Product Part Identification

GETTING STARTED

CHAPTER

1	2		1. Power LED
	2		1. Power LED
	3 4	5 6	2. HDD Status LED
	3 4	5 6	3.	USB 2.0 Interface Port
			4.	RAID Configuration Switches
			5.	DC Power Input
			6.	Power Switch

DESCRIPTION OF RAID-MODES

RAID modes and terminology can be a little confusing to the un-initiated. Rather than try to explain the exact mechanisms that underlie each mode, we will describe each one in terms of what they can do. Then, you can carefully choose the appropriate mode for your application.

JBOD Mode = Just a Bunch Of Disks.

This really isn’t a RAID mode at all. JBOD simply allows you to see each drive separately within either or both bays. There is no performance advantage to JBOD. But, it is very useful when transferring data from one drive to the next; or when you need to error-check individual drives within your disk management utility. Plus, JBOD does not change the file system the way the other modes do. This makes it a safe bet if you are unsure of what mode you should use.

RAID 1 Mode = Mirrored Drives.

This mode basically duplicates all of the data from one drive onto the next. In other words, it “mirrors” the source drive. This is by far the preferred mode for a RAID array. It provides security for all of your source-drive’s data in the form of a true automatic backup. The catch is that your storage capacity is limited to that of the source drive. You will also need to verify that each disk you intend to use in this array is the exact same make and model.

RAID 0 Mode = Striped Drives.

This is only recommended for those people who absolutely must have the absolute maximum in transfer speed and storage capacity. This mode is easily capable of exceeding the speed limit of USB 2.0 (roughly 60 MB/s). Likewise, it gives you access to the full capacity of both disks combined. So, what could possibly be bad about that? The problem is this: if one drive dies, all of your data will be lost. In order to safely use RAID 0, you’ll need a third separate drive in which to backup your critical data. You will also need to verify that each disk you intend to use in this array is the exact same make and model.

Spanning = BIG Drives.

This also is not exactly a RAID array. Spanning joins two drives into one big disk that has the capacity of both disks combined. Unlike RAID 0, there is no speed increase from BIG mode. You can also use different sized disks in a Spanning array. But as with RAID 0, if one drive fails, the entire BIG volume will be lost, along with any potential data. You’ll probably want a third separate drive in which to backup your most critical data.

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