Review Buffalo LinkStation 421e – Compact and Easy to use NAS
In the review Buffalo LinkStation 421e we test the enclosure that houses two Buffalo hard drives to turn it into a single unit to save and share data across the network and the Internet with Mac, PC, iPhone and iPad. Buffalo is a manufacturer of storage devices for years that stands out compared to other devices for the proposed performing, elegant, functional, equipped with management software and firmware updated frequently.
In this article, you will find the review of the Buffalo LinkStation 421e.
It is a NAS device model enclosure, double-slot that, in addition to the elegant gray frame, is distinguished by the simplicity of configuration, the interface clear and complete, as well as for the functions of remote access from any location via web browser, smartphone or tablet. The device integrates a Marvell ARMADA 370 processor with ARMv7 architecture and operation speed of 1.2 GHz, 512MB DDR3 RAM, supports the storage of two internal disks (1 TB to 4 TB each), supports RAID mode 0 (disk space used is the total space of all units in use), RAID 1 (mirrored, the usable space in the array is the capacity of a single unit) or JBOD (HDs are seen as individual units). It is essential to choose the right RAID modes to suit your needs changing the mode. All data will be deleted.
On the front we find 1 USB 2.0/3.0; on the back we find the classic Ethernet RJ-45 connector (10/100/1000Mbit), 1 USB 2.0 port, the switch on / off, slot theft protection, protection with padlocks dedicated. A white LED on the front lights up when the LinkStation is on, blinks during startup or shutdown; A red LED flashes when an error occurs.
A button allows you to take advantage of the function DirectCopy (from external USB devices) and is also useful for removal of USB devices. Removed from the box, the device is fairly small (87 x 205 x 128 mm) and weighs about 800 grams; the front door opens easily and provides access to two slots on which screw the hard drives. To review the Buffalo LinkStation 421e we used two hard drives Seagate Barracuda 7,200 rpm with a capacity of 1TB each.
After connecting the system with a simple cable to your existing network, we downloaded the software from the manufacturer of control: the package includes a CD, but we preferred to directly download the latest release of the application. Application starts LinkNavigator, this scan networked drives, allows you to select the desired device, change working group, IP address and other settings to intervene.
Noting the address assigned to the device, it is possible to indicate any browser and access the various configuration options. The Introduction section is the simplest: from here you can change the administrator password, choose to set the permissions for the shared folder by default; as ” public ” anyone on the network can access the folder, such as ” private ” only registered users can access. At this stage, you can also create a shared folder entirely new.
The WebAccess section, as mentioned, you can create a personal cloud to facilitate secure remote access and file sharing with anyone, anywhere on the Internet, keeping the data stored safely in a location on your home network.
Also in this case the level of access the share folder destination can be selected from ” anyone “, ” Only registered users and groups ” or activated the ” synchronize with the settings of the shared folder. ”
The device integrates a BitTorrent client and allows the download of the file in question directly without the need to turn on the computer. From the ” BitTorrent ” , you can enable / disable the service, eventually choosing the destination folder. Interesting is also DLNA support, industry standard that facilitates interconnect of digital devices such as computers, media players, gaming devices and networks connected.
The ” Service Network-USB ” allows you to access and use a USB device connected to the LinkStation as if the device were connected directly to your computer. The advanced settings can be recalled at any time and from any section.
From here you can quickly change the sharing features, check the unit, see the attached USB drives, the current array, verify the status of the RAID array, activate / deactivate quickly the various services co, and for example, DLNA, iTunes, Network-USB and print server.
Remote Access. – Buffalo’s WebAccess is a software that allows you to access the files in the shared folder of the LinkStation from your computer, smartphone or tablet via the Internet. The version for iOS is free to download from the App Store. To access these files remotely is first of all, necessary to enable the web interface by entering the device.
After downloading the app, just indicate the NAS indicating the name as it appears in the WebAccess. Access is instant and easy to make. We are immediately able to see the content. By entering, indicating that the user name and password, we can also copy files from iOS devices to the NAS.
File sharing, Backup, and Management. – The sharing features are easy to use. One section allows you to specify users and create folders. For each folder, you can specify the attribute ( ” read-only ” or ” read-write ” ), or not to enable the use of the basket (only SMB), specify the protocols to enable (SMB, FTP, AFP, DLNA, WebAccess), set other attributes. Access restrictions can be configured separately for each shared folder, but not for the sub-folders within the shared folder.
You can create hidden folders, join an Active Directory domain, NT domain, delegate authority to an external SMB server (authentication server for centralized management of user accounts and passwords).
Functions are supported backup: You can activate the Time Machine support for specifying a specific destination folder, and you can also specify a disk to back up the data on the LinkStation on a USB hard drive or another NAS. You can back up to a LinkStation or TeraStation on another network as long as the two networks are connected via a VPN.
In the event of faults. – If one of the disks fails, the NAS Navigator application reports it; the same indication will be visible in the settings section. Just turn off the LinkStation and replace the drive with a size equal to or greater than the hard disk to be replaced (if using a larger drive, the extra space will not be used in a RAID mirror array). After replacing the drive, it will take about 30 minutes before the normal reading and writing files are restored.
Multimedia Functions. – DLNA is a set of guidelines for the sharing of digital content: Buffalo LinkStation 421e includes a DLNA server that meets the specifications of the DLNA standard. Thus, films, photographs, images, and songs stored on the device can be played back depending on the content of TV, stereo equipment, game consoles and other DLNA compatible devices within the network.
In the web interface, you can enable DLNA support and specify an interval for database updates DLNA server: when new movies, photos and music files are added to the folder of the LinkStation DLNA, you must update the database before the new file can be transmitted. By default, the database is updated when files are stored in the LinkStation; You can change this interval or manually update the database.
Buffalo LinkStation 421e – Conclusions
Buffalo LinkStation 421e s easy to use, integrates everything normally expected from similar products for consumer environments, it is very quiet, and the interface allows even novice users to enable / disable the features you want.
Remote access via the Internet is a plus that will be enjoyed by many: because it does not require any special software to allow third-party access to a file, just send the link to your friends and to your family via e-mail.
These can securely access files selected especially for them. We particularly enjoyed the energy-saving features, the transfer functions from USB and the integrated FTP server.
Users looking for a NAS storage device with the affordable price already integrated functions for unlimited access via the network, support for Time Machine and easy to use, cannot be wrong: Buffalo LinkStation 421e is a product that will be a source of satisfaction.
Our Opinion
PROS : Silent, Supports USB printers and many amenities, Sharing features comprehensive and easy to use.
CONS : The print server is not supported on OS X.
- Overall
