LaCie 301257U 1 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.
The 2big 1TB Gigabit Network Drive can act as a file-sharing server, a backup server or an FTP server. Easily share important files & make them accessible from anywhere via FTP or any web browser. With this 2-disk RAID solution with Ethernet interface, get maximum storage capacity in BIG mode or maximum security in SAFE mode (RAID 1). If one drive fails in RAID 1, data remains accessible & can even be automatically rebuilt onto a hot-swappable spare drive. With the 2 USB ports, easily transfer files from a USB key or USB hard drive with the 1-Click Data-Sharing Button or expand available network capacity. The new heat sink metal design naturally draws heat away from the hard disk's internal components 2 help keep it cool & improve reliability. The user-friendly LaCie Ethernet Agent enables direct access 2 shares, drive mapping, & easy administrator configuration. 400MHz Processor, DDR2 RAM Network Setting - New web-based management, Auto IP configuration (DHCP client compatible) Network Protocols - SMB (Windows/Linux); AFP (Mac); FTP; HTTP; Apple Bonjour RAID Modes - SAFE 100 (RAID 1) - maximum security BIG (concatenation) - maximum capacity Software - LaCie Ethernet Agent 4 accessing, mapping & configuring drives on the network LaCie 1-Click Backup Software Cooling System - Heat sink metal design 4 natural cooling; thermo-regulated, linear smart fan System Requirements - Ethernet switch or router, Intel Pentium 500MHz processor, G4 with Mac Intel 500MHz processor or greater, 512MB RAM or higher, web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox), Windows 98SE, Window ME, Window 2000, Window XP, Window Vista, Mac OS 9, Mac OS X, Linux 2.4 or higher Dimensions - Width 3.5 x Height 7.8 x Depth 6.7 (91x200x172mm) Weight - 5.8 pounds (2630 grams)
($199.99)
Buy LaCie 301257U 1 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.