After getting my new Canon 5D Mark II Digital SLR, data storage usage has jumped significantly on my laptop. The photo files are at least 5MB and the video files around 100MB each. You can imagine how fast my Sandisk 8GB Extreme IV Compact Flash gets filled up, not to mention the rapid depletion of hard-disk space on my notebook. The problem is further exacerbated with my wife also wanting copies of the same photos. Rather than duplicating files on each of our computers, it would be much more effective to store our photos on a shared drive.
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to find a way to store and share our files on our home network. My requirements are:
- super easy to install (I don’t want any headaches)
- connects to my current router
- possibly access these same files remotely / via Internet
I think I may have found the solution with the new D-Link DNS313 1-Bay NAS Network Storage Enclosure. It fulfills my requirements and more. Sounds like I just have to purchase a SATA hard-disk, slip it in, then install the D-Link connect software and voila. I hope it’s that easy. Here’s an image of how easy it is to install:
Summary of Features of the D-Link DNS313:
- Power management to conserve energy & extend life of hard drive
- Easy to use, manage by your web browser
- Operating system independent, no drivers required
- Up to 1,000GB of Storage
D-Link DNS313 1-BAY NAS Order Page
D-Link DNS313 1-BAY NAS with 500GB Drive Order Page
D-Link DNS313 Product Description
1-Bay SATA Network Storage Enclosure
The D-Link DNS-313 1-Bay SATA Network Storage Enclosure enables users at home to share files such as music, photos and videos across the network and on the Internet, so friends and family can access them. This device can also be used to stream music, photos and videos to UPnP™ Audio and Video (UPnP AV) compatible network media players*.
Convenience, Performance and Flexibility
The DNS-313 accommodates one 3.5” Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive of any capacity**. No tools or cables are required to install the hard drive, simplifying the setup process significantly. It also accepts a USB connection, to serve as Direct Attached Storage (DAS) for any computer. Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to the network is included to maximise performance when used with a Gigabit switch or Wireless N router.
Safe-file sharing locally or over the Internet
Based on the Internet Protocol (IP), the DNS-313 is not tied to any particular operating system and is suitable for use in Windows, MAC or Unix environments.
The DNS-313 includes an FTP server***, allowing files to be accessed remotely over the Internet as well as on the local network. Users and/or groups may be configured and assigned to folders with either read or read/write permissions. With access rights defined in this way, data can be kept safe. Quotas can also be allocated to each user/group to limit their amount of storage.
Content streaming to a media player or iTunes® software
Once music, photo and video collections have been saved on to the DNS-313 for safekeeping, the built-in UPnP AV media server may be used to stream the content to compatible media players, such as those found in D-Link’s MediaLounge product line. This feature offers great levels of convenience, as it does not require a computer to be turned on.
The DNS-313 also features an iTunes® Server. When enabled, the DNS-313 will be automatically detected in the iTunes program, which means the software will be able to find and play music directly from the DNS-313.
Rich software features
The product CD includes D-Link’s Click’n Connect (DCC) utility, a wizard designed to guide anyone without prior technical knowledge through first time installation. Just by running the CD, users will be guided through connecting the device to the network, formatting the hard drive and mapping it on their PC. For use at a later stage, the D-Link Easy Search Utility is also included. This utility allows users to locate the DNS-313 on the network and map the hard drive so that it will appear in “My Computer” on the PC.
Backup software is also included, the software allows users to backup their files from a computer to the DLink DNS313 manually, in keeping with a schedule, or in real-time. These real-time backups are an excellent way of safeguarding against unfortunate accidents that may result in the loss of important files.
The Download Scheduling feature allows you to set up scheduled folders or file downloads from an FTP or web server and thus backup sessions. The Power Management feature allows the drives to enter a hibernation state in order to save energy and extend hard drive life.
** Hard drive not included. For a list of SATA drives that have been tested to work with the DNS-313, visit D-Link support web sites. Up to 1,000GB of Storage.
*** Note that use of an FTP Server to access files over the Internet does not provide secure or encrypted transmissions. It is recommended that the end user utilise a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to establish a secure FTP session.
D-Link DNS313 1-BAY NAS Order Page
D-Link DNS313 1-BAY NAS with 500GB Drive Order Page
Tags: D-link DNS313, Dlink DNS313, NAS, Network, network storage, share files
Recent Comments