For consumers with multimedia content they want to store, use and share or for SOHOs with data to backup and protect, external hard drives are a good start, but RAIDable network storage makes more sense—if the price and usability are right.
At $229.00 for the enclosure—an excellent price, given the features—D-Links new DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure combines the do-it-yourself flexibility of a hard drive enclosure with the flexibility of a network-based device.
You can start with just one SATA drive, and add another later. No tools or cabling are needed—just pop the drive in. This lets you price and rebate-shop for SATA drive deals, or start with a drive youve got kicking around and wait for a great deal.
With two bays populated, you can select define some or all drive capacity for RAID 1 (mirroring), leaving the rest as JBOD for less critical content.
You can use the DNS-323 as a local file server, appearing as a lettered drive to your computer, and as an Internet-accessible FTP server.
A built-in UPnP audio visual media server lets you stream digital content to compatible media players, including widgits like D-Links DSM 520 Media Player, that can act as inputs to your analog or digital stereo or television.
Other features include a USB print server port; Memeo AutoBackup, which can do real-time file backup and saves a copy to the D-Link when you save on the PC; a DHCP server, in case you need it; spin-down power management; and, for digital media users, a streaming server that goes directly to a digital media device, including UPnP audio-visual devices that you can plug into your analog stereo or television.
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