LaCie 301258U 1.5 TB 2big Network Attached Storage Hard Drive with 2-disk RAID
- Ethernet for file sharing
- RAID 1 mode with automatic data-rebuilding
- 2 hot swappable disks with locks
- 1-click data sharing for automatic file transfers
- 2 USB ports for storage expansion
Rating: 5 of 5
Safe at last!
Rating: 4 of 5
Works as advertised
I am using this 4 backup & serving media files on my home network. Since I need Internet access 2 the files, I was thinking of getting one of the HP MediaSmart Servers using Windows Home Server. However, after reading mixed reviews of Windows Home Server, & since I already have a small PC with Win2K acting as a home server, I decided 2 add network attached storage instead. I can manage Internet access through the existing server.
So far, the drive is working fine. It is built like a tank, & runs very cool & quiet. I am using it in the RAID 1 (mirrored) mode. It appears as a network share under Windows, or you can access it by its IP address. You can also mount it as a remote drive. My PCs are generally set up with 3 partitions; C: 4 system, D: 4 applications & E: 4 user files. For backup, I use Acronis True Image 2 make images of the C: partitions & SyncBack 2 backup the files on the other partitions.
The reasons I didn't give it 5 stars are:
- it supports FTP & HTTP access, so you could access it directly from the Internet through your router, but these are insecure protocols & exposing them directly 2 the Internet would not be a good idea. It would be nice if it supported HTTPS & FTPS, or SSH.
- according 2 one of the websites that benchmark these things, it is fairly slow, about half the speed of the fastest comparable product. You would only see the difference on a 1GB network, & it doesn't really matter 2 me since I am mainly using it 4 backup. If you need maximum bandwidth (for multiple streams of video, 4 example) you should probably check the specs & be sure it is fast enough. LaCie claims that they are working on a software update that will improve the speed.
So far, the drive is working fine. It is built like a tank, & runs very cool & quiet. I am using it in the RAID 1 (mirrored) mode. It appears as a network share under Windows, or you can access it by its IP address. You can also mount it as a remote drive. My PCs are generally set up with 3 partitions; C: 4 system, D: 4 applications & E: 4 user files. For backup, I use Acronis True Image 2 make images of the C: partitions & SyncBack 2 backup the files on the other partitions.
The reasons I didn't give it 5 stars are:
- it supports FTP & HTTP access, so you could access it directly from the Internet through your router, but these are insecure protocols & exposing them directly 2 the Internet would not be a good idea. It would be nice if it supported HTTPS & FTPS, or SSH.
- according 2 one of the websites that benchmark these things, it is fairly slow, about half the speed of the fastest comparable product. You would only see the difference on a 1GB network, & it doesn't really matter 2 me since I am mainly using it 4 backup. If you need maximum bandwidth (for multiple streams of video, 4 example) you should probably check the specs & be sure it is fast enough. LaCie claims that they are working on a software update that will improve the speed.
Rating: 1 of 5
Major Security Flaw
Pros: Good network hard drive if you are looking 4 something that mirrors automatically.
Cons:
It is possible 2 bypass all security permissions on this LaCie 2Big Network hard drive via FTP. The default `admin' password will not change on the FTP side of the user login even after changing the admin login password. This allows full access 2 the hard drive via the administrators login 2 the FTP.
I have contacted LaCie regarding this issue only 2 be told that this is a 'feature' of the product not a defect.
Steps 2 verify.
1. Setup a LaCie 2Big Network Hard drive with FTP access as per the manufacture instructions.
2. Change the `Admin' password anything you like.
3. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the 'admin' log in & your password.
4. You will not be able 2 log in using the new password
5. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the `admin' log in the default `admin' password.
6. You have full access 2 all folders & documents in the hard drive.
Do NOT buy this product if you are planning on using it 4 an FTP.
Cons:
It is possible 2 bypass all security permissions on this LaCie 2Big Network hard drive via FTP. The default `admin' password will not change on the FTP side of the user login even after changing the admin login password. This allows full access 2 the hard drive via the administrators login 2 the FTP.
I have contacted LaCie regarding this issue only 2 be told that this is a 'feature' of the product not a defect.
Steps 2 verify.
1. Setup a LaCie 2Big Network Hard drive with FTP access as per the manufacture instructions.
2. Change the `Admin' password anything you like.
3. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the 'admin' log in & your password.
4. You will not be able 2 log in using the new password
5. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the `admin' log in the default `admin' password.
6. You have full access 2 all folders & documents in the hard drive.
Do NOT buy this product if you are planning on using it 4 an FTP.
Rating: 1 of 5
Do not buy 4 FTP
Pros: Good network hard drive if you are looking 4 something that mirrors automatically.
Cons:
It is possible 2 bypass all security permissions on this LaCie 2Big Network hard drive via FTP. The default `admin' password will not change on the FTP side of the user login even after changing the admin login password. This allows full access 2 the hard drive via the administrators login 2 the FTP.
I have contacted LaCie regarding this issue only 2 be told that this is a 'feature' of the product not a defect.
Steps 2 verify.
1. Setup a LaCie 2Big Network Hard drive with FTP access as per the manufacture instructions.
2. Change the `Admin' password anything you like.
3. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the 'admin' log in & your password.
4. You will not be able 2 log in using the new password
5. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the `admin' log in the default `admin' password.
6. You have full access 2 all folders & documents in the hard drive.
Do NOT buy this product if you are planning on using it 4 an FTP.
Cons:
It is possible 2 bypass all security permissions on this LaCie 2Big Network hard drive via FTP. The default `admin' password will not change on the FTP side of the user login even after changing the admin login password. This allows full access 2 the hard drive via the administrators login 2 the FTP.
I have contacted LaCie regarding this issue only 2 be told that this is a 'feature' of the product not a defect.
Steps 2 verify.
1. Setup a LaCie 2Big Network Hard drive with FTP access as per the manufacture instructions.
2. Change the `Admin' password anything you like.
3. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the 'admin' log in & your password.
4. You will not be able 2 log in using the new password
5. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the `admin' log in the default `admin' password.
6. You have full access 2 all folders & documents in the hard drive.
Do NOT buy this product if you are planning on using it 4 an FTP.
Rating: 1 of 5
Major Security Flaw
Pros: Good network hard drive if you are looking 4 something that mirrors automatically.
Cons:
It is possible 2 bypass all security permissions on this LaCie 2Big Network hard drive via FTP. The default `admin' password will not change on the FTP side of the user login even after changing the admin login password. This allows full access 2 the hard drive via the administrators login 2 the FTP.
I have contacted LaCie regarding this issue only 2 be told that this is a 'feature' of the product not a defect.
Steps 2 verify.
1. Setup a LaCie 2Big Network Hard drive with FTP access as per the manufacture instructions.
2. Change the `Admin' password anything you like.
3. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the 'admin' log in & your password.
4. You will not be able 2 log in using the new password
5. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the `admin' log in the default `admin' password.
6. You have full access 2 all folders & documents in the hard drive.
Do NOT buy this product if you are planning on using it 4 an FTP.
Cons:
It is possible 2 bypass all security permissions on this LaCie 2Big Network hard drive via FTP. The default `admin' password will not change on the FTP side of the user login even after changing the admin login password. This allows full access 2 the hard drive via the administrators login 2 the FTP.
I have contacted LaCie regarding this issue only 2 be told that this is a 'feature' of the product not a defect.
Steps 2 verify.
1. Setup a LaCie 2Big Network Hard drive with FTP access as per the manufacture instructions.
2. Change the `Admin' password anything you like.
3. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the 'admin' log in & your password.
4. You will not be able 2 log in using the new password
5. Using an FTP client, log in 2 the LaCie 2Big Network hard drive using the `admin' log in the default `admin' password.
6. You have full access 2 all folders & documents in the hard drive.
Do NOT buy this product if you are planning on using it 4 an FTP.
Designed 2 satisfy the data sharing & backup needs of small offices, the LaCie 2big Network represents the new generation of shared storage with security. This unique Ethernet storage solution enables you 2 easily share professional files & 2 make them accessible from anywhere via FTP or HTTP. It can act as a file-sharing server, a backup server or an FTP server. You can expand your network capacity by attaching up 2 two (2) USB hard drives. Get maximum storage capacity or extra data security in one affordable yet professional 2-disk RAID solution. Easily & quickly select your RAID modes with the manual switch on the back of the drive. For maximum capacity, choose BIG with connection of the two hard drives 2 form one large 1.5TB hard drive. For maximum protection, choose SAFE 100 (RAID 1) 4 automatic mirroring of one disk 2 the other (available capacity = 50%, 750GB); if one disk fails, data remains accessible on the other one & the defective disk can be replaced easily with an optional hot-swappable disk. The heat sink metal design naturally draws heat away from the hard disk's internal components 2 help keep it cool & improve reliability. The 2big Network can be stacked or rack mounted 2 conform 2 every work environment. The large glowing blue button functions as a 1-click data-sharing button 4 automatic file transfers from a USB key. Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbits Interface Cooling System - Thermo regulated, linear, quiet smart fan; heat sink metal design 4 natural cooling Expansion Ports - 2 x USB 2.0 4 additional storage RAID Modes - SAFE 100 (RAID 1) - maximum security BIG (concatenation) Network Protocols - SMB (Windows/Linux); AFP (Mac); ftp; http; Apple Bonjour Network Settings - New web-based management, Auto IP configuration (DHCP client compatible) System Requirements - PC or Mac equipped with a network adapter, Web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox
($377.77)
Buy LaCie 301258U 1.5 TB 2big Network Attached Storage Hard Drive with 2-disk RAID Now!
After about the third total wipe-out of all my data & subsequent restoration woes resulting in less than complete data restoration I decided 2 go 2 the network RAID 1 drives. A side benefit is that the data is available on all computers on my home network, not an out of date copy, the same data files, no more mixed up versions.
No real complaints on this product, both the units I have do the job & have not given me any trouble so far. Can't ask more than that.