D-LINK DNS-320 Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a well-performing, easy to use storage device. Most importantly, one of the key concerns that has to be addressed with the use of a NAS device is the maximum disk size. This has a direct relation with the size of data storage and management. In this article, we research the maximum size of disk that can be used on the D-Link DNS-320, how this will affect the users and factors that Disk size compatibility and performance.
Understanding D-Link DNS-320
In addition, before going deep into disk size issues, it is wise to explore a D-Link DNS-320 and what it offers. The DNS-320 is a two-bay NAS device that targets homes and small offices. The DNS-320 acts as the common point for the storage of files and backup and also serves in streaming media. Some of the main features include:
Dual-Bay Design: Accommodates two hdd’s where one can configure several RAID setups (RAID 0, RAID 1 or JBOD).
User Friendly Interface: Web-based management system easy to access and operate for configuring and monitoring.
Network Connectivity: Incorporates a gigabit wireless LAN port for the internet connection.
Data Backup and Recovery: Different backup methods are adhered to including active backup, scheduled backup and remote backup.
Media Sharing: Enables media uploading over the internet and streaming over different devices.
Maximum Disk Size Supported by DNS-320
The size of the largest disk which the D-Link DNS-320 can support is an important specification for those users who seek to make maximum use of the storage. Some of the most recent changes suggest that the DNS-320 can accommodate hard disks of up to 4TB per bay. In this case, the users can fix two 4TB hard drives resulting in an 8TB disk space in total.
Elements impacting Maximum Disk Capacity
There are a number of reasons why the maximum disk size supported by the DNS-320 is dependent on a number of reasons:
Firmware and Hardware limitations: The maximum disk size supported by the DNS-320 is dictated in part by the hardware design and firmware of the device. While the device is capable of accommodating upt 4TB drives, it is possible that some newer or larger drives may not be considered due to firmware constraints.
RAID Configuration: The RAID configuration that you will choose will also affect the way disk space is used:
RAID 0 (Striping): Stripes the data across both drives, presenting them as one volume of 8TB with no fault tolerance.
RAID 1 (Mirroring): Allows writing to both drives with replicated content producing 4TB of usable storage with some data redundancy.
JBOD: Combines multiple hard drives together without contemplation of disk space management, therefore presenting 8TB of internal storage without RAIDs advantages.
File System Compatibility: The EXT3 storage file system is used on the DNS-320, which is a Linux-based NAS appliance. Hence, use drives of the same file system when using the appliance to avoid incompatibility.
Firmware Updates: Similar to computers, D-Link devices benefit from firmware updates aimed at improving support or even introducing support for larger drives. Always check for the current version of firmware to achieve the best performance and support.
Installing Larger Drives
When installing larger drives in the DNS-320, observe the following procedure for proper installation:
Verify Compatibility: Always refer to the official website of D-Link for the most recent information on the incompatibility of the provided drives and the DNS-320 as well as the use of larger drives. Some larger drives may have firmware restrictions.
Power on the DNS-320 and proceed to insert the drives ensuring all connections are done properly. In this step, the drives will be prepared for use and appropriate partitions created. The RAID configuration method required will be chosen based on the available storage requirement. For instance RAID 1 for protection against failure or RAID 0 for better speed.
Also, it is important to check if there are newer firmware versions released to add support for bigger drives or performing better.
The maximum disk size supported by the DNS-320 has several practical implications for the end-users.
Storage Capacity: Users are limited by a maximum of 4TB per bay. As such, it is possible to closet enough storage space up to 8TB total storage in RAID 0 configuration or 4TB in RAID 1 configuration. This is adequate for home users or small workgroup with relatively low storage demands.
Data Management: Replacement drives of larger sizes make for greater storage possibilities hence less turnarounds in replacement of drives. This would also mean that data management would be more cost-effective.
Backup and Redundancy: You can depending on your RAID configuration assume storage only or storage and data redundancy. RAID 1 ensures that you are not completely cut out with data loss in case of drive failure though the available storage is halved. RAID 0 does not offer redundancy but allows you to utilize the full capacity available.
Performance: Upgrading to larger drives with higher effective transfer rates abstracts a performance advantage. This notwithstanding, empirical evidence must be provided to show that the wirings in place would allow for the use of such speeds conducive to the drives being employed.
Future-Proofing: Even though the DNS-320 accepts drives of up to 4TB, it is associate degree device that remembers the possible necessity for additional expansion in the future. You should consider some other NAS solutions which offer higher disk capacity support in case of extreme predictions of the storage management systems growth.
Comparing with Other NAS Devices
It will be helpful to determine the maximum disk size of the DNS-320 by looking upon what other NAS need to offer as well:
Higher Capacity Models: There are higher nas systems that allow for very large hard disk sizes such as 8tb or 12tb per bay. These types of models are very common in companies that require more storage space.
RAID and File System Support: What are the RAID and file system support provided by other NAS devices? Certain models have complex RAID configurations and modern file systems which are more advanced and provide better performance.
Expandability: Favor those devices, which possess expansion capabilities – additional drive bays, or allow usage of external storage systems. This can offer more options for future updates.
Performance and Features: Compare the efficiency and functions of multiple competing NAS devices. Processing power, networking methods, and other related features such as web-based storage may affect your choice.
How to Get Around Disk Size Problems
In case you have some challenges concerning the disk size, let the following steps assist you:
Check Compatibility: When you install the disks, be sure they fit the DNS-320 system. Check any firmware and documentation if there are some specific limitations.
Update Firmware: The last firmware updates shall be installed in order to eliminate any issues in the drive sizes and support the increased size of the drives.
Reformat Drives: In the event that the drives are not being detected or are malfunctioning, the last resort is to try and reformat the drive using the DNS-320’s management interface. It effectively deals with issues regarding formatting or partitioning that may arise. Seek Counsel: Should the case persist, seek the intervention of D-Link by way of its support resources or forums. That may offer some further steps or ways to the issues.
What’s Going To Happen To NAS Technology In The Future
As the onset of technology slowly creeps in, several trends are bound to influence NAS devices as well as their disk sizes support since Disk renders Diskless Access over Network Storage.
Greater Size Drives Assistance: Advance ranges of NAS systems may even assist with larger drives hence avail more storage and efficiency. Such an advancement is expected in the near future so watch out for new product catalogues.
Cloud-Based Solutions: There is a possibility of more emphasis being put towards connecting functionality to applications in the cloud creating true local-hybrid storage environments.
Optimizations of Existing Raid Levels: New types of RAID and enhancements of already offered, as well as, currently offered RAID types may increase both performance and fault tolerance capabilities.
Green Energy: The way things are going to technology development, there will be low energy consumption NAS devices.
Final Words
D-Link DNS-320 is a reasonable Network Attached Storage device that supports a maximum single disk size of 5 Terabytes per bay, capable of a combined maximum capacity of 10 Terabytes in a two bay casing. This storage is ideal for residential usage and usage in a small office as it offers enough space for storing various documents, backups and for media sharing as well.
In addressing size limits of the drive characteristics explaining such limitations, observing correct installation practices and trends that are likely to affect the NAS appliance, users will be able to fully utilize the DNS-320 and its potentials in operation. As far as how it functions for storage is considered, the DNS-320 is very practical for tendencies such as small office network management, as well as home media server construction.