I bought this NAS system, because I'd like my entire data have finally available without having to always turn on the PC. It's here mainly to multi-media files, ie movies, music, pictures, documents, etc ... I also want to keep all this data safe in the event that my now somewhat older PC times gives up the ghost. The LinkStation seemed as perfect for my needs to be and was priced to cope with yet.
I was surprised by the size of the device. The dimensions are approximately as my external USB hard drive, but twice as thick, because there are indeed 2 hard drives installed. Also, the device looks chic on my desk :) Had an aluminum housing liked, but well ... you can not have everything. In any case, the processing makes a good impression. I am also glad that the lights do not look at the front of the chassis too bright. In normal operation, this light in a subtle blue.
Currently I am of course test the device and copy my entire database on the device. 2 terabytes (that's 2000 gigabytes!) Are already quite a lot of space and the next time will be enough :) And if the place but then times be all, then you can simply replace the supplied 1TB drives. It will support up to 2TB disks. So you can operate a maximum of 4TB LinkStation.
What I can say after a short time of use: The integration of the LinkStation in my home network was relatively easy on the stage. It includes the device first to the computer and install the software, which mitliefert Buffalo. Everything I've not (yet) installed, only the NAS Navigator. The two hard drives the way I let run in normal mode, so have the RAID disabled. For RAID 1 I would have "only" 1TB storage space of a hard disk had since the second hard drive would be provided for data mirroring (So, a hard drive fails ... but no problem, there are on the other hard disk an exact copy of all Data). But wanted to have the full 2TB available. I would have had in the pre-configured RAID 0, however, the data to be stored so then on the two Fesplatten distributed (the two 1TB hard drives are then as a single 2TB HDD treated). This has a higher read-result. However, then there is a problem that in case of failure of a hard drive while the data of the other intact hard disk are backed up, but just can not be complete (since some of the data might as well be on the failed disk). To prevent this case, one would have again a backup of both Fesplatten own. This in turn results in that RAID 0 is not suited for securely storing data if one does not have a backup of the two hard drives.
One should be clear from the outset, in which mode you want to run Disk. Because if you have the two plates filled with data once and then it wants to opt for a different operating mode, all the data will be deleted from the two plates. There remains a only the possibility to save the data externally before. Either via network or via USB. But that could be a prolonged operation. I see that on the basis of 500GB data I shoveling on the unit at the time. Just imagine if the plates were filled to the last byte: P
Then configure the IP settings for still my home network and off we went ...
After successful installation, then the LinkStation disconnected from the PC and the wireless router (100Mbit / s cable or 54Mbit / s via WLAN, the possibility of Gigabit Ethernet to use the LinkStation I have not yet) connected. The LinkStation was once displayed in the network environment of my XP PCs. I then with the copy of my data started. If you copy from the PC to the LinkStation I run Netmeter ... It is a constant rate of +/- 8.50 MB / s displayed. That should be enough for home use. If my dataset is transferred times, then I copy also only sporadically files to your device. Then no longer takes me so long as the current Monster copy action :)
You can hear the device clearly, when it operates. The hard drives are relatively quiet, but drowned out by fans. The unit ran through the night, but was keinesweg hot. A little heat can feel it when you touch the housing.
With all the functionality of the LinkStation I am not familiar. But you can reach all functions when you enter the IP address of the LinkStation in a Web browser and the default username / password admin / password (as resourceful, but can fortunately change) logs. There's a whole lot to adjust. I'm going to try little by little the functions. I am particularly interested in the Auto Power function. So, the first PC / laptop on the network who wants to access the LinkStation, the unit turns on and the last PC / laptop disconnects from the network, and automatically sends the command, runterzufahren the LinkStation. But as I have indicated some other reviewers who use the LinkStation is through a Web browser slow ... the menus always open with delay. Perhaps yes brings the latest FW update something. On my LinkStation FW Version 1.24 is installed, the latest FW carries the version number 1.26. Have these already downloaded and will install it right.
Update 9/5: Have to FW updated 1:26, but did not see any significant changes in the configuration settings, or speed.
However, I can confirm that the Auto Power function actually works. That's a good thing, because the LinkStation is turned on only when it is also needed :)
Update 10/5: A word to the approvals ... Once you set up the LinkStation, you can in the settings (via Webbbrowser) create folders, which then show up under Windows Explorer. Here you can, for example, for each user of the LinkStation to create a folder and this has read and / or write access. In the settings of the LinkStation you will find the settings for the user or user group. Top Taking the username so how hot the corresponding PCs / laptops on the network and assigns the respective passwords (which are also used in the user accounts on Windows). So the users have direct access to the resources of the LinkStation to enter username / password each time.
. As Ex (as I have established that) I can even call the following:
I have for example a folder with music and a folder with movies ... To have access to these shares over the notebooks, I have each set up a user name for me and my wife. These also correspond to the Windows user name of each notebook. Have this then packed into a user group. This user group I give only read access to the resource in question. Write permissions only my main PC. From here, I feed the LinkStation with data. Also, I have a folder on the LinkStation with personal documents. Here I give only my main PC read and write and my Netbook only read access. When accessing from the home PC to the LinkStation the admin password must always be entered.
However, I have created a folder that has no access restrictions. Here, every PC, even strangers, data store. This is also the folder for Direct Copy function.
Speaking Direct Copy: It includes a USB flash drive to the LinkStation and presses the function button on the rear panel. The data is then automatically transferred to the folder intended. Practical.
By the way you can admire the LinkStation also wonderful to use on Linux using Samba share ... Even the sharing settings function. Habs grad times tested ... just create a starter on the desktop, which at the goal smb: // refers "IP address of the LinkStation" and you can already access the LinkStation :)
However, you do not have NAS Navigator on Linux. The Auto Power function works here not. One has the LinkStation already from Auto Power mode to the normal power mode set (using the small switch on the rear panel). Because if otherwise no other Windows PC is accessing the LinkStation, then the LinkStation will turn off after a while simply because they think so that no PC is connected :)
Update 25/6: The LinkStation in everyday life ... The NAS device is now an integral part of my small home network, on which permanent access at least 3 hosts. There are films watched, listened to music, read documents and PDF files ... For convenience, I push files only via FTP. If you want to access using FTP or SFTP to the LinkStation, exactly the same restrictions, which have been configured for normal access via Windows share or Samba share apply. As FTP client I use the freeware FileZilla. This allows me to comfortably copy files, move, delete and edit. Also works from the FTP access from "outside", ie from the Internet. Habs tried. Had only the FTP ports in the router forwarding to the LinkStation.
Tip: you can lie down on the desktop shortcut to access the LinkStation via FTP. Then you can push to the Windows Explorer files from the computer to the LinkStation. The destination address for the link looks like this "(s) ftp:. Copy // * IP address (or network name) of the LinkStation * For fast enough but that for comfortable FTP functions I refer again to the Filezilla FTP client. ,
Also, I've tried the built-in BitTorrent client. However, one must also forward the ports for the torrent client from the router to the LinkStation here. This works anyway. The downloaded files are stored in a folder previously defined on the LinkStation. This is very convenient because there is no PC in the network must be for these actions "on". The LinkStation does the self-employed.
I have also tried the included backup software Memeo. This software, however, is not suitable for system backup, but rather for backing up individual files / folders. To back up his system, I refer rather to commercial software like TrueImage or free software such as Clonezilla. I've been using for these purposes True Image, as well as backups are allowed over the network.
And again an update on 8/9: Have time the "WebAccess" tested ... This function is used to access pre-defined folder on the Internet. One has to go into the settings "Webaccess" and activate this function first in the web interface of the LinkStation under extensions. Man there is an opportunity to get to a DNS name over Buffalo or an individual DNS name. I have resorted to testing the services of no-ip.com ... This service is free. Alternatively, you can also use its own external IP to access the WebAccess. With most Internet providers but you have dynamic IP addresses, so here you have to always adjust the IP if this has changed again. You also have to define an internal NAS port and a port for external access. Note: The external port has to be then forwarded in the router to the internal NAS-Port! After successful configuration you can then access via the Internet to the shared folder of the LinkStation.
FYI: You can configure the LinkStation if you must log in or Webaccess whether anonymous access is allowed. To sign then are made available to users, which have been configured in the link station and assigned to the released is lowing folders. Alternatively, you can pass on the previously assigned rights of the folder for the web access ... This is very handy :)
I have to admit that just the configuration on the router not been so easy for me (regarding port forwarding) ... but with a little experimenting to get certainly the goal :)
I would also add the review that I mean important data even further copy to external media because of my decision to Raid 1. You never know :) should perhaps be said. When using Raid 0 or Raid without you data loss in case of failure of a disk (if one does not have backups). But until today (24/9) I can say that the device is working properly. Place is really there without end ... so far I have it by far not managed, the first hard drive to fill (1 GB). And then there's still the second :)
The integrated print server I can not give any information. I think that works well, but I have a print server from Sitecom. This supports also scanning over the network. I think that can not LinkStation.
Update 30/10: Again back to building speed when the web interface of the LinkStation. Subjectively, the page loads faster with Chrome / Iron. I always use Opera else. With Chrome / Iron now ists not superfluid, small delays while browsing the web interface are also available here. But in my opinion not quite as bad, such as the Opera browser :)
Update 8/11: Want again later enumerate the better Übersichtskeit half the negative points to the LinkStation:
1) web interface for configuration could be a little smoother ... For the configuration pages in my opinion, are clearly designed to ... I think pretty quickly what I'm looking for (even if it ever takes a little load time with them). Is for me but not a reason to give the device for a minus point.
2) The link station supports Gigabit Ethernet. However, making Gigabit over max. 40MB / s. Well, with more advertises Buffalo not. In practice, I have mostly so the 30MB / s. Sometimes, the LinkStation which is faster and Netmeter shows just 40MB / s on. But is not a constant. Because Buffalo no longer promises (the 40MB / s have been well measured under optimal laboratory conditions that you do not have at home), I would also deduct for no minus point. The manufacturer of networking hardware always advertise so at speeds that can not be achieved under practical conditions. Because Buffalo is no exception.
3) When changing the configuration interrupts the LinkStation current connections. However, as changes occur only sporadically after the first basic configuration (at least for me), and this point does not fall too great weight of my evaluation.
4) My Swiss Flash USB flash drive is not recognized by the LinkStation. Weis why the devil, but my external USB hard drive is recognized without problems. It lies on my USB flash drive or on the LinkStation? I do not know who the culprit is ... so also for no penalty.
Update 19/2: Have the LinkStation now 3/4 year in operation and have to say that the device performs as before his service to my satisfaction. I am but noticed that lasts longer over time the boot process. If at least my subjective impression. But I have so far experienced no data loss and the unit runs relatively quietly.
Also I still have plenty of space available, although the LinkStation is often "fed" :)
Oh, and once had had NEN small terror and indeed as I wanted to check the hard drives of the device in the web interface of the LinkStation. Was just a routine operation, have not done, because I had a problem. In any case the German translator of the web interface have goofed, because after the start of operation is as a status "The disk is formatted" output (or something similar): o I thought to myself that it can not be ... I have not yet clicked on format?!? Hab let the operation run to the end and then found with relief that a) my data was still there, and b) was to spend the status of the hard slats as "OK" :)
Well, maybe have the folks at Buffalo and a strange sense of humor ... if that were the case, then who am really frightened.
The LinkStation was my first real NAS and I wonder how I got along before. The device is now operated on a TP-Link wireless router (N) with Gigabit LAN. It's very comfortable to have a fast wireless access to the large network storage anywhere in the house.
Update 26/3: So, have tried an untested function, namely, the backup function. It is possible to make a copy of a folder, either on one of the two hard disks on the LinkStation or on external devices.
For me it turned demletzt following problem: The hard disk 1 was already filled more than 90%, the hard disk (in the NAS Navigator of the space bar was colored red), 2 about 20%. I thought to myself that maybe I should be more distributed across both disks in my data. But how do I do it? My first attempt was to create a new folder on disk 2 and then just move the data in Windows Explorer. That's true, but such an operation is extremely lame from equip.
I thought to myself that this must go faster. So I once more looked in the settings of the LinkStation and found under "System", select "Backup". Here I learned that I must first set up as a backup folder to the destination folder for the backup time. This is done under "Shared Folders" => "Order means". You choose the desired folder (or create it here) and activates the "HDD Backup" option. Then back to the backup settings. Here I created a backup job. I have to copy the folder as the source folder and the new folder set (on disk 2) as the destination folder. Also I have set to a backup log to be created. Then I can do the job. The LinkStation will immediately start with the copy. Apparently, this task can not stop once started. I have now closed the settings of the LinkStation and can create the backup. The LinkStation can nevertheless continue to use. This lasted a few hours, as more than 200 GB of data were to copy. After completing the operation, I then deleted on disk 1 the source folder for backup. Voilà :)
Also an interesting feature is the automatic e-mail notification of the status of the LinkStation and errors. One gets then a daily email from the LinkStation sent (at a specified time), to report on the status of the LinkStation. This information includes the document space of the two hard drives and possible hard drive failure. In the case of fans problems and hard disk defects, the link station sends an email immediately.
It works like this: Go into the settings of the LinkStation, then "System" and then "maintenance" ... Here one must first configure the e-mail settings. You need the address of an SMTP server on which the LinkStation can send the emails and, of course, an email address to receive the news. Also you can make settings to authenticate to the SMTP server. And finally you can even choose which information to a report the Linsktation.
To test the successful configuration of the email notification, you can then send a test email, then check his inbox :)
Edit 29/04/11: Meanwhile there the firmware version 1.41 for download ... I deliberate changes include support for hard drives beyond 2TB, a new version of the WebAccess software, a few bug fixes and the possibility in the LinkStation settings for new to seek firmware updates.
Edit 05/18/11: The update to firmware version 1.41 seems to have been withdrawn. Buffalo now has returned to the version 1.40. Why this is so, I do not know. Times have sent a request to the Buffalo-Support.
Edit 05/21/11: the Buffalo Support gratifyingly fast, responded to my request ... so, the update to firmware version 1.41 has been removed because it is no longer possible to access the LinkStation settings after the unit would the "EM mode" fallen. The shares would no longer verfübar in this case. When I asked if I should then downgrade to firmware version 1.40 again, the Buffalo Support has advised against this. I should wait for a speedy appearing corrected firmware version and then install. Then I hope times, that not just now what happens ...
Edit 09/06/11: The FW Update 1.42 is out and said error has been removed and other small bug fixes are also included. I install just the moment the update. But I must also say that I have not noticed any problems since the installation of the FW 1:41. Since I'm so lucky again :)
Incidentally, the firmware update worked. Everything is running as usual!
Edit 05/07/11: Today I received the NAS Navigator by popup notification on my desktop that the LinkStation have a notification for me. I looked in the NAS Navigator and saw that the LinkStation icon was provided with a question mark. Looking more closely I saw that an unknown error was present. I opened the settings of the LinkStation in the web browser and was informed immediately (even before I logged) that probably a new FW would ready for download.
Fine, I thought, and looked for the Buffalo download sites on to determine that there is offered the FW 1:42?!? Moment, this FW I nutz but already? Also I noticed only now that the Info LED orange on the LinkStation lit ...
I then immediately wrote to times and wondered what it's all about the Buffalo Support. And the colleagues have said in reply pleasing fast and unraveled the mystery: There actually is a new FW 1:43 for download, but only on American servers (for US customers). On the European servers can not download this one. However, the update feature of the LinkStation is linked to the American servers. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahso :) By the way, advises the Buffalo support from them to install an American FW on a European instrument, references the possible warranty loss!
This behavior of the LinkStation is the way new ... that seems to have something to do with the new update function, which is enhalten since FW 1:41. Unfortunately, I see no way to disable this (annoying) update notifications. Yes, every 5 minutes I see this pop-up on my desktop: | But you can turn off the notification of errors in the NAS Navigator. However, then I got no more messages in "correct" errors.
So people, do not panic if you also get this message the LinkStation. Everything is OK :)
Update 06/07/11: The update for FW 1:43 is about the configuration settings of the LinkStation available (but not yet as a download from the Buffalo-pages). You can now update conveniently via the web interface on the LinkStation. Habs grad tried and it worked. The update removes apparently only small mistakes ... is nothing earth-shattering, new features do not seem to come to be. Well, was also only a small version jump)
Edit 28/07/11: The guys from Buffalo were diligent and have already published an updated firmware, which can be downloaded via the Buffalo download pages as opposed to the previous FW 1:43. Alternatively you can access via a web interface (like me) also for free comfort FW update. The new FW version carries the version number 1.52 changelog interested can find here: (...)
Have fun update :)
Edit 08/22/11: And yet another firmware update, this time to version 1.54.
The changes can be found here => (...)
So has only to do with Time Machine.
Update 27/03/12: Today I got a message from the NAS Navigator, it probably would be a new firmware to download. The Info / Error LED on the LinkStation shone also good boy orange :) Do not forget: Orange = info, Red = Error
The update brings several bug fixes, found on the Buffalo website. Even before the update by configuation pages you can read a changelog. The changes are not earth-shattering, but it shows me one: Buffalo still supports the old LinkStation with updates. Although there is already a successor. The old LinkStation is therefore still not "dead" :) I use the NAS now just under 2 years, mainly to full satisfaction. Wanted to mention also the time :)
Edit 05/11/12: the meantime, was an update to FW 1.62 published (in September), but which did not yield any major changes. But times seem an update to be available, which can be reached either via the configuration pages of the LinkStation still on the download pages of Buffalo. However, it receives from the NAS Navigator and the message even when you log into the Configuration Pages, you get the hint. I've learned to be a little patient here. Last time wars so that the update is available on nem Buffalo server that does not serve European customers. The LinkStation noted nevertheless that an update is here and Recalls. For Europe, the update was available but later. So, do not panic if you also have the. You can, as already described, the notifications from the NAS Navigator off if you annoy the continuous reference. Then you get but received no error messages on the LinkStation. Wanted to say again that only.
Never, but never (!) Pull the update example of the American Buffalo page! Buffalo points out that the loss of warranty means!
Incidentally, the LinkStation is running literally like an old VW Bully :) After 2 1/2 years still experienced no fatal error, my data was always safe :) That reminds me but slowly and surely out of space, I wonder me another zuzulegen LinkStation. Only this time the Pro with 4TB :)
Edit 06/11/12: The firmware update, you can now draw from the Buffalo page. About the config pages LinkStation still not go. The update carries the version number 1.63. According Changelog what was done at the file transfer speed (SMB wording "Improves file transfer speed by SMB."). This is of course tested times :)
Edit 3/4/13: While it is not appeared new firmware update more, but I have the LinkStation now been nearly 3 years of trouble-free in operation. Sure, some peculiarities I've met in time. But the thing works and runs well on the warranty-time addition. For the price definitely a very good investment. I now have, however, slowly but surely, the plates full and put me probably a new NAS. Let's see what will be for a device that. I could install larger disks also easy. But of course I do not know how long the LinkStation is still "alive" and I must back up the data in the event of cases. A gray would be if the controller blows times. The panels can not simply be installed in the computer and Windows then reads out. No, that has not its own Windows-compatible file system. Perhaps we could come up with Linus distro ner it ... So: We remember: A NAS is not a secure backup solution (!). Data should only be always available on the network.
But the LinkStation does not seem soon give up the ghost :) Now think a bit off, I do know that ...
Edit 14/12/13: So, after about 3 years of reliable use me slowly the space flutes (already written desöfteren, but now really: D). The LinkStation still works as a 1 and my second NAS may also be of Buffalo. I think the home needs, the device is a good choice, even if it's people out there who are not satisfied. And there is always. Expectations were probably not met, or if the device was broken prematurely. I can not say that. I thought the way, would be much 2TB. Pah, because now come 8TB (8000GB!) :) Maybe I nutz then Raid 1 for disk mirroring. In my present I have not done, because I would then übrieg only 1TB space. That was me definitely too little. But with 4TB per plate that is worth considering.
I'm curious if there are interesting changes until more space. Slightly faster Config pages would be great in any case. Functionally, there was really nothing so far, what I missed. On the contrary, there are features that I've never tested (although I had tried to test as many functions). But a solution for every need was there previously.
And of course, remains the old LinkStation active in the future. You will not be replaced, but supported by a second LinkStation newer generation :)
Unfortunately, it will then not be the same experience as the old LinkStation. I initially had no idea what was coming towards me. However, a bit of background in computer technology, I had already. Was probably facilitated the matter. But that was a real expedition, which I with the new LinkStation or NAS which will no longer have probably does not matter. What I am not happy when I had managed to take advantage of web access / FTP correctly; so that other people on prescribed me clearances can access via the Internet. Oder als ich das erste Email von der Linkstation erhielt mit einem Status-Bericht :) Oder als ich den Torrent-Client richtig eingerichtet hatte und zum Test dann mal was runtergeladen hab... Diese und andere Funktionen kenne ich nun und werde diese wohl problemlos auch bei der neuen nutzen. Auch werden mich komische Status-Meldungen vom NAS-Navigator nicht mehr schocken... Vielleicht wirds dann auch ein bisschen langweilig ;)
Was ich übrigens immer noch blöd finde (und ich hoffe, bin aber nicht zu optimistisch daß die neue Linkstation das anders macht): Wenn man nur einen Rechner "on" hat im LAN und muß diesen neustarten, dann reagiert die Linkstation zu fix und fährt auch runter (wenn man Auto Power an hat). Denn diese denkt, daß der letzte Rechner ausgeschaltet wird und verfährt nach dem Motto: Der letzte macht das Licht aus... Wenn der Rechner dann neu gestartet ist, ist die Linkstation grad mal runtergefahren und erstmal "off". Diese schaltet sich aber nach einer Weile wieder ein und fährt hoch. Das dauert bekanntermaßen ja etwas. Wär schön, wenn die Linkstation ein paar Minuten warten könnte, bis diese runterfährt. Mein Rechner macht eigentlich recht zügig einen Neustart. Denn an und für sich ist "Auto Power" eine tolle Funktion. Diese hat in den 3 Jahren der Nutzung immer (!) funktioniert. Ich fahre den Rechner hoch und die Linkstation startet, ich fahre den Rechner runter, die Linkstation fährt mit runter. Natürlich nur in Verbindung mit installierten NAS Navigator. Deswegen läuft "Auto Power" ja auch nur unter Windows und Mac OS. Mein Tablet/Smartphone hat die Linkstation bisher nicht aufgeweckt. Es gibt zwar entsprechende Apps, die das möglich machen sollen und ich hab das auch probiert... aber nur mein Windows Rechner ist bisher dazu in der Lage.
