Lights-Out 3 for Synology DSM (public beta)
We are pleased to announce the long-awaited new Lights-Out 3 for Synology DSM. Lights-Out 3 is an enhanced power management for Synology NAS systems.
With version 3, Lights-Out supports Linux servers for the first time (in addition to Windows-based server systems), namely Synology’s NAS systems with the DSM operating system.
Why should I use Lights-Out 3 power management for Synology?
On the NAS
Lights-Out 3 for Synology includes almost the same functionality as on Windows. Your NAS turns into a Green IT power management solution that includes both the NAS and the client computers and allows the management of all components:
- Your NAS can be operated according to flexible schedules
- Your NAS can be operated as needed (e.g. as long as a client computer is used).
- Your NAS monitors backup and can activate and deactivate itself for this purpose.
- Your NAS monitors and scans the network for (new) devices
- Your NAS manages connected client computers
In addition, there is a management console and the appropriate client software, which is identical on all supported platforms (Windows, Linux and macOS).
Management console
To manage Lights-Out 3, a management console is included. A Windows machine is required for installation. The console is used to visualize and configure all functionality of Lights-Out.
The management console can manage multiple servers in your network. Here we connect to a DS218+.
Status
The status tab shows 6 panes with information:
- Status: Server is on, standard action is shutdown. Also displays latest blog entries.
- Recording: A protocol of start/stop actions of your NAS
- Monitoring: Displays which sources are monitored and which are currently active (blue)
- License: Information about the licensee and version
- Savings: Shows the saved money and CO2
- Calendar: Displays the next scheduled events
Calendar
The calendar tab shows the scheduled tasks for your NAS and/or client computers.
Runtime chart
The runtime chart visualizes the run-time of your devices. You can easily see if your NAS is active at unexpected times. You can also see the reason for a wake-up, here for example a backup during the night.
Computers
This tab lists all managed client computers. In our example we have two Windows clients and a Linux client. The lower pane shows detailed information about the selected computer.
You can double click any item to open the property dialog and the backup list to configure additional settings.
Network devices
Lights-Out includes a network scanner. This tab shows all automatically detected devices. You can manually add devices with an IP-Address. These devices can be monitored for activity.
Lights-Out 3 for Synology – Settings
Action is used to configure the time and standard action. On a Synology NAS only “shut down” is available. In our example, the NAS is turned off after 8 minutes of inactivity.
Monitoring is used to defined which sources you want to monitor for activity. In our example we are monitoring client computers, DSM system updates, some known tasks like SMART check, ip based network devices and calendar schedules.
Backup lists all configured backup providers found on your NAS.
Server is used to configure some NAS properties, like language or power settings.
Console is used to configure properties for the management console, like the theme or display options.
Users shows all detected users of your NAS and is used to configure additional access rights.
Client software
There is a common, functionally identical software for all 3 operating systems (Windows, Linux and macOS).
The functions in fast forward:
- Automatic or manual wake-up of the NAS via context menu (see screen shot below)
- Tray icon with context menu for waking other computers, configuring backup and server.
- Runtime control of the client computer via Lights-Out calendar
- Scheduled client wake-up via WOL and timer
- Monitoring of backup
- End action after backup (like standby or shutdown)
- Shutdown, standby or restart via management console
Lights-Out 3 for Synology – Try it out today!
Everyone is invited to test the new Lights-Out 3 power management for Synology. Please discuss any problems in the forum or (if it is a real bug) report them in the ticket system.
