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	===External interfaces (Interface to network (with chipset)), supported network file system protocols===		===External interfaces (Interface to network (with chipset)), supported network file system protocols===

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Revision as of 21:56, 27 June 2006

This Ripped from https://rnvs.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/twiki/bin/view/Main/NetworkAttachedStorage on 6/27/2006

Network Attached Storage Appliances for Small Office/Home Office Use under US$1000

Introduction

The following is a market overview of many NAS (Network attached storage)-related products, mainly for the SoHo market and for small businesses. The products differ in their nature, not all of them are comparable or fit into the same category. I think, customers are smart and will decide for themselves which products are more or less appropriate for their specific use case. I left out solutions that do not have either Ethernet (RJ-45 jack) or WLAN capabilities. All products are based on TCP/IP (exception: Ximeta NetDisk, see hint).

Please take this advice!

Important! Things change frequently ... While I invest quite some effort to collect and maintain the facts on this page, I am sure, you will also find that there are bugs and false information. Prices change rapidly, all the ones I mention should only serve as some raw estimate. You are a smart shopper, please use some price search engine to find most uptodate prices. The same is true for firmware. Newer firmware releases might add, change or even drop some of the mentioned features. Please double-check with you vendor before making any decision. Finally, NAS makers continually make changes to the hardware, esp. changing board layout, CPUs, RAM and ROM size. In many cases they do not even promote these changes and sell the product with the same name. Keep your eyes open if you rely on hardware specifics.

Important! Firmware does make a difference! All NAS makers have to make a balance between cheap customer prices and good product support. Especially firmware, that is stable and updated with the latest features at the same time is a cost factor on the manufacturer's bill when a product line was sold and the next generation enters the market. How can you find out about the support level of a particular manufacturer? As an indicator, simply look at their web site, and evaluate how they have handled this in the past. Do they have uptodate firmware and manuals for their older products? In some cases, enthusiasts make use of the sources of firmware, and make their own (often free) releases with more knowledge and time, than the original under-paid firmware programmers had. So, see whether some group has already made alternative firmware that enjoyed considerably more care than the manufacturer's version. But also stay with the principle: "Never touch a running NAS, aaah, a running system." Do not update firmware simply for fun.

Please send comments I am very glad about every user comment, or hints to other products. Please send such information to ralf.koenig@informatik.tu-chemnitz.de .

External interfaces (Interface to network (with chipset)), supported network file system protocols

This table is work in progress !!!

Class	Company	Product	LAN	WLAN	SMB	FTP	NFS	AFP	HD ports
NAS	Spintronics	LANDISK	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE
NAS	V-Gear	Landisk	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE
NAS	CLAXAN	CL-NAS110	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	CLAXAN	CL-SA110	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	CLAXAN	CL-SA113	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	Intellinet	NAS, 522991	Fast Eth	-	X	X	X	X	IDE
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	Intellinet	SOHO SERVER	Fast Eth	-	X	X	X	X	IDE
NDAS	Ximeta	NetDisk	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NDAS	Ximeta	NetDisk Office	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NDAS	Ximeta	NetDisk Office Wireless	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	-	-	-	-	IDE
NDAS	Ximeta	NetDisk Mini	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NDAS	Ximeta	NetDisk Enclosure	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	Iomega	Network Hard Drive	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	Iomega	NAS 100d	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	X	X	X	X	IDE
NAS	LaCie	Ethernet Disk	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	LaCie	Ethernet Disk mini	Fast Eth	-	X	X		X	IDE, USB2.0 x 1
NAS	Asus	WL-HDD 2.5	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	-	-	-	-	IDE 2.5in
NAS-USBHD+Router	Asus	WL-500B	Fast Eth	802.11b	-	-	-	-	USB1.1
NAS-USBHD+Router	Asus	WL-500G	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	-	-	-	-	USB1.1
NAS-USBHD+Router	Asus	WL-500G deluxe	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	-	X			USB 2.0x2
NAS, NAS-USBHD	D-Link	DSM-602H, DSM-604H	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	USB1.1
NAS, NAS-USBHD	D-Link	DSM-622H, DSM-624H	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	X	-	-	-	USB1.1
NAS-USBHD	D-Link	DNS-120	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	2x USB 2.0
NAS-USBHD	Allnet	ALL6100	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	USB2.0 x 2
NAS	Allnet	ALL6200	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE
NAS	Allnet	ALL6400	Giga Eth (2x)	-	X	-	-	-	4x S-ATA hot-swappable, RAID
NAS	Flepo	F6200	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE
NAS	Longshine	LCS-8200	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE
NAS-USBHD	Linksys	NSLU2	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	USB2.0 x 2
NAS	Linksys	Etherfast EFG120, EFG250	Giga Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE
NAS-USBHD	Ovislink	MU-5000FS	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	USB2.0 x 2
NAS	Ovislink	MU-9000VPN	Fast Eth	-	-	X	-	-	USB2.0 x 4
NAS	Ovislink	WMU-9000VPN	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	-	X	-	-	USB2.0 x 4
NAS	Buffalo	Linkstation HD-H120LAN	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE, USB2.0 x 2
NAS	Buffalo	Linkstation HD-HG120LAN	Giga Eth	802.11b/g	X	X	-	-	IDE, USB2.0 x 2
NAS	Buffalo	Tera Station	Giga Eth	-	X	X	-	-	IDE
NAS	Revolution	Kuro Box	Fast Eth	-	X	X	X	-	IDE, USB2.0
NAS	Revolution	Kuro Box HG	Giga Eth	-	X	X	X	-	IDE, USB2.0
NAS-USBHD+Router	Netgear	WGT634U	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	USB2.0
NAS	Synology	DS-101 Diskstation	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	X	IDE, USB2.0 x 2
NAS	Synology	DS-101 G+ Diskstation	Giga Eth	-	X	X	-	X	S-ATA (int and ext), USB2.0 x 2
NAS	Snap Appliance	Snap Server 1100	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	Tritton	TRI-ASA1120, TRI-ASA1200	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	IDE
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	Tritton	TRI-ASA2120, TRI-ASA2200	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	Tritton	TRI-NAS080, 120, 200	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	Tritton	TRI-WHD1120, 1200	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	X	-	-	-	IDE
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	IOGEAR	BOSS	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	SERCOMM	interNAS/Compact-ND53	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	SERCOMM	interNAS-GS53	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	SERCOMM	interNAS/RAID-NR53	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	-	IDE
NAS+Server	TEAC	Vendotto NS-40 Basic	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS+Server	TEAC	Vendotto	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS+Server	TEAC	Vendotto WALL	Fast Eth	-	-	-	-	-	IDE
NAS	SMC	SMC7208SBR	Fast Eth	-	X	-	-	Appletalk	IDE
NAS-USBHD+Router	U.S. Robotics	USR8200	Fast Eth	-	X	X	-	-	USB2.0 x 2, IEEE1394
NAS	Maxtor	Shared Storage	Fast Eth	-	X	?	?	?	IDE, USB2.0 x 2
NAS-USBHD+WLAN-Router	T-Com	Sinus 154 DSL SE	Fast Eth	802.11b/g	X	-	-	-	USB 1.1
NAS	Intradisk	Server	Fast Eth	-	X	X	X	-	IDE
NAS + Server	Intradisk	Profi	2x Fast Eth	802.11b/g (via Mini-PCI)	X	X	X	-	IDE

Spintronics

File:Spintronics-landisk2.jpg

LANDISK-Enclosure, US $94 (07-Aug-2005)

• SMB, FTP
• Ethernet, 10M / 100M bps
• File Format: Proprietary FAT File Format
• no built-in hard disk, see next item for bundles
• stackable
• runs SPINIX, a custom Linux variant
• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/index.php?cPath=21
• manual: http://spin3d.dyndns.org/landisk/english/manual/

LANDISK, 80GB ($156), 120GB ($172), 160GB ($188), 200GB ($282) (07-Aug-2005)

• bundle of LANDISK-Enclosure and a hard disk
• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/index.php?cPath=21

LANDISK plus, $182 (07-Aug-2005)

• like LANDISK, but can also be attached to a PC via USB 2.0

CyberDisk, $220 (07-Aug-2005)

File:Spintronics-cyberdisk.png

• look at Cellvision NFS-101WU
• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php?products_id=72

CyberDisk-plus, $210 (07-Apr-2005)

File:Spintronics-cyberdisk-plus.png

• look at Cellvision NFS-202WU
• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php?products_id=71

USBLinker-plus ($141.26)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/72

StorageLinker[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/StorageLinker?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?]-plus ($156.95)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/71

Home Network Storage ($470.85)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/68

Cache-Away ($251.09)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/67

Storehouse ($376.65)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/66

SOHO NAS-U1 ($376.68)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/37

SOHO NAS-U2 ($470.85)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/38

Q-NAS ($627.80)

• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php/products_id/74

V-Gear, http://www.vgear.com (also called: Asiamajor Inc.)

File:Vgear-landisk.jpg

LANDISK (case only), 100 EUR [as of Feb 2005]

• WARNING! Users report serious problems with current firmware versions 008 and 010!!!
• case only, bring your own hard disk
• SMB, FTP
• fan-less design, cooling via aluminium case
• 3.5" hard disk (Ultra ATA / 133) can be built into the case
• support LBA(48-bit Logical Block Addressing) for drives up to (theoretically) 2 TB
• formatted with FAT32 (single file limited to 4GB)
• 10/100 Ethernet
• built-in telnet server
• http://vgear.com/products/list.asp?ProdID=AMVG1-017-001
• user guide: ftp://ftp.asiamajor.com.tw/user_manual/LandiskUserGuilde.pdf
• German distributor: http://www.reichelt.de
• user comments: http://aoi.dnsalias.org/diary.php?Number=3746
  • speed roughly 2.5 MByte/s read, 3.8 MByte/s write
• http://aoi.dnsalias.org/diary.php?Number=3748
  • hardware pictures (board, lo-res)
  • CPU: RDC R2881B, 125Mhz 16Bit-RISC-Network-CPU, related to http://www.rdc.com.tw/eng/product_more.asp?Pid=28
• http://www.jacob-computer.de/kommentar_100688.html
  • user says: max 3,3MByte/s, but stable with WLAN connections (Ximeta Netdisk is not stable with WLAN!)
  • distributor (jakob computer) claims: 6-7 MByte/s without problems -> false
  • vendor (Asiamajor) confirms max 3500 kByte/s ("Due to LANDISK use for cross-platform (ex.cross MAC,Linux,Windows).") How stupid can people get, heh??
  • the barrier could be either administrative or (more likely) caused by the (comparatively slow) chipset
• user forum: http://forum.tuxbox.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36023

Claxan, IntelliNet, IOGEAR and Tritton: Based on same design

The following devices by Claxan, IntelliNet, IOGEAR and Tritton are all based on the same ODM design. The devices still differ in firmware, RAM and ROM sizes, and support, which can make a real difference in every-day use. There are many more companies, that resell these products with their own names, search for the IntelliNet numbers (522991 and 522342) to find them.

Common for all devices:

• fanless design
• Toshiba TMPR3927CF 32 bit RISC-based CPU (based on MIPS R3000A)

Type	Producer	Modell
NAS	Claxan	CL-NAS110
NAS	IntelliNet	NAS, 522991
NAS	Tritton	TRI-NAS080, TRI-NAS120, TRI-NAS200
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	Claxan	CL-SA110
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	Claxan	CL-SA113
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	IntelliNet	SOHO SERVER, 522342
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	IOGEAR	BOSS GNS1000120
DSL/Cable Access Router + NAS	Tritton	TRI-ASA1120, TRI-ASA1200, TRI-ASA2120, TRI-ASA2200

CLAXAN, http://www.claxan.de

File:Claxan-nas110.jpg

CL-NAS110, 180 EUR + HD

• http://www.claxan.de/de/prod_det.asp?PRODID=CL-NAS110&TOPNAVID=3
• http://www.claxan.de/de/skizzen/274081_CL-NAS110.pdf
• Thanks to Guido Schröder for the following hint:
  • GPL source: http://www.claxan.de/drivers/nas110v150src.zip
• User Forum: http://www.forumromanum.de/member/forum/forum.php?USER=user_303709

File:Claxan-sa110.jpg

CL-SA110 (DSL Router with built-in NAS) 200 EUR + HD

• built-in 4 port switch
• MIPS CPU
• SMB, FTP, NFS, AFP
• ext3 file system
• SMART status of hard disk shown in web interface
• HDD sleep mode, when HDD not needed
• user reports, that you can put a 160 GB disk into this device
• you can flash the CL-SA113 firmware to get an additional HTTP and Mail server
• Reviews:
  • http://www.tomshardware.de/network/20040430/index.html
  • Dateien für alle, c't 8/04, Seite 62
    • 1.6 MByte/s read/write -> very slow
    • serious security isssues (NAS available on WAN interface by default, SMB exploit possible)

File:Claxan-sa113.jpg

CL-SA113 (DSL Router with built-in NAS) (200 EUR + HD)

• like CL-SA110, firmware is extended with HTTP and Mail server
• http://www.claxan.de/de/prod_det.asp?PRODID=CL-SA113&TOPNAVID=3
• user reports, that you can put a 160 GB disk into this device

Intellinet Network, http://www.intellinet-network.com

IntelliNet NAS, 522991

File:Intellinet-522991.jpg

• http://www.intellinet-network.com/html/522991.htm
• User Manual - http://www.intellinet-network.com/mk2/manuals/522991_manual.zip
• FAQ - http://www.intellinet-network.com/manuals/faq_sohosever_nas.pdf
• hardware probably identical to Claxan CL-NAS110
• user opinion http://board.gulli.com/thread/324547&perpage=20&pagenumber=3
  • almost no noise (no fan)
  • reliable (much better than AL-6200)
  • about as slow as Flepo/Allnet 6200
  • good power management (hard drive goes into stand-by and wakes up when needed)
  • more information (hardware pics, speed measurements, power consumption): http://www.m-blauermel.de/
  • Thanks to Michael Blauermel.
• User Forum: http://www.forumromanum.de/member/forum/forum.php?USER=user_303709

SOHO SERVER (Server Appliance), 522342

File:Intellinet-522342.jpg File:Intellinet-522342-back.jpg

• Router + Switch + VPN + Firewall + NAS
• http://www.intellinet-network.com/html/522342.htm
• User Manual - http://www.intellinet-network.com/mk2/manuals/522342_manual.pdf
• FAQ - http://www.intellinet-network.com/manuals/faq_sohosever_nas.pdf

IOGEAR, http://www.iogear.com

File:Iogear-boss.jpg

BOSS (Broadband Office Storage Server) 120GB - GNS1000120, 200 GB - GNS1000200

• Network Server Appliance, includes router, switch, firewall, vpn
• http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GNS1000120
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-136-ProdID-TRIASA2120.php
• similar to CLAXAN and INTELLINET and TRITTON server appliances

Tritton, http://www.trittontechnologies.com/

File:Tritton-triasa.png

TRI-ASA1120, TRI-ASA1200, TRI-ASA2120, 120 GB, $360, TRI-ASA2200, 200 GB

• Cable/DSL router with 4 port switch + NAS
• TRI-ASA1120: 120 GB
• TRI-ASA1200: 200 GB
• TRI-ASA2120: 120 GB + HTTP server
• TRI-ASA2200: 200 GB + HTTP server
• Toshiba TMPR3927CF 32 bit RISC-based CPU (based on MIPS R3000A)
• once started with 8MB of RAM and 1MB of Flash
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-136-ProdID-TRIASA2120.php
• http://www.nwfusion.com/net.worker/columnists/2003/1124gaskin.html
• similar to CLAXAN and INTELLINET and IOGEAR

File:Tritton-trinas.jpg

TRI-NAS080, TRI-NAS120, TRI-NAS200

• NAS-only version
• soon with print server
• EXT3 file system
• Toshiba TMPR3927CF 32 bit RISC-based CPU (based on MIPS R3000A)
• 32 Megs SDRAM and 4 Mbytes flash
• http://www.trittontechnologies.com/products/TRINAS080.html
• http://www.royfranz.com/Hacking_the_Tritton_NAS120.html
• User Forum: http://www.forumromanum.de/member/forum/forum.php?USER=user_303709

The following Tritton products are not related to the products mention before!

File:Tritton-triwhd.jpg

TRI-WHD1120 - 120 GB $399, TRI-WHD1200 - 200 GB $499

• 802.11b/g Wireless Access Point, WLAN, 10/100 Ethernet port
• CIFS/SMB, NFS
• OS based on Linux 2.4.20
• EXT3 file system
• http://www.trittontechnologies.com/products/TRIWHD1120.htm
• http://support.trittontechnologies.com/wnas.html
• OEM-style manual: http://support.trittontechnologies.com/downloads/WNAS_UserGuide.pdf
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/News_story_more_802.php

TRI-NSS001

File:Tritton-trinss.jpg

• enclosure only
• bring your own hard disk
• vendor claim this device to be a very simple NAS, just to provide access from different platforms
• FTP server included
• "Coming soon" as of 2005-Jan-11
• http://trittontechnologies.com/products/nas.html
• user comment by John Cierra [2005-Mar-09]:
  • copying large files made it drop off the network very easily
  • did recognize the inserted drive without problem, but the frequent reboots made it impractical

TRI-NSS160, TRI-NSS200, TRI-NSS250

• equal to TRI-NSS001 plus internal hard disk (160 GB, 200 GB, 250 GB)
• http://trittontechnologies.com/products/nas.html

Ximeta, http://www.ximeta.com

Ximeta has a different approach than the other systems. "NDAS" (Network Directly Attached Storage) instead of NAS (Network Attached Storage). The devices operate on Layer 2 (Ethernet) instead of Layer 3 and up (TCP/IP). It uses a protocoll called LPX (Lean Packet Exchange) on level 3 and up of the OSI stack.

This way, the hard disk looks similar (but not equal) to a locally attached SCSI hard disk drive.

Other vendors, such as Freecom have licensed the technology and make their own stuff based on this concept.

Advantages

• Less resource-intensive -> considerably faster than current NAS on embedded systems
• Block-level access instead of file level access

Disadvantages:

• non-routable (can only be accessed from local subnet, needs server PC to access storage from Internet)
• drivers needed on the clients
• direct FTP, SMB, or NFS does NOT work (needs server PC)
• current firmware has problems with locking (multiple users write on the same file -> corruption can occur)

NetDisk, 170-260 EUR incl. hard disk (80, 120, 160, 250 GB)

File:Netdisk.jpg

• major drawback: drivers necessary on the clients
• http://www.ximeta.com/products/network_drives/netdisk/index.php
• http://www.fly.ch/netdisk/faqs.htm

• Reviews:
  • http://www.golem.de/0401/29194.html
  • http://www.bigbruin.com/html/ximetanetdisk.htm
  • http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/45926
  • Datenarchiv im Netz, c't 10/04, Seite 63
  • http://www.ttecx.de/files/news/article.php?article_file=1089794451.txt
  • http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-57-ProdID-NETDISK.php
  • http://www.simpletech.com/awards/PCpro08_106_113.pdf
  • http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1369101,00.asp

NetDisk Enclosure (since Sep 2004), $170

• major drawback: drivers necessary on the clients
• enclosure only, bring your own hard disk (2.5 inch)
• http://www.ximeta.com/products/network_drives/netdisk_enclosure/index.php
• http://www.fly.ch/netdisk/faqs.htm

File:Netdiskoffice.jpg

NetDisk Office (120 GB - 250 EUR), (250 GB - 400 EUR)

• major drawback: drivers necessary on the clients
• plus eight switched Ports
• http://www.ximeta.com/products/network_drives/netdisk_office/index.php
• http://www.fly.ch/netdisk/faqs.htm
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-148-ProdID-NETDISKOFF.php
• http://www.tomsnetworking.de/index.php?id=a20040802a&amp=&encryptionKey=&cHash=eec0304ce0

File:Netdiskwireless.jpg

NetDisk Office Wireless, 120 GB - 320 EUR

• major drawback: drivers necessary on the clients
• NDAS Technologie
• 802.11g Wireless Access Point Router, WLAN 54MBit
• Ethernet-Anschluss mit 4-fach Switch und USB 2.0
• lieferbar ab September 2004
• drivers for Windows, Mac und Linux
• http://www.fly.ch/netdisk/faqs.htm

File:Netdiskmini.jpg

NetDisk Mini 40, 80 GB (both around $200)

• major drawback: drivers necessary on the clients
• http://www.ximeta.com/products/network_drives/netdisk_mini/index.php
• http://www.fly.ch/netdisk/faqs.htm

other NetDisk devices

• Ximeta licensed their intellectual property about NDAS to other vendors such as Buffalo and Freecom

Iomega, http://www.iomega.com

Iomega NAS 100d (incl. 160 GB HD US$ 499,-, 250 GB HD US$ 599,-)

• WLAN 802.11b/g
• two additional USB-2.0-interfaces
• relatively noisy, 42 dB
• http://www.golem.de/0409/33627.html
• http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/09/17/iomega_wlan_nas/
• http://www.tomsnetworking.de/index.php?id=snews&backPID=36&begin_at=45&encryptionKey=&tt_news=386&cHash=78c558fdc0

NAS 200m, $999 (Nov 2004)

• basically a 1u PC with 1.7 GHz Celeron
• for an additional $100: Microsoft® Windows Storage Server 2003 Powered OS.
• http://www.iomega.com/na/redirect.jsp?prodid=32830
• http://www.golem.de/0310/27968.html

Network Hard Drive, 120 GB ($299) or 250 GB ($429) (prices as of Dec 2003)

• out of production
• very limited Windows only software, Win 2000 and XP
• http://www.iomega.com/na/products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=12196655&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=63237&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=63191&bmUID=1083582144306
• http://www.golem.de/0311/28444.html

LaCie, http://www.lacie.com/

Ethernet Disk, with 80GB (EUR 500), 160GB ($599), 250GB (EUR 575), 400 GB (EUR 769), 500GB (EUR 687), 800GB (EUR 965), as of Mar 2005, 1 TB as of Aug 2005 (1208 EUR), prices (500GB and up) as of Aug 2005

• http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?id=10073
• Warning! Many products are called "Lacie Ethernet disk", implementation details may have changed over time!
• Early versions have 1 drive slot, newer ones have two
• Via Epia 733MHz, 128 MB RAM, Epia motherboard
• 2x USB 1.1 (newer version comes with 4x USB 2.0), 1x FireWire[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/FireWire?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] 400 , 1x VGA, 1x Fast Ethernet 10/100
• 1 PCI slot for extensions, such as Gigabit ethernet
• SMB (Windows), AFP v2.x (MAC), CIFS, Apple Talk, FTP, HTTP
• NTFS file system
• 1U Form Factor
• Microsoft Windows XP Embedded
• Data sheet: http://www.lacie.com/download/datasheets/ethernetdisk_us_2.pdf
• Manual: http://www.lacie.com/download/manuals/ethernetdisk_en.pdf
• Marketing brochure (german): http://www.cyberport.de/webcontent/files/ethern_netw_kw0509_dhtml19257_1.pdf?PHPSESSID=d1cb696d10f4b1761f7038db9f4d08a5
• Reviews
  • 12/2004: http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/LaCie_Ethernet_Disk__800GB_/4505-3382_16-31212747-2.html?tag=tab
  • 12/2003 of an early version: http://www.zdnet.de/enterprise/server/0,39023497,39118169,00.htm
  • 06/2005: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1780715,00.asp

Ethernet Disk mini, March 2005, 250GB ($299), 400GB ($499), 500GB ($650)

• Powerpc Mpc5xxx, 266Mhz
• 32MB SDRAM
• Based on denx.de ELDK Linux
• SMB, AFP, FTP
• can be attached to computer via USB 2.0 (faster speed, about 20 MB/s on USB2.0 instead of 8-9 MB/s Fast Ethernet)
• http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10592
• data sheet, http://www.lacie.com/download/datasheets/ethernetdiskmini_en.pdf

Asus, http://www.asuscom.de

WL-HDD 2.5, 95 EUR + HDD 2.5"

• WLAN 802.11b/g
• Ethernet 10/100
• only USB 1.1
• SMB, FTP
• CPU MIPS32 in Broadcom BCM4702, BCM 4306 (like famous Linksys WRT54G V1)
• ext2
• 2,5 inch notebook disk
• http://www.chip.de/news/c_news_11710033.html
• dealer: http://www.deals.de/cgi-bin/shop/front/shop_main.cgi?func=det&session=1&artnr=5219&rub1=Netzwerk+und+Zubeh%F6r&rub2=Wireless,Access+Points&wkid=92205217523284415
• http://www.asuscom.de/products/communication/wireless/wl-hdd25/overview.htm
• source code: http://www.asus.com.tw/support/download/item.aspx?ModelName=WL-HDD2.5&Type=All
• review in c't 25/2004, p. 210: "Daten im Netz, Massenspeicher mit Netzwerkanschluss"
  • SMB read/write: 1,8/1,9 MByte/s (even less via WLAN: 1,3/1,0 MByte/s)
  • FTP read/write: 1,3/0,9 MByte/s (even less via WLAN: 1,0/0,8 MByte/s)
• forum: http://wl500g.info/

Spacelink WL-500B

• WLAN 802.11b
• hard disk attached via USB 1.1
• http://www.asuscom.de/products/communication/wireless/wl-500b/overview.htm
• http://www.asuscom.de/prog/spec.asp?m=WL-500b&langs=07
• forum: http://wl500g.info/

Spacelink WL-500G, 90 EUR

• WLAN 802.11b/g
• only USB 1.1 for hard disk
• http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/45926
• Test in c't 6/04, S. 202
• http://www.zdnet.de/mobile/wireless/0,39023195,39122327,00.htm
• http://www.asuscom.de/products/communication/wireless/wl-500g/overview.htm
• forum: http://wl500g.info/

Spacelink WL-500G deluxe (also called WL-500GD or WL-500GX)

• USB 2.0 for hard disk
• http://www.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=WL-%20500g%20Deluxe&langs=01#
• http://event.asus.com/computex2004/products/wl/wl_500gx/overview.htm
• forum: http://wl500g.info/

WL-700G

File:Asus-wl700g.jpg

• Wireless Storage Router
• 10/100 Mbps WAN
• 4 ports in LAN
• WLAN Antenna Connector: Reverse-SMA antenna connector
• IDE Port 1.
• USB port 3 x USB 2.0
• UPnP[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/UPnP?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] Media Server, UPnP[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/UPnP?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] Internet Gateway Device
• USB RAID with Raid 0, 1, 10.
• http://wl500g.info/showthread.php?t=2720
• forum: http://wl700g.info/

D-Link

DSM-602H, DSM-604H, DSM-622H, DSM-624H

• DSM-602H, 20GB, http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=277
• DSM-604H, 40GB, http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=283
• DSM-622H, 20GB+WLAN, http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=278
• DSM-624H, 40GB+WLAN, http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=366
• Linux based OS (Montavista, Kernel 2.4.18)
• CPU Intel XScale IXP420 (266 MHz), 32 MB RAM
• comes with internal 20/40 GB hard disk (maybe 2.5in). I have no clue, whether you can simply replace it with a bigger model.
• you can add more storage via external USB 1.1 connector (limited bandwidth)
• http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/40666
• http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1360593,00.asp

DSM-600G

File:Dlink-dsm-g600.jpg

• pure enclosure, bring your own 3.5" IDE disk
• attach up to 2 USB drives for additional storage
• gigabit ethernet port
• 802.11g wireless access point
• http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=377
• ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/products/DSM-G600/DSM-G600_ds.pdf

• exterior design looks close to Synology DiskStation[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/DiskStation?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?]

DNS-120, $80 as of Nov 2004

• devices that are very close hardware-wise

Producer	Modell	Type	Link
NAS-USBHD	OvisLink	MU-5000FS
NAS-USBHD	Digitus	DN-7013	http://www.assmann.com/data/product-news/gb2/A-product-news_04-028_aktiv-n_dn.pdf
NAS-USBHD	D-Link	DNS-120
NAS-USBHD	Cellvision	NFS-101U	this seems to be the original maker, http://www.cellvision.net/pdf/NFS-101U.pdf
NAS-USBHD	Trendnet	TS-U100	http://www.trendnet.com/products/TS-U100.htm
NAS-USBHD	Sitecom	LN-350	http://www.sitecom.com/products_info.php?product_id=341&grp_id=5
USB print servers			similar to other cheaper broadband routers, that are equipped with USB ports to function as print servers, a simple firmware upgrade would make them NAS adapters

• attach 2 USB 2.0 hard drives
• FTP, SMB
• http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=352
• Specs: http://www.dlink.com/products/resource.asp?pid=352&rid=1268&sec=0
• Manual: ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/products/DNS-120/DNS-120_ds.pdf
• thanks to Alec Voropay for giving a hint to:
  • fan site: http://www.dns120-linux.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php
  • CPU ADM5120 (MIPS 4Kc), http://www.linux-mips.org/wiki/index.php/ADMtek

CellVision, NeuFusion

File:Cellvision-nfs-101u and wu.jpg

CellVision NFS-101U and NFS-101WU

• WU is same as NFS-101U, but with additional WLAN antenna
• 802.11 b+g Wireless standard
• http://www.cellvision.net/library/specification/NFS-101U.zip

CellVision NFS-202U and NFS-202WU

File:Cellvision-nfs-202u and wu.jpg

• with a reader for memory sticks
• WU model with 802.11 b+g Wireless standard
• http://www.cellvision.net/library/specification/NFS-202U.zip
• similar model: Trendnet TS-U200, http://www.trendnet.com/products/TS-U200.htm
• http://downloads.trendnet.com/TEW-412APBO%5CDataSheet%5CEN_Spec_TEW-412APBO.pdf

Allnet, http://www.allnet.de/

ALL6100 Ethernet Disk Server ->USB 2.0, 100 EUR

• devices that are very close hardware-wise

Producer	Modell	Type	Link
Allnet	ALL6100	USB-NAS
Linksys	NSLU2	USB-NAS
Solwise	NU54	USB-NAS	http://www.solwise.co.uk/networking-copper-based-nas-server.htm , http://www.solwiseforum.co.uk/downloads/files/nu54manual.pdf
Sercomm	interNAS/USB	USB-NAS

• http://www.allnet-italia.it/download/al6100.pdf
• Description: http://www.allnet.de/produkte/27104.html
• 1 hard disk can be attached to the box via USB 2.0
• 1 flash disk can be attached to the box via USB 2.0
• EXT3 or EXT2 file system (?)
• CPU: Intel IXDP425
• Flash: 8 MB

ALL6200 NAS HDD Gehäuse 10/100 MBit, 110 EUR + HD (bis 250 GB)

• devices that are very close hardware-wise

Thanks to Frank Lange for providing a list of 5 more OEM models.

Producer	Modell	Type	Link
NAS	Allnet	ALL6200
NAS	Flepo	F6200	http://www.flepo.de/flepo.php?page=nas
NAS	Longshine	LCS-8200, LCS-8210	http://www.longshine.de/produkt/nas/nas-ger.html http://www.longshine.de/produkt/nas/LCS-8210/8210-ger.pdf
NAS	Synetic	NAS-Mini	http://www.synetic.net/Synetic-Products/NAS-Products/SyneNAS-Mini/SyneNAS-Mini.htm interesting idea: 2 notebook disks as RAID-1
NAS	Novac	NV-NAS390	http://www.novac.co.jp/products/hardware/nv-hd/nv-nas390/
NAS	Repotec	RP-NA200	http://www.repotec.com.pl/nas/RP_NA200.htm http://www.repotec.com.pl/nas/RP-NA200.pdf
NAS	Netronix	NH-200	http://www.netronixinc.com/nh200.htm
NAS	Infosmart	INHD88	http://www.infosmart.com.tw/p-inhd88.htm

• hard disk size up to 250 GB, IDE 3.5 type, P-ATA
• SMB, FTP
• original firmware: FAT32 formatted hard drive, biggest files: 2 GB,
• new firmware (starting with v4.00 with Allnet): Allnet changed to ext3 file system
• now results are much better, e.g. http://www.tomsnetworking.de/index.php?id=a20041115a
• fan is noisy
• relatively cheap
• CPU: Brecis 2006
• http://www.allnet.de/produkte/27222.html
• Comparison with of a ALL6200 (with ext3 file system) and a Linksys Etherfast EFG250: http://www.tomsnetworking.de/index.php?id=a20041115a
  • ALL6200 Write: 4.25 MByte/s (access method SMB or FTP unspecified)
• review in c't 25/2004, p. 210: "Daten im Netz, Massenspeicher mit Netzwerkanschluss"
  • SMB Read/Write 3.0/3.0 MByte/s
  • FTP Read/Write 2.9/4.0 MByte/s
• User Comments: http://www.jacob-computer.de/kommentar_100656.html?SID=a564021a71c7c00209136ae9de5070fe
• User Comments: http://board.gulli.com/thread/324547
• Distributor: e.g. http://www.jacob-computer.de
• Thanks to Andreas Schweizer for the these two hints.
  • Hardware information and pics: http://www.a77s.de/all6200/
  • found a telnet port on TCP 24 with welcome message, but no access
  • with a trick: read/write access to the OS files, you can even execute own software (did not tell how)
• Thanks to Vincent van der Sluijs for these comments (2004-Nov-19):
  • many many unsolved bugs in the firmware, even in the latest, that he used (3.xx)
  • he is using version 3.03b and for him it works more or less
  • update to 4.00 (with ext3) gives error message: NEW FIRMWARE IS NOT SUITABLE WITH THIS SYSTEM. solved (2004-Nov-23)
  • could not reach Allnet via phone or e-mail
• Thanks to Claude Pie for the following hint:
  • alternative Firmware derived from GPL sources: http://home.arcor.de/zaphot/
  • adds Telnet and NFS daemon, as well as a few other tools

ALL6400, ALL6400 RAID-NAS-System, announced as of 2005-Jul-01, price for resellers: EUR 749 plus VAT

File:Allnet-all6400.jpg

• two Gigabit-LAN ports
• you can put 1 - 4 Serial Ata discs into it, upto 1.6 TB total storage (4 x 400GB), drives are hot-swappable
• Intel IOP-CPU, 16 MB Flash-ROM, 128 MB DDR-RAM
• Intel RAID-Controller
• 167mm x 199mm x 223mm
• SMB/CIFS
• available as of July/August 2005
• similar to Thecus N4100, which is pretty slow (about 9 MByte/s on Gigabit Ethernet)
• Manual: http://www.allnet.de/ftp/pub/allnet/nas/all6400/ALL6400_manual_englisch.pdf
• Express Sertup-Guide (German): http://www.allnet.de/ftp/pub/allnet/nas/all6400/ALL6400_express-setup.pdf

Linksys

Network Storage Link NSLU2, ca. 82-119 EUR

• devices that are very close hardware-wise

Producer	Modell	Type	Link
Allnet	ALL6100	USB-NAS
Linksys	NSLU2	USB-NAS
Solwise	NU54	USB-NAS	http://www.solwise.co.uk/networking-copper-based-nas-server.htm , http://www.solwiseforum.co.uk/downloads/files/nu54manual.pdf
Sercomm	interNAS/USB	USB-NAS

• 2 USB 2.0-ports for 2 disks
• flash memory
• Intel IXP420BB 266 MHz, 8MB Flash ROM, 32MB of RAM, RTC, Buzzer
• single 10/100 Ethernet (Realtek RTL8201)
• dual USB 2.0 (NEC D720101 USB 2.0 host controller)
• similar to
• fanless
• SMB
• ext3 file system
• http://www.linksys.com/international/product.asp?coid=8&ipid=554
• data sheet: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/datasheet/nslu2_ds.pdf
• manual: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pdf/nslu2_ug.pdf
• http://www.golem.de/0408/33125.html
• http://www.golem.de/0406/31765.html
• review: c't 3/2005, p. 57
  • 4,5 - 4,5 MB/s read performance
  • 3,2 - 3,7 MB/s write performance
  • standby: 3.4W
• fan sites:
  • http://www.batbox.org/nslu2-linux.html
  • fan site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nslu2-linux
  • alternate firmware: unslung and openslug, http://www.nslu2-linux.org/
    • additional FTP and NFS servers, twonkyvision (media streaming) server
    • Samba can be run in PDC mode to serve Windows domains
  • German: http://www.unslung.de
  • Installing Debian Sarge on a Linksys NSLU2: http://peter.korsgaard.com/articles/debian-nslu2.php
• adding a serial port for the console: http://www.rwhitby.net/nslu2/serial.html
• GPL source code: http://www.linksys.com/support/gpl.asp
• originally: Snapgear Linux by Sercomm
• ripping the box apart: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-155-ProdID-NSLU2.php
• and a sequel: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Sections-article86.php
• cheap seller: 82 EUR, http://www.hardware55.de/shop/5548342232ab/produkte/artikel_Y293460.htm

Etherfast EFG120, 549 EUR, EFG250 - 899 EUR

• Gigabit ethernet
• print server
• access to storage via SMB, FTP, HTTP
• file system: NTFS
• second drive bay, swappable, additional drive trays (EFGHDT2): 29 EUR
• mechanism: 1 disk built-in, put disk in 2nd bay, make backup, remove 2nd disk, store
• essentially: use disks as backup tapes
• optional WLAN (WET54G)
• http://www.linksys.com/international/product.asp?coid=8&ipid=317
• http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=43&prid=655
• http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=43&prid=656
• http://www.zdnet.de/enterprise/server/0,39023497,39123616,00.htm
• http://www.golem.de/showhigh2.php?file=/0409/33757.html&wort[]=nas
• review: http://www.nwfusion.com/net.worker/columnists/2004/0112gaskin.html
• review: http://reviews.cnet.com/Linksys_EFG120_network_attached_storage/4505-3186_7-30478925.html
• http://www.simpletech.com/awards/PCpro08_106_113.pdf
• Comparison of Linksys Etherfast EFG-120, Allnet AL6200 (with ext3 file system) and OvisLink[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/OvisLink?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] MU-5000FS/E : http://www.tomsnetworking.de/index.php?id=a20041115a
  • Linksys EFG-120 SMB Write: 45 MBit/s, so about 5.6 MByte/s

Etherfast EFG80 GigaDrive

• out of production
• 2 slots for cold-swappable hard disks
• 80 GB (240 GB max)
• HTTP, FTP only, no SMB
• 10/100 Ethernet, NO Gigabit Ethernet
• print server
• http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&prid=447
• user manual: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pdf/efg80ug.pdf
• review: http://www.zdnet.de/enterprise/peripherie/0,39023474,10004173,00.htm
• review: http://www.nwfusion.com/net.worker/reviews/2003/0120networker.html

Ovislink, http://www.ovislink.com.tw/

• german distributor http://www.21byte.de

Producer	Modell	Type	Link
NAS-USBHD	OvisLink	MU-5000FS
NAS-USBHD	Digitus	DN-7013	http://www.assmann.com/data/product-news/gb2/A-product-news_04-028_aktiv-n_dn.pdf
NAS-USBHD	D-Link	DNS-120
NAS-USBHD	Cellvision	NFS-101U	this seems to be the original maker, http://www.cellvision.net/pdf/NFS-101U.pdf
NAS-USBHD	Trendnet	TS-U100	http://www.trendnet.com/products/TS-U100.htm
NAS-USBHD	Sitecom	LN-350	http://www.sitecom.com/products_info.php?product_id=341&grp_id=5
USB print servers			similar to other cheaper broadband routers (such as SWEEX LB000021), that are equipped with USB ports to function as print servers, a simple firmware upgrade would make them NAS adapters

MU-5000FS, 120 EUR

• Share USB Storage and CD-ROM
• 2 x USB 2.0 ports
• CPU ADM5120, 175 MHz
• FAT32
• built-in SMB file server and ftp server
• scheduled download from Internet

• http://www.ovislink.com.tw/MU-5000FS.htm
• http://www.ovislinkcorp.co.uk/mu5000fs-manual.pdf
• user forum: http://ovislink-forum.21byte.de/

• the Digitus and OvisLink models were reviewed in c't 25/2004, p.210 "Daten im Netz, Massenspeicher mit Netzwerkanschluss"
  • very slow: 1.5 MByte/s via SMB or FTP read/write (exception: Ovislink FTP write only 0.7 MByte/s)
• Comparison of Linksys Etherfast EFG-120, Allnet AL6200 (with ext3 file system) and OvisLink[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/OvisLink?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] MU-5000FS/E : http://www.tomsnetworking.de/index.php?id=a20041115a
  • MU-5000FS/E SMB Write: 1.3 MByte/s

MU-9000VPN, 135 EUR

• like WMU-9000VPN without WLAN
• http://www.ovislink.com.tw/MU9000.htm
• http://www.ovislink.de/9000VPNmanual.pdf
• http://www.ovislink.com.tw/9000intro.htm
• user forum: http://ovislink-forum.21byte.de/

WMU-9000VPN, 180 EUR

• Wireless Multimedia Server + VPN router
• 4 USB 2.0 Ports (!!!) to attach storage devices
• max. 1 USB drive can be powered from the router, you can connect more, but they must have external power
• CPU MIPS 170MHz Brecis 2006 CPU
• 8 MB Flash, 32 MB RAM
• Webcam support, VPN, FTP, QoS, print server
• SMB is NOT supported!
• 802.11g wireless
• Bandwidth management
• WLAN-DSL-Router (NAT, Firewall, 802.11g-WLAN 54 MBit/s, Fast-Ethernet-Switch with four ports)
• integrated VPN server, up to 100 IPSec and PPTP tunnels
• four USB-2.0 ports to attach mass storage (hard disk, memory sticks) and webcams
• if you attach a web cam, the router can put the images onto its disk
• access to locally attached USB printer via raw TCP port 9100
• Quality-of-Service (QoS) support with an IP bandwidth manager
• http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/45786
• http://www.ovislink.com.tw/9000intro.htm
• http://www.ovislink.com.tw/WMU9000.htm
• http://www.ovislink.de/9000VPNmanual.pdf
• article: "Multikünstler", Ernst Ahlers, Johannes Endres, c't 11/2004, p. 76
• user forum: http://ovislink-forum.21byte.de/
  • OEM by Fiber Logic Communication Matrix 21 Series, http://www.fiberlogic.com/news/20040727.htm

Buffalo

Buffalo Linkstation HD-H120LAN, 180 EUR incl. 120 GB, 160GB, 250GB, 300GB

• http://www.buffalo-technology.de/products/wireless/hd-h120lan.htm
• same stuff, just bigger HD: 160GB (HD-H160LAN) and 250GB (HD-H250LAN) and 300GB (HD-H300LAN)
• Data sheet: http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/pdf/HDH120LAN_datasheet.pdf
• 1 built-in HD 120 GB
• 2 additional USB 2.0 ports
• Ethernet (10/100)
• PowerPC 200 MHz, MPC8241
• MontaVista Linux
• telnet server
• no FTP, newer firmware versions (at least since 1.44) do have FTP support
• print server, all windows printers, some mac printers (incl. any postscript), but fax functions will not work (thanks to Niels Gottschalk for these two hints)
• many versions, see http://www.yamasita.jp/linkstation.en/hardware.html
• Review:
  • http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?art=402
  • http://www.zdnet.de/enterprise/peripherie/0,39023474,39121680,00.htm
  • http://www.mobilepcmag.com/reviews/2004_06/BuffaloHD-H120LAN.html
  • http://reviews.cnet.com/Buffalo_LinkStation_250GB/4505-3382_7-30979536.html
  • review in c't 25/2004, p. 210: "Daten im Netz, Massenspeicher mit Netzwerkanschluss"
    • SMB read/write: 7.1/5.0 MByte/s
    • FTP read/write: 9.9/5.9 MByte/s
  • http://www.simpletech.com/awards/PCpro08_106_113.pdf
• cheap seller: http://www.ble-computer.com/
• fan site (Japanese): http://memoire.sakura.ne.jp/pc/linkstation.html
• fan site (Japanese): http://linkstation.yi.org/
• fan site by Yasunari Yamashita: Why don't you hack the LinkStation/KURO-BOX
• fan group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LinkStation_General
• disassembly, HD upgrade (quite some fumbling required!): http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jstewart228368/linkstation/Disassembly.html
• German user report: http://board.gulli.com/post/2242695#post2242695
• GPL source: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Weblink-req=viewlink-cid=63-orderby=dateD.php
• user comment by John Cierra:
  • very solid and stays working with several simultaneous copies
  • writes at 5.7 MB/sec, reads about 7MB/sec (I guess, this is for SMB)
  • web pages to set it up are slow and clumsy

Buffalo Linkstation HD-HLWG

• additional WLAN (802.11b/g)

HD-HG120LAN - ??? EUR, HD-HG160LAN - $369, HD-HG250LAN - $469, HD-HG300LAN - $569, HD-HG400LAN - $699 (May 2005, much more expensive than in Japan)

• Gigabit Interface, 1000/100/10
• Jumbo Frames Support to increase performance with Gigabit Ethernet
• Pcast streaming media server support
• http://www.yamasita.jp/linkstation/ (Japanese)
• http://www.sbpnet.jp/vwalker/review/art.asp?newsid=6493 (Japanese)
• If you know a European distributor let me know!
• available as of end of May 2005 in the US and Europe, had been sold in Japan for quite some time

Tera Station, Jan 2005, $999

• RAID support, JFS
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 4 internal drive bays, 3.5" IDE, U-DMA 133
• 4x USB 2.0
• print server
• removable hard drive rack to allow quick swapping of hard drives
• oversized fan allows quiet operation and low power consumption
• data sheet, http://www.buffalotech.com/documents/pdf/TeraStation_DS.pdf
• http://www.buffalotech.com/products/product-detail.php?productid=97&categoryid=19

Revolution Gear (owned by Buffalo), http://www.revogear.com

Kuro Box, $160

• PowerPC 200MHz processor (Freescale® MPC 8241), 64MB RAM, 4MB ROM, IDE, single USB 2.0 port, single 10/100 Ethernet
• with customizable embedded Linux development kit that allows users to create a customized embedded Linux solution via a root access shell session
• Linux-based, fully customizable NAS shell (comes with source code!)
• Samba can be run in PDC mode to serve Windows domains
• Specs: http://www.revogear.com/downloads/kuroboxspecs.pdf
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/News_story_777.php
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/News_story_806.php
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-171-ProdID-KUROBOX.php
• fan site by Yasunari Yamashita: Why don't you hack the LinkStation/KURO-BOX
• similar hardware as the LinkStation, but with customizable embedded Linux development kit
• take a look at the Linksys NSLU2, too
• technical user report: http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/pa-bargain.html?ca=dgr-lnxw82KuroBox

Kuro Box HG, $240

• PowerPC 266 MHz
• Gigabit Ethernet 1000
• 128 MB RAM
• fan site by Yasunari Yamashita: Why don't you hack the LinkStation/KURO-BOX

Netgear

ND520, ND508

• 8 or 20 GB
• 2001 models
• very noisy
• review: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/review.asp?pid=393

WGT634U, ca. 150 EUR

• WLAN-Router with USB-2.0-Anschluss
• 802.1 b/g
• SMB, FTP
• CPU: Broadcom BCM5364PKPB, MIPS based, 200 MHz
• 2 dram chips and the flash chip from NEC.
• runs Linux 2.4.20
• root file system of firmware is jffs2 and has packed tools from http://leaf-project.org.
• http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGT634U.php
• product sheet: http://www.netgear.com/pdf_docs/WGT634U_datasheet_02Mar2004.pdf
• manual: ftp://downloads.netgear.com/files/wgt634u_manual.zip
• http://www.golem.de/0403/30035.html

Synology

DS-101 Diskstation, 260 EUR

• CPU: Intel IXP420BB, 64 MB SDRAM, 16 MB Flash-ROM
• internal IDE port
• RJ45 10/100 Mbps
• print server
• USB 2.0 (1x USB mit Printer Support, 2x USB mit Support für externe HD)
• vendor postitions this device as mature backup solution with good software
• SMB/CIFS, FTP, AFP 3.x support
• http://www.compucon.com/au/nas/synology.htm
• http://www.compucon.com/au/nas/CompuconWWW-Synology101.pdf
• http://www.synology.com/products/DS/SDS10.shtml
• Review Online PC 10/04:
• Review from PCtipp 11/04:
• Network File Protocols: Microsoft Networks CIFS (=SMB), Apple File Protocol AFP 2.2
• Distributor in Switzerland, 329 SFr (ca. 212 EUR): http://www.brack.ch/aspx/default.aspx?ID=11852&mod=artikel
• case looks similar to Buffalo Linkstation, but hardware seems to be different
• thanks to Erich Loew:
  • review: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-190-ProdID-DS101-1.php
  • German distributor for resellers: http://konfigurator.extracomputer.de/live/shop/frameset_start.cfm
• thanks to Stephan Kurz:
  • also sold as Microstorage Linkstation, http://www.microstorage.com/

DS-101 G+ Diskstation

• new as of June 2005
• CPU: Freescale MPC 8241 (same as Kurobox), 64MB SDRAM, 16MB Flash
• 1 SATA Port for internal SATA HDD (Support: 120GB/160GB/250GB/300GB/400GB capacity), 1 eSATA Port for external SATA HDD
• RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, (= Gigabit Ethernet)
• USB 2.0 Support for 1 printer and upto 3 disks
• USB COPY button on the front panel
• Smart Fan design, HDD Sleep Mode Support
• Continuous power: 14.64W (Standby), 17.88W (Working), 6.72W (Sleep)
• TCP/IP, Apple Talk
• CIFS/SMB, Apple File Protocol AFP 3.X, FTP
• built-in HTTP server for Management
• NTP
• Account/Group/Share Support, Share Level Security Support, max. 128 user accounts, max. 64 groups, max 100 shares
• Up to 32 concurrent connections
• Automatic File Backup for Windows Client With Synology Data Replicator® installed on client system
• Data on Windows PC backed up onto DS-101g+ Disk Station
• Data on USB devices (less than 4GB) backed up onto DS-101g+ Disk Station
• Data on DS-101 Disk Station backed up onto USB disks
• specification: http://www.synology.com/enu/products/diskstation/index.php?page=ds-101g_plus
• thanks to Gill Kirkwood for the hint

Snap Appliance (now owned by Adaptec), http://www.snapappliance.com/

Snap Server 1100, 250 GB, $900

• target: workgroups in enterprise environments
• http://www.snapappliance.com/page.cfm?name=1100Main&nav=1100
• user comments: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/foren/go.shtml?list=1&forum_id=61123
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-87-ProdID-/network/20020919/index.html.php
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-42-ProdID-SNAP1100.php
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/network/20020919/index.html

Snap Server 2200, 320 GB - $1300, 500 GB - $1800

• http://www.snapappliance.com/page.cfm?name=2200Main&nav=2200

SERCOMM, http://www.sercomm.com/

• serves as Taiwanese OEM for many other manufacturers

interNAS/Compact-ND53

• Fully Embedded Linux OS
• Shared network printer
• Supports SMB over TCP/IP and HTTP
• http://www.sercomm.com/ND53.htm

interNAS-GS53:

• Fully Embedded Linux OS
• Removable Disk-Drawers
• Supports swappable disks
• HDD-to-HDD data backup
• Expansion Capability
• Shared network printer
• Supports SMB over TCP/IP and HTTP
• http://www.sercomm.com/GS53.htm

interNAS/RAID-NR53

• Embedded Linux OS
• RAID-1 mirroring continuous Data Backup
• File and Print Sharing
• Hot-Swap and Auto-Rebuild HDDs
• http://www.sercomm.com/NR53.htm

TEAC, http://www.teac.com/

Vendotto NS-40 Basic - 40GB

• router, file server, web server and print server
• Dual NIC Cards, Ethernet 10/100
• CPU 200 MHz, 32 MB RAM
• no fan, external power supply
• http://www.teac.com/DSPD/support/nas/nas_kbase.htm
• http://www.de.tomshardware.com/praxis/20020522/

Vendotto - 40GB, 80GB, 120GB, 160GB and 240GB - 899 EUR

• router, file server, web Server or print server
• WLAN built-in, 802.11b
• Dual NIC Cards, Ethernet 10/100
• National Semi-conductor Geode (bought by AMD), CPU 300 MHz, 64 MB RAM
• RedHat-Linux based OS
• http://www.teac.com/DSPD/Microservers.html
• http://www.teac.com/DSPD/support/nas/nas_kbase.htm
• http://www.vendotto.de, http://www.myvendotto.de
• http://www.essling.de/angebote/Anzeigen-Vendotto.pdf

Vendotto WALL

• Vendotto plus integrated SonicWALL firewall appliance
• hardware integration pretty bad!
• http://www.tecchannel.de/hardware/1090/index.html
• http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/networking/0,39023970,39117417,00.htm
• http://www.essling.de/angebote/TEAC-Vendotto-wall_Prospekt.pdf
• http://www.storesys.com/publichp/produkt/teac/vendotto.html

NEC

SmartVision Pro HD40

• from 2001 (too early on the market if you ask me)
• PVR appliance
• integrated tuner and MPEG encoder (GlobeSpan[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/GlobeSpan?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] iTVC12)
• 40 GB hard disk
• internal RAM slot and PCI
• CompactFlash of the 32MB
• 64MB DIMM SDRAM, PC133, CL3
• National Semiconductor Geode GX1 300B, x86 based (typically used for thin clients)
• OS: Microsoft Windows NT Embedded 4.0
• http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20011205/zooma38.htm
• http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20011205/zooma38.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20011205/zooma38.htm%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D

SMC

SMC's SMC7208SBR Broadband Storage Server

• router and storage server
• SMB, Appletalk
• built-in 7-port switch
• 100 MBit LAN ports
• 10 MBit WAN port
• serial port
• DB25F parallel printer port
• production started in 2001
• review: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-136-ProdID-TRIASA2120.php
  • was expensive, insecure, large, noisy and didn't really take off
• thanks to Andreas Schweizer:
  • review: http://www.hardware-one.com/reviews.asp?aid=219&page=1
  • review: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/review.asp?pid=334
    • speed: 600 kByte/s write, 850 kByte/s read (very slow compared to 2005 models)
• manual: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/downloads/Other/smc7208sbr_manual.pdf

U.S. Robotics

USR8200 Secure Storage Router Pro, $350 as of Nov 2004

• VPN router/firewall/print server, 4 port 10/100 switch
• attach hard disk via 2x USB 2.0 or 1x IEEE 1394 (Firewire 400)
• SMB, FTP
• CPU Intel XScale IXP422, 16 MB Flash, 64 MB RAM
• data sheet: http://www.usr.com/products/networking/router-product.asp?type=specs&sku=USR8200
• review: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-61-ProdID-USR8200.php
• US Robotics also sells (slightly overpriced) hard disks, ready in a case with USB2.0 and Firewire ports
  • USR8800-120, 120 GB hd for an extra $250 (Nov 2004)
  • USR8800-250, 250 GB hd for an extra $450 (Nov 2004)

Kanguru Solutions, http://www.kanguru.com/

iNAS-10, 120GB, $500, 200GB, $530, 250GB, $600 as of Nov 2004

• Kanguru iNAS is similar to ICP NAS-101R
• Ethernet, 10M / 100M bps
• keep your eyes open: vendor claims a transfer rate of 700-800MB/min, which is even above wire-speed (750 MB/s)
• FTP, HTTP
• built-in router and switch
• CPU NS Geode SC2200 266Mhz, Flash Memory 16MB, DRAM 128MB
• HDD 1 x 3.5" IDE HDD
• Software: NASWare Router Edition
• A NAS client software is offered on their web site. What for?
• http://www.kanguru.com/inas.html
• Manual http://www.kanguru.com/tech_support/drivers/iNAS-100%20Manual.pdf
• review: http://www.nwfusion.com/net.worker/columnists/2004/0119gaskin.html

QNAP, http://www.qnap.com.tw (member of ICP Electronics Inc.)

• distributor in the US: Vox Technologies, http://www.voxtechnologies.com
• many distributors add their own name or logo to the device name

NAS-110, 394 EUR (Nov 2004)

• announced Nov 2004
• NAS-only, no router
• up to 300GB HDD
• Intel IXP 420 processor, 64 MB RAM, 16 MB ROM
• user quota setting
• supports detection of system error and auto-alert by e-mail and 3 LED indicators (power, network and HDD operation)
• vendor claims simple installation and easy configuration
• no built-in router
• http://www.qnap.com.tw/en/product_ia.asp?model=NAS-110

NAS-101R, 392 EUR, NAS-101RW, 452 EUR, NAS-101RWG (Nov 2004)

• NAS-101R - 1x3.5" HDD, 4x10/100Mbit LAN, 1x10/100Mbit WAN, IP sharing, router, firewall
• NAS-101RW - 1x3.5" HDD, 4x10/100Mbit LAN, 1x10/100Mbit WAN, WLAN Access Point, IP sharing, router, firewall
• NAS-101RW has additional 802.11b WLAN
• NAS-101RWG has additional 802.11b/g WLAN
• available with 40, 80, 120, 160, 200GB
• http://www.qnap.com.tw/en/product_ia.asp?model=NAS-101RW/RWG
• http://www.voxtechnologies.com/network_attached_storage/nas101r.htm
• http://www.voxtechnologies.com/network_attached_storage/nas101rw.htm
• manual: http://www.profipc.pl/en/nas/pdf/Manual-101R_104R_2108R.pdf

NAS-104R, NAS104R, 476 EUR (Nov 2004)

• Mobile Cable/DSL Storage Router with 4LAN & 1WAN
• NAS-104 Max. 240GB - 4x2.5." HDD, 4x10/100Mbit LAN, 1x10/100Mbit WAN, IP sharing, router, firewall, RAID 0-1-5
• Cable/DSL storage router
• CIFS/SMB, AFP, NFS, HTTP, FTP
• JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5
• 1x Wan 4x 100/10Mbit
• up to 4 2.5in (notebook) hard disk drives can be built into this
• available in 80, 120, 160, 240 GB bundles (4 notebook hard disks of 20, 30, 40, 60 GB)
• mainly for industrial use
• http://www.voxtechnologies.com/network_attached_storage/nas-104r.htm
• http://www.icp-australia.com.au/DataSheets/nas104r.html
• http://www.qnap.com.tw/en/product_ia.asp?model=NAS-104R
• manual: http://www.profipc.pl/en/nas/pdf/Manual-101R_104R_2108R.pdf

NAS-2108R, 596 EUR, NAS-2108RW, 657EUR, NAS-2108RWG (Nov 2004)

• Compact Cable/DSL Storage Router with 8LAN, 1WAN Print Server Plus
• NAS-2108R Max. 500GB - 2x3.5" HDD, 4x10/100Mbit LAN, 1x10/100Mbit WAN, IP sharing, router, firewall, RAID 0-1, Print Serwer
• NAS-2108RW Max. 500GB - 2x3.5" HDD, 4x10/100Mbit LAN, 1x10/100Mbit WAN, WLAN Access Point, IP sharing, router, firewall, RAID 0-1, Print Server
• http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/networking/0,39023970,10004047,00.htm
• Evesham is only a British distributor
• NAS-2108R Desktop, 2HDD, RAID 0, 1, JBOD, 1x Wan, 8x 100/10Mbit, 1x Parallel Port
• NAS-2108RW Desktop, 2HDD, RAID 0, 1, JBOD, 1x Wan, 8x 100/10Mbit, Wireless Access Point 11Mbit, 1x Parallel Port
• NAS-2108RWG additional WLAN 802.11b/g
• manual: http://www.profipc.pl/en/nas/pdf/Manual-101R_104R_2108R.pdf

NAS-2000, 480 EUR (price without disks), (Nov 2004)

• http://www.qnap.com.tw/en/product_ia.asp?model=NAS-2000
• online shop with uptodate prices without registration: http://www.globalmediapro.com/
• manual http://www.qnap.com.tw/files/EPORTAL-WEB/csd/2004/08/13/14/52/25/English_Manual-2.pdf

NAS-3000

• announced Nov 2004
• Desktop / Tower Form Factor Design
• VIA Eden 733MHz / 256MB DRAM
• 2 x 3.5” Hot-swappable IDE HDD
• Maximum capacity up to 600GB
• Supports RAID 0 , 1 and JBOD
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, load balancing or fail over modes
• Supports UPS Management via USB Port
• http://www.qnap.com.tw/en/product_ia.asp?model=NAS-3000

NAS-4000P, 800 EUR (price without disks), (Nov 2004)

• http://www.qnap.com.tw/en/product_ia.asp?model=NAS-4000P
• online shop with uptodate prices without registration: http://www.globalmediapro.com/
• manual http://www.qnap.com.tw/files/EPORTAL-WEB/csd/2004/08/13/14/52/25/English_Manual-2.pdf

SimpleTech, http://www.simpletech.com

SimpleShare Office Storage Server (160 GB, 250 GB, 400 GB, 500 GB )

• based on Broadcom NaSoC (NAS on a chip) BCM4780
• scheduled to ship in January 2005
• HTTP, SMB (CIFS), NFS
• two USB ports to attach additional USB-based external hard drives.
• built-in USB print server
• 10/100 Ethernet
• press release: http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=STEC&script=410&layout=0&item_id=643854
• user comment by John Cierra:
  • wonderful web page interface and many more features than the Buffalo Linkstation
  • the easiest one for novice users to set up and operate and has enough detail to please the truly techno-savvy, including mirroring and striping
  • transfer speeds are about 10% slower than the Linkstation
• RAID support (level 0 and 1) via one of the two USB ports, management software is integrated into the device
• AES hardware encryption feature offered by chipset
• press coverage
  • http://www.simpletechmarketing.com/summary2.lasso?-token.class=consumer&-token.category=SimpleShare&-token.type=Press%20Coverage
• http://www.simpletechmarketing.com/materials/pdf/R1379.pdf
• http://www.simpletechmarketing.com/materials/pdf/R1472.pdf
• http://www.simpletechmarketing.com/materials/pdf/R1435.pdf
• http://www.simpletech.com/awards/PCpro08_106_113.pdf

Maxtor, http://www.maxtor.com

Shared Storage 200 GB ($300), 300 GB ($400) [Feb 2005]

• Hardware details
  • Broadcom NaSoC (NAS on a chip) BCM4780 300 MHz MIPS32 Network-Attached Storage Processor, http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=658582
  • Chip includes features such as RAID 1/0, encryption. Is it used in the firmware?
  • Memory: 32MB (2 x MT 46V8M16 - 8Mx16)
  • Flash: 2MB (ST M29W160EB - 16Mb)
  • USB Controller: VT6212 4-port USB 2.0 Host Controller
  • IDE Controller: ATP865 PCI Ultra ATA133 IDE Chip
  • PHY: BCM5241 - 10/100BASE-TX Single-Channel Tranceiver
  • Fan: Sunon MagLev[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/MagLev?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] Fan KDE503PEV3-8 - 30x30x6mm 5V Fan
• 10/100 Ethernet
• preconfigured with shared public folder and a set of personal private network folders
• two USB 2.0 ports for USB printers or additional external storage drives, you can attach NTFS drives here, which are mounted read-only
• SMB, maybe more
• available in February 2005
• data sheet: http://www.maxtor.com/_files/maxtor/en_us/documentation/data_sheets/mss_datasheet.pdf
• http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/Maxtor/menuitem.ba88f6d7cf664718376049b291346068/?channelpath=/en_us/Products/Network%20Storage/Maxtor%20Shared%20Storage%20Family/Maxtor%20Shared%20Storage
• reviews
  • http://www.simpletech.com/awards/PCpro08_106_113.pdf
  • http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1819272,00.asp
  • http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-201-ProdID-MSS-1.php
• alternative firmware by enthusiasts: http://www.openmss.org/
  • Broadcom NaSoC[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/NaSoC?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] Reference Firmware seems to share a lot with Broadcoms wlan access points

Planex, http://www.planex.net

FSR-07

• Broadband Server
• http://www.planex.net/product/phaseout/extras/others/fsr07.shtml
• http://pc5.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/hard/1100184979/l50
  • /proc/cpuinfo : Rise IDragon, 200 MHz (RiseRiseRise)

F40

• All-in-one File server
• http://www.planex.net/product/phaseout/extras/others/f40.shtml

I-O Data, http://www.iodata.com

• product overview: http://www.iodata.jp/prod/storage/hdd/index_lanhdd.htm

HDL-120U, HDL-160U, HDL-250U, HDL-300U

• mainly on Japanese market
• fanless with alu-case
• hard disk turned into sleep state when not used
• CPU: SH-4, 267MHz
• Ultra DMA/133 hard drive
• SMB, FTP
• vendor claims FTP access rate of 94.5Mbps, which is way better than most current other NAS'es
• USB2.0 x 2 can connect more storage, computer, print
• 10/100 Ethernet
• power consumption: 14W
• http://www.iodata.com/products/products.php?cat=HNP&sc=HDL&ts=2&tsc=15

HDL-W500U

• 2x 250 GB disk

HDLM-160U, HDLM-250U, HDLM-300U

• built-in RAID-1, mirroring on 2 disks
• disks swappable,

HDH-UL120, HDH-UL160, HDH-UL250, HDH-UL300

• 7200 rpm hard disk
• Ximeta NDAS technology

USL-5P

• USB-HD-NAS similar to Linksys NSLU2
• 5 USB ports to attach USB disks
• 36-50 MBit/s claimed by vendor, approx. 5-6 MByte/s
• supports read-only NTFS formatted USB disks (if my understanding of Japanese is correct)
• same CPU as in Landisk

LevelOne, http://www.level1.com/intro.htm

FNS-5000, 629 EUR as of March 2005

• case only, use standard hard disks, compatibility: http://ftp.level1.com/levelone_de/drivers/manual_PDF/FNS-5000_Compatible_HDD_List.pdf
• 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
• 2 slots for 3,5 inch IDE hard disks (supports RAID 0,1)
• CPU: National Semiconductors (now AMD) Geode GX1, 300 MHz
• RAM: 128 MB
• SMB, Apple Talk, NFS, FTP und Netware
• embedded Linux in Flash ROM
• Access Control via User/Group Management
• Web Interface, SNMP, Remote Shutdown, LCD Frontanzeige, Logging und Reporting, 19 inch rack device
• can be integrated into NT domains
• German distributor: cyberport.de
• manual: http://ftp.level1.com/levelone_de/drivers/manual_PDF/FNS-5000(EN).pdf

FNS-6000, 649 EUR as of March 2005

• hard disk compatibility: http://ftp.level1.com/levelone_de/drivers/manual_PDF/FNS-6000_Compatible HDD_List.pdf
• differences to FS-5000
  • additional 8 Port 10/100 Mbps Switch
  • additional 1 Port Printserver (Parallelport)
  • additional Broadband Router (DSL, Kabel, Ethernet) (DHCP, PPPoE[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/PPPoE?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?], PPPTP),
  • desktop device (not 19 inch)
• German distributor: cyberport.de
• other hard disk compatibility list: http://download.level1.com/info/NAS_HDD_LISTE.pdf
• manual: http://ftp.level1.com/levelone_de/drivers/manual_PDF/FNS-6000(EN).pdf

KingByte, http://www.kingbyte.com

KNS-700 (IP-Drive-25)

File:92.jpg

• case only, bring your own 2.5" disk
• FTP, SMB
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• USB 2.0 interface to serve as an external HDD.
• Light-weight and compact design
• DHCP client and Static IP addressing supported.
• Power Consumption: 12V 3.0A
• Datasheet
• sold in Germany by www.memoryworld.de on Ebay

KNS-600 (IP-Drive-35)

File:93.jpg

• case only, bring your own 3.5" disk
• all other things are equal to KNS-700

Planet Technology Corp., http://www.planet.com.tw/

NAS Server 1100, 146 Euro [as of 2005-Aug-15]

File:Planet-nas1100.png

Planet is probably an OEM/ODM, one of these folks. You will most probably find the device with other names/brands attached as well. The case looks remotely similar to the QNAP NAS-110.

• bring your own disk
• IDE (1 internal slot), One 3.5", ATA interface hard drive, max. 250 GB
• no hardware (CPU/ROM/RAM) details published
• RJ-45 Interface (10/100Mbps)
• CIFS/SMB, FTP
• FAT32
• 3 pre-defined user access levels
• allows 5 concurrent connections via SMB plus 5 via FTP (what sense do these restrictions make?)
• 220 x 60 x 132 mm (W x D x H), 865g
• Power Adapter: 12V DC, 3A
• http://www.planet.com.tw/product/product_dm.php?product_id=317&menu_id=22
• Datasheet: http://www.planet.com.tw/product/pdf/C-NAS1100-1.pdf
• Manual: http://www-user.tu-chemnitz.de/~ralk/nas/EM-NAS1100.pdf
• Swiss distributor: http://www.stegcomputer.ch/details.asp?prodid=pla-nas1100

infrant Technologies, http://www.infrant.com/

ReadyNAS[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/ReadyNAS?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] 600, $695 bare bones; $1,395 for a terabyte array (Mar 2005)

• Network Storage Processor, made by Infrant
• Mini-ITX motherboard
• PC2700 DDR memory. single 256 MB installed
• VIA USB 2.0 controller
• Cicada Gigabit Ethernet
• RAID 5
• data sheet: http://www.infrant.com/download/ReadyNAS600.pdf
• reviews:
  • http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1819272,00.asp

ReadyNAS[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/ReadyNAS?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] X6, 625$-$750 (add price for disks), new as of Aug 2005

• File:ReadyNAS X6 Enclosure.jpg
• Sparc-based RISC processor, 280Mhz
• RAIDator OS based on Linux
• 256MB of DDR-SDRAM
• supports upto 4 SATA disks
• 2x USB ports
• data sheet: http://www.infrant.com/download/ReadyNAS_X6.pdf
• finally a fast NAS!
• reviews:
  • http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-217-ProdID-H2H5.php
  • http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS9172293423.html
  • http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1819272,00.asp

Newisys, http://www.newisys.com

NA-1400, around $1000 (1TB) and $400 (barebone, no harddisks).

File:Newisys-na1400.jpg

• available around the mid/end of Oktober
• 640 GB, 1.0 TB, 1.6 TB and 2.0 TB models (raw size, RAID levels apply), reported (by the european sales channel manager) [2005-Sep-11]
• 4 hot-swap SATA I disk drives
• Intel® xScale® processor with Linux®-based operating system
• 2x USB 2.0
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet
• Ethernet or USB port to connect to network/server
• CPU: Intel®XScale® 80219 600 Processor, 1x 256MB DDR SDRAM w/ECC, expandable to 512MB.
• RAID Levels: RAID 0, 1 and 5.
• up to 20 Clients
• SMB, CIFS, XFS, HTTP, CIM Client, and Anonymous FTP
• product sheet http://www.newisys.com/products/na1400_productsheet.pdf
• features: http://www.newisys.com/products/na-1400_features.html

Thecus, http://www.thecus.com

N2100

• File:N2100-220.jpg

• CPU Intel Xscale IOP 80219 600MHz, DDR 128MB
• 2 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Port
• 3 x USB 2.0
• 2 x bays of 3.5” SATA HDD upto 400 GB each
• RAID 0 and RAID 1, JBOD
• iTunes® Server
• SMB/CIFS, FTP
• product page: http://www.thecus.com/products01.asp?RID=45&ID=45&WebID=1
• user manual: http://www.thecus.com/Manual/N2100/N2100_UM_en.pdf

N4100, available empty (800 EUR) or with 4 disks (1GB, EUR 1355) [2005-11-9]

• File:35 1.jpg
• RAID 0,1,5
• SMB
• no FTP yet, no Appletalk
• 4 hot-swap SATA disks, SATA Controller Intel GD31244, RAID in software -> is this the cause for slowness?
• ActiveDirectory[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/ActiveDirectory?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] support
• Xscale CPU, 600 MHz
• http://www.thecus.com/products01.asp?RID=35&ID=35&WebID=1
• similar to Allnet ALL6400
• reviews:
  • http://www.thecus.com/About_news01.asp?WebID=1&RID=62&ID=62
    • massive performance problems with Linux clients
    • RAID 0 or RAID 1: Write 9 MByte/s (Win XP), 7 MB/s (Linux), Read 10 MByte/s (Win XP), 7 MB/s (Linux)
    • RAID 5: Write 6 MByte/s (Win XP), 1 MB/s (Linux), Read 9 MByte/s (Win XP), 3 MB/s (Linux)
  • http://www.thecus.com/About_news01.asp?WebID=1&RID=61&ID=61

N2000

• File:31 1.jpg
• CPU, Via C3 800 Mhz, 128 MB SDRAM
• 2x ATA-133
• 1x 10/100/1000 Base –TX
• 1x 10/100 Base-TX
• AppleTalk[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/AppleTalk?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?], FTP, CIFS/SMB, NFS
• Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 Domain Controller (PDC), Unix/Linux (NIS), User Level Security
• RAID Level RAID 0, 1 and JBOD

• http://www.thecus.com/products01.asp?RID=31&ID=31&WebID=1

Intradisk, http://www.intradisk.com, new as of [2005-Sep-29]

"Server", 350 EUR plus disk

File:V01-basic-mit-zahl.gif

• IXP420BD, Prozessor ARM Xscale, 533 MHz
• up to 9 MByte/s data transfer
• 1x 10/100 Ethernet Auto-MDI/MDIX, 1x RS232, 1x USB v1.2 Slave
• 2x ATA-7 133MHz / UDMA
• hard disk capacity up to 500 GB
• Ext3 file system
• fan-less, about. 5-15 Watt in full operation
• rubber hard disk mounting for less vibrations and noise
• Metal/Alu-case cooles electronic, additional gel cooling pad optional
• dhcp server, tftp bootserver
• 32 MB SD-RAM, 4 MB Flash
• Samba, NFS
• Web-/FTP-/Telnet-/File-/NTP/DHCP-Client-Server
• Linux Kernel 2.4
• integrated UPnP[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/UPnP?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?]-Server (Twonkyvision)
• sample applications: dBox (tuxbox) media storage (vendor claims: no further config required)
• http://www.intradisk.com/produkte/basis.html
• data sheet http://www.intradisk.com/produkte/datenblatt-intradisk-neu.pdf
• reviews (linked by manufacturer)
  • c't 2005, Heft 18, "Netzwerk-Klienten" S.98
  • http://www.computerpartner.de/news/225182/
  • http://www.speicherguide.de/magazin/aktuelles.asp?theID=3450

• ridiculous: from their FAQ: root password costs 200 EUR extra with 2h support pack

"Profi", 460 EUR plus disk

File:V02-profi-mit-zahl.gif

• IXP425BD, Prozessor ARM Xscale, 533 MHz
• integrated Crypto-coprocessor prepared for VPN
• up to 10 MByte/s data transfer
• 2x 10/100 Ethernet Auto-MDI/MDIX, 1x RS232, 1x IrDA[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/IrDA?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?], 1x USB v1.2 Slave
• 2x ATA-6 133MHz / UDMA
• Mini-PCI-slot with WLAN-card (54MBit/s) 802.11b/g
• alternative MiniPCI[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/MiniPCI?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?]-extensions on request: USB 2.0 Host, GSM/Modem, VGA, DVI...
• 1x 10/100 Ethernet Auto-MDI/MDIX, 1x RS232, 1x USB v1.2 Slave
• 2x ATA-7 133MHz / UDMA
• hard disk capacity up to 400 GB
• Ext3 file system
• fan-less, about. 5-15 Watt in full operation
• rubber hard disk mounting for less vibrations and noise
• Metal/Alu-case cooles electronic plus interated gel cooling pad for hard drive
• dhcp server, tftp bootserver
• 32-64 MB SD-RAM on-board, 8 MB Flash
• Samba/NFS,
• Web-/FTP-/Telnet-/File-/NTP/DHCP-Client-Server
• Linux Kernel 2.4
• integrated UPnP[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/UPnP?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?]-Server (Twonkyvision)
• sample applications: dBox (tuxbox) media storage (vendor claims: no further config required)
• http://www.intradisk.com/produkte/basis.html
• Web-/FTP-/Telnet-/File-/NTP/DHCP-Client-Server
• Optional: Powermanagement Controller, Sleep/Standby/Aktiv, WakeOnLink[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/WakeOnLink?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?]
• data sheet http://www.intradisk.com/produkte/datenblatt-intradisk-neu.pdf

• differences to "Server"
  • 2nd FastEthernet[/twiki/bin/edit/Main/FastEthernet?topicparent=Main.NetworkAttachedStorage ^?] Port
  • Wireless LAN (108MBit/s)
  • real-time clock with Li-battery
  • integr. firewall, webcache
  • bluetooth (in development)
  • infrared sender/receiver
  • NTP server
  • integrated hard drive cooling

"Entwickler", 1160 EUR plus disk

File:V03-entwickler-mit-zahl.gif

• like "Profi" +
  • integrated Intradisk-Linux development environment
  • JTAG-programming adapter for bootloader + debugging
  • parallel port cable
  • Intradisk Linux source code
• Yes, I know that they have to make the source available for free, I already told them!

Mirra, http://www.mirra.com

Personal Server, starts at USD 399

• Automated Backup for people with no or very little experience with computers
• Windows only
• http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-140-ProdID-MIRRA.php
• http://www.nwfusion.com/net.worker/columnists/2003/1208gaskin.html
• http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1406529,00.asp
• also look at rebyte.com (see below)

NiveusMedia, http://www.niveusmedia.com/

Blackbox Personal Server: $399 and up, Blackbox Personal Server Pro: $499 and up

• Personal Server: networked file sharing, automatic backup, home server needs.
• Personal Server Pro: additional second Ethernet jack for router, firewall, etc.
• essentially a PC
• fanless VIA EPIA Mini-ITX
• Linux-based OS
• you can choose between various hardware configurations (disk size, RAM size)
• http://store.niveusmedia.com/s.nl/c.304836/sc.2/category.10/.f

OEMS and ODMs, mostly from Taiwan

• these products are bought by Linksys, Netgear, Belkin, ...
• Ambit Microsystems, http://www.ambitmicro.com/

• Alpha Networks, http://www.alphanetworks.com/
• AboCom Systems, http://www.abocom.com.tw/
• ASUSTeK, http://www.asus.com/
• Broadcom, http://www.broadcom.com/
• CyberTAN Technology, http://www.cybertan.com.tw/
• Cameo Communications, http://www.cameo.com.tw/
• Delta Networks, http://www.dninetworks.com/
• GemTek Technology, http://www.gemtek.com.tw/
• Global Sun Tech, http://www.globalsuntech.com
• Mototech, http://www.mototech.com.tw/
• Sercomm, http://www.sercomm.com/
• Z-Com, http://www.zcom.com.tw/

Alternative: Bring Your Own PC

Hardware

• Via C3 processors are quite prominent here because of their low power consumption, and uncritical cooling,
• http://www.heise.de/newsticker/foren/go.shtml?read=1&msg_id=4291069&forum_id=47748
• http://www.openbrick.org/
• http://www.onlamp.com/pub/wlg/4546
• commercial NAS solution with RAID-1 (mirroring) and Via C3 CPU: http://pugservers.com/, starts at 600 USD
• commercial NAS solution with RAID and Via C3 CPU: LevelOne FNS-7000A
• commercial NAS solution with RAID and Intel Celeron CPU: LevelOne FNS-8000A

Special Software

• http://www.serverelements.com/naslite.php
• http://backuppc.sourceforge.net/
• thanks to Frank Kannemann: ready linux distribution for a typical file server: http://www.openfiler.org/
• Retrospect Backup Software
• Alternative: "Disk on a Module". These are customized OS'es on a CompactFlash that you can plug into an IDE port

of a PC, switch it on, and have a NAS server instantly.

OPEN-E, http://www.open-e.com

Open-E NAS SOHO (200 EUR)

• FTP, SMB, NFS
• bootable NAS software (customized Debian Linux) burnt into a module you can plug into an IDE port
• purpose: transform a PC into a NAS server quickly with good software
• no RAID support
• Reviews:
  • http://www.golem.de/0401/29501.html
  • http://www.tomshardware.de/network/20040427/index.html

Open-E NAS 2.0 (earlier name: Ancom 2.0) (300 EUR)

• FTP, SMB, NFS
• Reviews:
  • http://www.golem.de/0311/28625.html (alt)
  • http://www.tomshardware.de/network/20040427/index.html
  • http://www.open-e.com/download/eng/2004.04.21 - IX.pdf
  • http://www.open-e.com/download/eng/2004.04.13_PCDirekt.pdf

Open-E NAS Enterprise (600 EUR)

• FTP, SMB, NFS
• Reviews:
  • http://www.golem.de/0403/30290.html
  • http://www.tomshardware.de/network/20040427/index.html

Spintronics

Spinix SOHO NAS CHIP, 99 EUR (as of Nov 2004)

• bootable NAS software burnt into a module you can plug into an IDE port
• purpose: transform a PC into a NAS server quickly with good software
• Disk on Module (IDE)
• FTP, SMB, NFS
• support for S/W RAID
• support for H/W RAID controller built into PC
• support for 10M / 100M / 1000M bps Ethernet
• Router functions: PPPoE, Dynamic DNS, Firewall -> to ease access from Internet
• http://eshop.spin3d.com.tw/product_info.php?products_id=31

Rebyte, http://www.rebyte.com

Rebyte Pro

• another Linux on a Flash disk solution
• the company (yes, the whole company!!!) is currently being sold on Ebay 7544756025
• http://www.build-a-snap-server.com/

Tools to measure NAS performance

• ttcp
• netio
• iperf
• rbench / dbench
• netbench - SMB
• dkftpbench - FTP
• dstat

• Atto Disk Benchmark (Windows Only)

The Future in NAS appliances

• Broadcom NAS chip BCM4780 with RAID 0, 1, 10: http://www.linuxelectrons.com/article.php/20040602091433184
  • Simpletech Simpleshare is one of the first products with this chipset
• NAS for the masses: http://www.snwonline.com/evaluate/nas_04-19-04.asp?article_id=386
• products available around christmas I guess

Network Fusion NAS news

• http://www.nwfusion.com/topics/nas.html

LANLine article

• http://www.industrienet.de/konradincms/images/AWI/pdf/LL_04_03_A_NAS_Server.pdf

NAS FAQ

Eine ganz informative FAQ*

http://www.basix.de/html/faq.html

- verwandte links:

http://www.msexchangefaq.de/produkte/dt.htm http://www.webofficenow.de/support-faq-overview.html

und wie sowas praktisch aussieht; http://www.allinonenas.de

-- [/twiki/bin/view/Main/RalfKoenig RalfKoenig] - 03 May 2004

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