Iomega Storcenter ITB NAS
We wanted to add NAS to our network because both graphic and data files are getting out of control. Our writers will be able to store their art and data on the always on NAS device in the event of a catastrophe, or when PCs are updated and data has to be restored.
The documentation indicated that a browser could configure the StorCenter with out using an install disk. Iomega suggested the SuperStor be attached directly to one of the router's Ethernet ports using a crossover cable that was include in the purchase.
Being familiar with the office network, we started pinging until we got a couple of new ping echoes back. On the second attempt we connected to the NAS device. the device was not password protected, so went right in to the Interface:
It will initially ask you how you want to set up the two 540 GB harddrives. We were familiar with RAID O and RAID 1, so we picked RAID One for data protection using drive mirroring. The RAID 0 option provides faster performance for streaming media, but if one of the drive fails, you lose everything.
We found out the Iomega uses HD cartridges, so if one stops working, you will have to purchase a new cartridge from Iomega.
Once you can get into the device, change the network connection to static.
By default, the device is setup for DHCP. If the device powers down unexpectedly, you will lose the dynamic IP address and have to hunt for the new one.
You will have to configure users with eight character or less names and shared directories on the NAS device. The easiest way to do this is to create a unique directory for each users or give users access to the public directory.
Once users have access to public, they can create any subdirectories they need to do work.
We set up out StorCenter so that an administrator would have access to all of the other user's files. You have to create a user group to do this.
It takes at least four hours for the two drives to be formatted into a RAID array. However, once the devices are configured, you can start copy files to the SuperSor immediately.
Once the RAID array is completed, a blue light will come on the front of the device. the SuperStor is quiet, but it also runs hot. Make sure that you install the SuperStor in a well ventilated area.
We are very satisfied with he SuperStor.It works and it it took about three hours to set up on the Rightarida LAN.
Also, RAID arrays are sensitive and if one drive gets out of synch with the other, the RAID array will rebuild itself. Use RAID with an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
Update: We think we know why the StorCenter was such a good deal. One writer who uses Windows 7, was unable to browse, any of the folders set up for sharing. Apparently, XPPro works with the StorCenter, but not Windows 7 that uses a discovery protocol to browse the LAN.
The software that is bundled with the StorCenter is essentially a glorified browser that allows users to access the StorCenter shares.
We assumed that we could install an FTP client to access the shares like Filezilla, but FTP is only supported by attached USB drives.
The StorCenter has two USB ports and you could install a thumb drive or an extremal USB hard drive for backup.
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