D-Link DNS-320 Setup Wizard

The D-Link DNS-320 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for home users and small businesses. It offers a secure, affordable way to centralize and share data across a network, allowing for media streaming, file sharing, and backup functionality. A key feature of the DNS-320 is its setup wizard, which simplifies the process of installing and configuring the NAS device, making it accessible even for users with minimal technical expertise.

In this 3000-word review, we will explore every aspect of the D-Link DNS-320 setup wizard, from its installation process and interface to its features, strengths, and potential drawbacks. By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of how this setup wizard works, its role in simplifying NAS configuration, and whether it’s suitable for your specific needs.

1. Introduction to the D-Link DNS-320 Setup Wizard

The D-Link DNS-320 Setup Wizard is a software tool designed to assist users in the initial configuration of the DNS-320 NAS device. This tool guides users step by step through the process of setting up their NAS, including installing hard drives, creating volumes, configuring RAID settings, setting up users, and configuring network settings. The wizard eliminates the need for manual configurations, making it an excellent tool for beginners who might not be familiar with networking or storage systems.

The wizard is available on the CD that comes with the device or can be downloaded from the D-Link website. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring that a wide range of users can benefit from its easy-to-follow setup process.

Key Features of the Setup Wizard:

• Step-by-step guidance: The wizard walks users through each stage of the setup process.
• User-friendly interface: Simple, intuitive, and visually clear, designed for users of all skill levels.
• Automatic configuration: Default settings can be applied, or users can customize their setup as needed.
• Multi-language support: The wizard is available in several languages to cater to users worldwide.

2. Initial Setup: Unboxing and Hardware Installation

Before diving into the software aspect, the first step in using the DNS-320 setup wizard is the hardware installation. The DNS-320 is a dual-bay NAS, meaning it can house two hard drives, which you will need to install before proceeding with the software setup.

Step 1: Unboxing and Installing the Hard Drives

The unboxing process is straightforward. Inside the box, you will find the DNS-320 device, a power adapter, Ethernet cable, a quick installation guide, and a CD with the setup wizard and user manual.

The hard drives (which are not included with the device) need to be installed manually. The DNS-320 is designed to support 3.5-inch SATA drives, and installation is tool-free:

1. Slide open the top panel of the NAS.
2. Insert the drives into the two available slots.
3. Push them firmly into place.
4. Close the top panel.

Once the drives are securely in place, you can connect the power adapter and Ethernet cable. The Ethernet cable should be plugged into a router or network switch for LAN connectivity.

Step 2: Powering On the Device

After the hardware is installed, power on the DNS-320 by pressing the power button on the front. Wait for the device to initialize, which may take a few minutes as the drives are detected and prepared. You can observe the status of the device via the LED lights on the front panel, which indicate power and network activity.

Once the device is powered on and connected to the network, you can proceed with the software setup.

3. Running the Setup Wizard

The D-Link DNS-320 setup wizard is available on the provided CD or can be downloaded from the D-Link support website. Once installed on your computer, the wizard can be launched to begin the NAS setup process.

Step 1: Launching the Setup Wizard

To start the wizard:

1. Insert the CD into your computer’s CD/DVD drive or download the software.
2. Open the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to install the wizard on your computer.
3. After installation, launch the wizard from the desktop shortcut or program menu.

Step 2: Discovering the NAS on Your Network

When the setup wizard is launched, the first step is to detect the DNS-320 on your network. The wizard will automatically scan the local network for connected D-Link NAS devices. Once it detects the DNS-320, it will display the device’s IP address, hostname, and MAC address.

If the NAS is not detected, the wizard will provide troubleshooting options, such as checking network connections and ensuring the device is powered on.

Step 3: Initial Configuration

Once the NAS is detected, the wizard will begin the initial configuration process, which includes setting up the following key components:

a. Network Configuration

The DNS-320 can be configured to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP or have a static IP assigned. For most home users, using DHCP is the simplest option, as it allows the router to automatically assign an IP address to the device. However, for small businesses or users who require more control over their network, the wizard also allows you to manually assign a static IP.

Choosing a static IP can be beneficial for users who need consistent access to the NAS, especially if they plan to use remote access features or configure port forwarding on their router.

b. Time and Date Settings

The wizard allows you to set the correct time and date for the DNS-320, which is important for maintaining accurate logs and scheduling tasks like backups. You can set the time manually or synchronize it with an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server.

c. Admin Account Setup

During the initial configuration, the wizard prompts you to set up an administrator account for the NAS. This account has full access to all settings and controls of the device. It’s crucial to choose a strong password for the admin account to ensure the security of your NAS.

4. Hard Drive Configuration and RAID Setup

The next critical step in the setup process is configuring the installed hard drives. The DNS-320 setup wizard makes this process easy by guiding users through the process of selecting the appropriate drive configuration.

RAID Options

The D-Link DNS-320 supports multiple RAID configurations, and the setup wizard allows you to choose between the following:

• RAID 0 (Striping): This mode splits data across both drives, providing improved performance. However, there is no data redundancy, meaning that if one drive fails, all data is lost.
• RAID 1 (Mirroring): In this mode, data is mirrored across both drives, meaning that if one drive fails, the data is still safe on the other. This is the best option for users prioritizing data security.
• JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks): This mode combines the storage of both drives into a single volume. It’s not as secure as RAID 1 but offers more flexibility.
• Individual Disks: Each drive is treated as a separate volume, allowing users to manage them independently.

The wizard provides explanations for each RAID option, allowing users to make an informed choice based on their needs. For home users with important family photos or small businesses with critical documents, RAID 1 is typically the safest option due to its redundancy.

Once the RAID configuration is chosen, the setup wizard will format the drives and create the necessary file systems.

5. Creating Users and Shared Folders

After setting up the hard drives, the next step is to create user accounts and shared folders. The DNS-320 allows for multiple users to access the NAS, and the setup wizard provides tools for creating these accounts.

Step 1: User Creation

The wizard allows you to create user accounts with unique usernames and passwords. You can assign different levels of access to each user, such as:

• Read-only access: Users can view files but cannot modify or delete them.
• Read/write access: Users can view, modify, and delete files.

User creation is essential for families or small offices where different individuals need access to specific data. For example, in a home setting, parents may have read/write access to all files, while children might only have access to certain folders.

Step 2: Shared Folders

The setup wizard also allows you to create shared folders, which are accessible by users across the network. You can set access permissions for each folder, ensuring that sensitive data remains private while shared files, such as media or project documents, can be easily accessed.

Shared folders are a vital feature for collaboration in small offices, enabling team members to work on the same files without having to email documents back and forth. In a home environment, shared folders can store media that can be streamed to multiple devices.

6. Media Server Setup

One of the primary uses of the D-Link DNS-320 for home users is as a media server. The setup wizard includes options to enable media streaming through DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) protocols.

DLNA and UPnP Configuration

The wizard makes it simple to enable media streaming. Once activated, the NAS can stream media content, such as music, videos, and photos, to compatible devices like smart TVs, game consoles (such as Xbox and PlayStation), and media players.

Users can choose which shared folders to designate as media libraries, ensuring that only specific content is available for streaming. This feature is especially useful for families who want to centralize their media collections in one place while enjoying seamless playback on multiple devices.

7. Backup Configuration

Another important feature of the D-Link DNS-320 is its ability to serve as a backup device for computers and other devices on the network. The D-Link DNS-320 setup wizard includes built-in backup options that allow users to automate backups and ensure their data is secure. Let’s explore the backup configuration process in detail.

Backup Types Supported by the D-Link DNS-320

The DNS-320 supports several different backup configurations, including:

• Local backups: Backing up files from one location on the NAS to another within the same device.
• Remote backups: Backing up data to another network-attached storage device or server.
• USB backups: Backing up data from external USB storage devices connected to the NAS.
• Computer backups: Backing up data from connected computers to the NAS using D-Link’s backup software.

These options ensure flexibility, allowing users to create backup strategies tailored to their specific needs.

Step 1: Setting Up Local Backups

The setup wizard allows users to configure local backups quickly and easily. A local backup is a great option for users who want to create additional copies of important files within the same NAS, especially if they are using RAID 0 or JBOD configurations that lack redundancy.

To configure local backups:

1. Navigate to the Backup section in the setup wizard.
2. Choose Local Backup.
3. Select the source folder (the folder you want to back up) and the destination folder (the location for the backup).
4. Set a schedule for the backup. Users can choose from daily, weekly, or monthly backups, or run them manually.

Step 2: Configuring Remote Backups

Remote backups allow users to copy data from the DNS-320 to another NAS device or server over a network. This is particularly useful for businesses that require offsite backups as part of their disaster recovery strategy.

To set up a remote backup:

1. Select Remote Backup from the backup options in the setup wizard.
2. Enter the IP address or domain name of the remote NAS device.
3. Authenticate with the credentials required for the remote device.
4. Choose the folders to back up and the backup schedule.

The remote backup feature supports several protocols, including FTP and Rsync, making it compatible with various network environments and devices.

Step 3: USB Backups

The DNS-320 includes a USB port that allows users to connect external drives for additional storage or backups. The setup wizard provides an option to configure automatic backups between the NAS and the connected USB device.

To configure USB backups:

1. Connect an external USB drive to the DNS-320.
2. Select USB Backup from the wizard menu.
3. Choose the source (either the NAS or the USB drive) and the destination.
4. Set a backup schedule, or opt for manual backups.

This feature is handy for users who want to back up data to portable storage devices for physical offsite backups.

Step 4: Computer Backups

The D-Link DNS-320 setup wizard includes an option to install D-Link ShareCenter Sync, a software application for backing up computers to the NAS. This tool enables users to create automated backups of files and folders on their computers, ensuring that their data is regularly saved to the DNS-320.

Once installed on your computer, the software allows you to:

1. Choose which files and folders to back up.
2. Set a schedule for automatic backups (e.g., daily, weekly).
3. Monitor the status of your backups.

This feature is crucial for users who want to keep a secure copy of their documents, photos, and media on the NAS without having to manage backups manually.

8. Advanced Configuration Options

While the D-Link DNS-320 setup wizard focuses on ease of use and basic configuration, the NAS device also offers more advanced features for power users who need greater control over their network and storage settings.

Network Configuration and Services

The DNS-320 supports several network services that can be configured through the web-based management interface. These options go beyond what the setup wizard offers, but users can still access them after completing the initial setup.

Some advanced networking features include:

• Dynamic DNS (DDNS): This service allows users to access their NAS remotely using a domain name, even if they have a dynamic IP address. The wizard provides an option to set up DDNS, and D-Link also offers a free DDNS service to simplify remote access.
• VPN support: For businesses or users who need secure remote access to their NAS, the DNS-320 supports VPN configurations.
• FTP Server: The DNS-320 can be set up as an FTP server, allowing users to transfer files over the internet. This feature is especially useful for businesses that need to share large files with clients or team members.
• WebDAV: Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) enables users to access their files over the internet using a web browser or WebDAV-compatible software.

These features make the DNS-320 versatile, allowing it to serve as more than just a file storage device but also a robust server for file sharing and remote access.

Security Features

Data security is a top priority for many users, and the D-Link DNS-320 offers several features to protect sensitive data:

• User and group permissions: The setup wizard allows you to assign different levels of access to individual users or groups. For businesses, this means that certain employees can have access to specific files, while others are restricted.
• Encryption: The DNS-320 supports data encryption, ensuring that files are protected even if unauthorized users attempt to access the NAS.
• Firewalls and IP filtering: Advanced users can configure firewall settings and restrict access to the NAS based on IP addresses.

While these security features aren’t part of the setup wizard, they can be configured in the advanced settings menu, which is accessible via the NAS’s web-based interface.

9. Performance and Usability

After the setup process is complete, the performance and usability of the D-Link DNS-320 largely depend on the quality of your network and the configuration settings. Overall, the setup wizard ensures that even novice users can get their NAS up and running in under an hour, with minimal manual intervention required.

User Experience

The overall user experience of the setup wizard is highly positive. Its step-by-step instructions are clear, and the interface is intuitive, making it simple for anyone, regardless of technical expertise, to configure the DNS-320. The setup wizard provides tooltips and explanations for every option, which is a big plus for those who might be unfamiliar with networking or RAID configurations.

However, more advanced users might find the setup wizard a bit basic. While it’s sufficient for initial configurations, users who need fine-tuned control will have to switch to the web-based management interface after completing the wizard.

Performance Considerations

The performance of the DNS-320 will depend on the network it’s connected to and the RAID configuration chosen. RAID 1 offers better data protection but can slightly reduce performance due to the mirroring of data. RAID 0, on the other hand, provides faster performance but lacks redundancy.

During typical use cases—such as file sharing, media streaming, and backups—the DNS-320 performs admirably on a well-configured home or small office network. Its Gigabit Ethernet port ensures fast data transfers, and the DLNA/UPnP media server works well for streaming content to devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles.

10. Potential Drawbacks and Limitations

While the D-Link DNS-320 and its setup wizard provide excellent functionality, there are a few potential drawbacks that users should be aware of:

Limited Processor and RAM

The DNS-320 is designed for home and small business use, so its hardware isn’t as powerful as some higher-end NAS devices. It comes with a modest processor and RAM, which is sufficient for basic tasks but can struggle with heavy workloads or multiple simultaneous users. This can result in slower performance during intensive tasks like large file transfers or media transcoding.

No Hot-Swappable Drives

The DNS-320 does not support hot-swappable drives, meaning that if you need to replace or upgrade a hard drive, you will need to power down the device. This can be inconvenient for users who want to expand their storage or replace a faulty drive without disrupting their network.

Limited Third-Party App Support

Unlike some high-end NAS devices that offer extensive third-party app ecosystems, the DNS-320’s app support is somewhat limited. While it does include core apps for media streaming and backups, power users who need advanced apps for surveillance, virtualization, or development might find the app ecosystem lacking.

11. Conclusion

The D-Link DNS-320 setup wizard is a standout feature of this NAS device, providing an easy, guided process for users who need to configure their NAS without diving into complex settings. It simplifies the often intimidating world of network-attached storage, making it accessible for home users and small businesses alike.

From hardware installation and RAID configuration to user setup and backups, the wizard covers all the essential tasks needed to get the DNS-320 up and running quickly. While the device may have some limitations in terms of performance and expandability, it offers excellent value for the price, especially for users who need a basic, reliable NAS solution.

In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable, user-friendly NAS with a setup process that requires minimal technical expertise, the D-Link DNS-320 and its setup wizard are an excellent choice.