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+--- Thread: DS216J as USB External Backup for F6-424 Max (/showthread.php?tid=12549)
DS216J as USB External Backup for F6-424 Max - Enquiries - 12-05-2025
Hi NAS Compares
I have a DS416j and i want to use it ONLY as a backup device, to be connected by USB only, to my Terramaster f6-424 max.
Am using the f6-424 max as a plex server only.
The DS416J will only be powered on when I want to run back ups (every 1 or 2 months).
Is this possible?
1. Briefly, if possible, how should I configure DS416J to function for this set up?
2. What type of backup app / function should I use for this set up on the f6-424 max?
Or is there another better option that I should be exploring?
Sooooooo many thanks .... in advance!
RE: DS216J as USB External Backup for F6-424 Max - ed - 12-11-2025
The Short Answer: No, this won't work as you're hoping.
Here's why:
The Problem: You can't connect a Synology NAS to a TerraMaster NAS via USB and have it function as a backup target. NAS devices don't recognize other NAS units as USB storage devices - they're designed to be network-attached storage, not direct-attached storage. The USB ports on your F6-424 Max are meant for external USB drives (like a WD Elements), not another NAS.
Better Options for Your Setup:
Option 1: Network Backup (Best Solution) Connect both NAS units to your network and use rsync or the TerraMaster backup app:
Keep the DS416J on your network but powered off most of the time
Power it on every 1-2 months when you want to backup
Use TerraMaster's TNAS Backup or rsync to push data from F6-424 Max to DS416J over the network
This gives you proper incremental backups and is much more reliable
Option 2: Actual USB External Drive (Simplest) Honestly, for Plex backup every 1-2 months, a large USB external drive might be more practical:
8TB+ USB drive (around £120-150)
Plug into F6-424 Max USB port
Use TerraMaster's USB backup function
No network configuration needed
Much simpler for occasional backups