RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology DiskStation DS3611xs: Data Recovery Approaches and Consequences

Recovering data after RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS is possible with the right approach.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology DiskStation DS3611xs: Data Recovery Approaches and Consequences

Synology DiskStation DS3611xs NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from DiskStation DS3611xs.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology DiskStation DS3611xs: Data Recovery Approaches and Consequences

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Synology also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

How can data redundancy techniques such as mirroring or replication enhance data availability and protect against loss on NAS Synology DiskStation DS3611xs devices?

Data redundancy techniques such as mirroring or replication can enhance data availability and protect against loss on NAS Synology DiskStation DS3611xs devices in the following ways:

  1. Mirroring: Mirroring, also known as RAID 1, involves creating an exact copy of the data on multiple hard drives. In case one drive fails, the other drive(s) can continue to serve the data, ensuring high availability. On the DS3611xs, you can configure RAID 1 with two drives or use RAID 10 with multiple drives for better performance and redundancy.
  2. Replication: Replication involves creating duplicate copies of data on separate NAS devices or remote locations. This ensures that even if one NAS device fails, the replicated data can be accessed from the backup device. Synology DiskStation DS3611xs supports various replication methods like Snapshot Replication, Shared Folder Sync, or Hyper Backup, allowing you to choose the most suitable method for your needs.
  3. High Availability (HA): The DS3611xs supports High Availability, where two identical DiskStations work in an active-passive mode. The active DiskStation handles all data operations while the passive one remains in sync. If the active DiskStation fails, the passive one takes over seamlessly, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous data availability.
  4. Automatic Failover: With the High Availability feature, the DS3611xs can automatically detect a failure and switch to the passive DiskStation without manual intervention. This ensures that data remains accessible even during hardware or network failures, enhancing availability.
  5. Snapshot Technology: Synology DiskStation DS3611xs supports snapshot technology, allowing you to create point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots provide an additional layer of protection against accidental data deletion, ransomware attacks, or data corruption. In case of data loss or corruption, you can easily restore the data from a previous snapshot.

By implementing these data redundancy techniques, the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs devices can ensure high availability, reduce the risk of data loss, and provide quick recovery options in case of failures or disasters.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS DiskStation DS3611xs can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

  1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

    WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

  2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology DiskStation DS3611xs. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Synology

How to recover data from a Synology

DiskStation DS3611xs has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR);
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 0;
  • Basic;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Btrfs;
  • EXT4;
  • EXT3 (External Disk Only);
  • FAT32 (External Disk Only);
  • exFAT (External Disk Only);
  • NTFS (External Disk Only);
  • HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Loss resulting from bad sectors;
  • User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Synology DiskStation DS3611xs network-attached storage keeps DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS DiskStation DS3611xs, feel free to leave a comment!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs that make it suitable for use as an email server?

    The Synology DiskStation DS3611xs is a powerful network-attached storage (NAS) device that can be used as an email server due to its key features and capabilities:

    1. High-performance hardware: The DS3611xs is equipped with a powerful dual-core CPU and ample RAM, allowing it to handle heavy email server workloads efficiently.
    2. Scalability: It supports up to 36 hard drives, providing extensive storage capacity for email data, attachments, and backups. This scalability allows for future expansion as email storage needs grow.
    3. RAID support: The DS3611xs supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, ensuring data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This is crucial for maintaining email server uptime and preventing data loss.
    4. Multiple email server applications: Synology NAS devices come with built-in email server applications like MailPlus Server and MailPlus webmail client. These applications offer a user-friendly interface, advanced features, and secure email communication protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS) for managing email accounts, domains, and security settings.
    5. Collaboration and productivity tools: The DS3611xs supports additional Synology applications like Calendar, Contacts, and Drive, enabling users to enhance collaboration and productivity within the email server environment. These tools allow users to manage schedules, share contacts, and collaborate on files seamlessly.
    6. Backup and disaster recovery: Synology NAS devices have comprehensive backup solutions, including snapshot technology, which allows for efficient point-in-time recovery of email data. It also supports off-site backups to other Synology NAS devices or cloud storage providers, ensuring data protection and disaster recovery capabilities.
    7. Security features: The DS3611xs includes advanced security measures such as firewall, IP blocking, and customizable access controls to protect the email server from unauthorized access and potential threats.
    8. Integration with other applications: The DS3611xs can integrate with various third-party email server applications and services, providing flexibility and compatibility with existing email systems and infrastructure.

    Overall, the DS3611xs offers robust hardware, scalability, advanced email server applications, collaboration tools, backup solutions, and security features, making it suitable for use as an email server in small to medium-sized businesses or organizations.

  • How does the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs ensure the security and privacy of emails being processed and stored on the device?

    The Synology DiskStation DS3611xs ensures the security and privacy of emails through several measures:

    1. Encryption: The device supports SSL/TLS encryption for secure communication between email clients and the DiskStation. This ensures that the email data transmitted over the network is encrypted and cannot be intercepted.
    2. Antivirus and Anti-spam: The DiskStation has built-in antivirus and anti-spam features that scan incoming and outgoing emails for malicious content and spam. This helps in preventing malware and unwanted emails from being processed or stored on the device.
    3. Access Control: The DiskStation allows administrators to set up access controls and permissions for users and groups. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access and manage the email data stored on the device.
    4. Data Encryption: The DS3611xs supports AES 256-bit encryption for data stored on the device. This means that even if the physical device is stolen or compromised, the email data remains encrypted and inaccessible without the encryption key.
    5. Two-Factor Authentication: The DiskStation supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for user logins. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a verification code from a mobile app, in addition to their password.
    6. Regular Software Updates: Synology regularly releases software updates and security patches for their DiskStation devices. These updates address any vulnerabilities or security issues discovered, ensuring that the device remains secure over time.

    By implementing these security measures, the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs helps protect the confidentiality and integrity of emails processed and stored on the device.

  • Can the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs handle a large volume of email traffic and what are the recommended configurations for optimal performance as an email server?

    Yes, the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs can handle a large volume of email traffic. However, the performance of the email server depends on various factors such as the number of users, the size of the mailbox, the email client used, and the overall network infrastructure.

    To ensure optimal performance as an email server, here are some recommended configurations for the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs:

    1. Adequate hardware resources: The DS3611xs comes with a powerful CPU and ample RAM, which should be sufficient for handling email traffic. However, if you anticipate a very high volume of email traffic, you may consider upgrading the RAM for better performance.
    2. Storage configuration: Configure the DS3611xs with a RAID array using high-performance hard drives or SSDs. This will ensure fast read/write speeds and better reliability for storing email data.
    3. Network setup: Connect the DS3611xs to your network using a Gigabit Ethernet connection for maximum throughput. Ensure that your network infrastructure is capable of handling the expected email traffic.
    4. Email server software: Install and configure a reliable email server software on the DS3611xs, such as Microsoft Exchange Server, MailPlus Server (Synology's own solution), or other popular email server software. Configure the software with appropriate settings for email delivery, security, and spam filtering.
    5. Backup and redundancy: Implement a regular backup strategy to protect email data. You can use Synology's built-in backup solutions or third-party backup software to create backups of the email server data. Additionally, consider implementing redundancy measures such as setting up a secondary email server or using a backup MX server to ensure continuous email service availability.
    6. Monitoring and maintenance: Regularly monitor the performance of the DS3611xs using Synology's built-in monitoring tools or third-party monitoring software. Perform routine maintenance tasks such as updating the firmware, email server software, and antivirus definitions to ensure optimal performance and security.

    By following these recommended configurations, the Synology DiskStation DS3611xs can serve as a capable email server for handling a large volume of email traffic.

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