I use a NAS primarily to store our 25 GB music library. This allows both my wife and I to have access to it from our respective computers. I also use it as a backup location but this is veruy much a secondary role. The NAS is hardwired into the same 8 port switch that serves all the hard wired devices on our home network.
I was previously using a DLink DNS323. It worked well and it was always accessible without problem from both the hardwired computers and wireless laptops. There was never any network connectivity problems and I could always use Windows Explorer to transfer files and folders to/from it. However, it was very slow with terrible transfer rates (<10 MB/sec). It also ran hot because of the pathetic little fan on the back of it.
A few months ago I replaced the DS323 with a Synology DS212. The DS212 has excellent transfer rates but it has serious network connectivity issues. It is hit or miss if can be seen on the network using Windows Explorer and iTunes frequently does not see it even though it is setup to go to a mapped folder on the DS212. I spoke with Synology Tech Support and they readily (to their credit) acknowledged a problem but also stated they had no solution.
So, I now have a $300 NAS that has great transfer rates, but only during the seemingly rare occasions when it can be seen on our network. As a result I simply have accepted the fact I wasted $300 and am now looking for a fast 2 bay NAS, in the $300 range, that does not have any network connectivity issues. I also do not care about or have any need for all the bells and whistles that came with the DS212. All I want is a fast device that has reliable network connectivity and I can manage manually with Windows Explorer. I will take the single folder stored on it with our music library and map it with a drive letter on my computer and on my wife's computer. Any suggestions on a device more reliable than the DS212 would be appreciated as I would like to avoid wasting another $300.
I was previously using a DLink DNS323. It worked well and it was always accessible without problem from both the hardwired computers and wireless laptops. There was never any network connectivity problems and I could always use Windows Explorer to transfer files and folders to/from it. However, it was very slow with terrible transfer rates (<10 MB/sec). It also ran hot because of the pathetic little fan on the back of it.
A few months ago I replaced the DS323 with a Synology DS212. The DS212 has excellent transfer rates but it has serious network connectivity issues. It is hit or miss if can be seen on the network using Windows Explorer and iTunes frequently does not see it even though it is setup to go to a mapped folder on the DS212. I spoke with Synology Tech Support and they readily (to their credit) acknowledged a problem but also stated they had no solution.
So, I now have a $300 NAS that has great transfer rates, but only during the seemingly rare occasions when it can be seen on our network. As a result I simply have accepted the fact I wasted $300 and am now looking for a fast 2 bay NAS, in the $300 range, that does not have any network connectivity issues. I also do not care about or have any need for all the bells and whistles that came with the DS212. All I want is a fast device that has reliable network connectivity and I can manage manually with Windows Explorer. I will take the single folder stored on it with our music library and map it with a drive letter on my computer and on my wife's computer. Any suggestions on a device more reliable than the DS212 would be appreciated as I would like to avoid wasting another $300.
