to avoid traffic interference.
Step 4: Creating a Shared Storage Volume
Create an identical shared storage volume on both NAS units. This volume will be used to store the data that needs to be highly available. Ensure that the volume capacity, file system, and RAID configuration match on both units.
Step 5: Initiating the High Availability Manager
On the NAS unit designated as the active server, open the High Availability Manager application from the DSM’s main menu. This application will guide you through the process of creating the HA cluster.
Step 6: Cluster Creation
Using the High Availability Manager, select the passive server from the list of available Synology NAS units on your network. The wizard will prompt you to confirm the network settings and shared storage volume. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cluster creation.
Step 7: Data Synchronization
Once the cluster is created, the data synchronization process will begin. All data from the active server’s shared volume will be replicated to the passive server. This process can take some time, depending on the amount of data and network speed.
Step 8: Testing Failover
After the data synchronization is complete, it’s essential to test the failover mechanism to ensure it works correctly. You can simulate a failure on the active server by disconnecting it from the network or powering it down. The passive server should automatically take over without any noticeable interruption in service.
Monitoring and Maintenance of Synology HA Cluster
Once your Synology HA cluster is up and running, regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure its longevity and reliability.
Monitoring Cluster Health
Use the High Availability Manager to monitor the status of your HA cluster. It provides real-time information on the health of both servers and the synchronization status of the shared volume.
Maintenance and Updates
Keep both NAS units updated with the latest DSM updates and security patches. When updating the DSM software, always update the passive server first, followed by the active server, to maintain HA functionality.
Advanced Considerations for Synology HA Setup
For organizations with more complex needs, there are additional considerations to take into account when setting up a Synology HA cluster.
Scalability
Plan for future growth by choosing NAS units that can accommodate additional storage capacity or network upgrades. This foresight will allow you to expand your HA cluster without significant overhauls.
Backup Strategies
While an HA cluster provides high availability, it’s not a substitute for a comprehensive backup strategy. Implement regular backups to offsite locations or cloud services to protect against data loss from catastrophic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can different Synology NAS models be used in an HA cluster?
No, both NAS units in an HA cluster must be identical models with the same DSM version and hardware specifications.
Is it possible to access the passive server directly?
The passive server in an HA cluster is not accessible for direct use. It remains in standby mode until it’s needed for failover.
How does Synology HA handle network partitioning or “split-brain” scenarios?
Synology HA is designed to prevent split-brain scenarios by using a quorum system and dedicated heartbeat connections. If network partitioning occurs, the system ensures that only one server remains active to prevent data corruption.
Can I use Synology HA with virtual machines?
Yes, Synology HA can be used to provide high availability for virtual machines running on Synology’s Virtual Machine Manager (VMM).
What happens to connected clients during a failover event?
During a failover event, connected clients may experience a brief interruption before being automatically reconnected to the newly active server.
Conclusion
Setting up a Synology High Availability cluster is a strategic move for any organization that prioritizes data uptime and integrity. By following this detailed guide, you can create a resilient storage system that stands guard against hardware failures and network disruptions. With Synology’s user-friendly DSM interface and robust HA features, maintaining a secure and highly available data environment has never been more accessible.
Remember, while Synology HA provides an excellent layer of protection, it should be part of a broader data management strategy that includes regular backups and disaster recovery planning. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your data remains safe, secure, and accessible, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
References
- Synology High Availability: https://www.synology.com/en-global/dsm/feature/high_availability
- DiskStation Manager (DSM): https://www.synology.com/en-global/dsm
- Synology Knowledge Center – High Availability: https://kb.synology.com/en-global/DSM/help/HighAvailability/ha_desc
