05-16-2025, 12:37 PM
Thanks for reaching out.
Your DS1821+ will continue to receive firmware and DSM updates until 2031, after which it will reach end-of-life (EOL). Once it goes EOL, migrating your drives to a newer Synology system could become problematic, especially if you continue using non-Synology drives, as future models may have stricter compatibility.
If you plan to expand now with a second DX517 and the E10G30-T2 10GbE card, that’s a solid way to future-proof your setup. At the same time, you might consider starting to introduce Synology-branded drives gradually—this will make any eventual migration into the Synology ecosystem smoother.
Alternatively, when the time comes to upgrade, you could also consider switching to a QNAP or another NAS brand that supports mixed drives more flexibly.
In summary, your plan to expand now is good, but keep in mind the long-term drive compatibility and firmware support when planning your migration path.
Your DS1821+ will continue to receive firmware and DSM updates until 2031, after which it will reach end-of-life (EOL). Once it goes EOL, migrating your drives to a newer Synology system could become problematic, especially if you continue using non-Synology drives, as future models may have stricter compatibility.
If you plan to expand now with a second DX517 and the E10G30-T2 10GbE card, that’s a solid way to future-proof your setup. At the same time, you might consider starting to introduce Synology-branded drives gradually—this will make any eventual migration into the Synology ecosystem smoother.
Alternatively, when the time comes to upgrade, you could also consider switching to a QNAP or another NAS brand that supports mixed drives more flexibly.
In summary, your plan to expand now is good, but keep in mind the long-term drive compatibility and firmware support when planning your migration path.