Integrating Synology NAS with Kubernetes for Cloud-Native Workloads

Using Synology NAS with Kubernetes

Kubernetes has become the standard for managing containerized workloads as companies update their application stacks. When people first start using cloud-native technology, they often focus on compute. However, storage is still a big problem. Databases, analytics platforms, CI/CD pipelines, and backup services are all examples of stateful workloads that still need reliable, high-performance, and long-lasting storage. Combining Synology NAS with Kubernetes is a useful way to connect old storage systems with new container orchestration systems.

With this method, businesses can run cloud-native apps while still being able to control where their data is stored, how well it works, and how much it costs.

Why Kubernetes Needs Persistent Storage Outside of Itself

By default, Kubernetes is meant to be temporary. You can make, destroy, and reschedule containers at any time, so local node storage is not a good place for data that needs to last. Kubernetes needs external storage systems that offer Persistent Volumes (PVs) and Persistent Volume Claims (PVCs) to handle workloads in the real world.

Enterprise NAS systems are a good fit for this job. They provide shared storage, redundancy, snapshots, and backup integration, all of which are necessary for production settings. Synology NAS has another benefit: it combines features for enterprise storage with easier management.

How to Use Synology NAS with Kubernetes Architectures

The main way Synology NAS works with Kubernetes is through network-based storage protocols. NFS for shared file storage and iSCSI for block-level volumes are two common methods. Kubernetes natively supports these protocols, and they are often used for stateful workloads.

Kubernetes clusters can use Synology NAS as a storage backend to get persistent storage without having to build storage logic into the cluster itself. This separation makes the system more robust and easier to scale because storage can grow without affecting compute resources.

NFS and iSCSI Persistent Volumes

NFS is often used for workloads that need to be accessed by more than one pod, like content repositories, build artifacts, or apps that people work on together. Synology NAS offers mature NFS services with access control, performance tuning, and the ability to take snapshots.

iSCSI is a great choice for workloads that need block storage semantics, like databases or apps that need to run quickly. Kubernetes can map iSCSI LUNs as persistent volumes. This lets pods use storage that acts like a local disk while still getting the benefits of NAS-level redundancy and snapshots.

It depends on the workload, how often you need to access it, and how fast you want it to be.

Dynamic Provisioning and Storage Classes

To fully connect Synology NAS with Kubernetes, administrators usually create StorageClasses that explain how storage should be set up. Even though not all Kubernetes distributions come with a built-in Synology CSI driver, many environments use external provisioners or custom workflows to automatically create volumes on the NAS.

When integrated correctly, developers can use PVCs to dynamically request storage, and the NAS will take care of things like capacity allocation, performance tiers, and protection policies. This is in line with cloud-native principles because it hides infrastructure details from application teams.

Things to think about for performance and scalability

Running Kubernetes workloads on NAS storage makes the network dependent, so planning for performance is important. Synology systems can connect to networks at very high speeds, like 10GbE and higher, which is often needed for production clusters.

Features like SSD caching, all-flash volumes, and tiered storage help container workloads with mixed I/O patterns run better. Dedicated storage networks or VLANs are examples of careful network design that can make reliability and throughput even better.

Another benefit is that it can grow. As Kubernetes workloads grow, you can add more drives or expansion units to your Synology NAS without stopping any of your running applications.

Protecting data in stateful containers

Data protection is one of the best reasons to connect Kubernetes to a Synology NAS. Kubernetes doesn’t have built-in backup or long-term storage for persistent data. Synology NAS fills this need with tools for snapshots, replication, and backups.

Snapshots make it possible to quickly roll back persistent volumes if an application crashes or data gets corrupted. Replication and backup protect systems that are not on-site or in the cloud, which helps with disaster recovery and compliance needs.

This layered protection model is very useful for stateful workloads where keeping data safe is very important.

Deployments in multiple environments and hybrid environments

A lot of companies run Kubernetes clusters in both the cloud and on their own servers. Synology NAS can be a stable storage layer in hybrid architectures. It can support development clusters on-premises while also working with cloud-native workflows.

This consistency makes operations easier and lets teams move workloads between environments without having to change how they store data.

A Useful Way to Get Cloud-Native Storage

Using Synology NAS with Kubernetes is a practical way to adopt cloud-native technology. It lets businesses modernize how they deploy applications while still using their existing storage investments and keeping control of their data.

Businesses can confidently support stateful workloads, improve data protection, and get their infrastructure ready for long-term cloud-native growth by using Kubernetes orchestration with Synology’s reliable, scalable storage platform.