Note on RAID Arrays

TeraStation uses RAID (“Redundant Array of Independent Disks”) technology to control the four hard drives in your TeraStation. RAID may be configured several ways:

RAID Spanning - All four drives are striped into one large drive, giving the maximum capacity for your TeraStation. This size is the one listed on your TeraStation’s box and shows the total capacity of the TeraStation with no data used for redundancy. RAID Spanning is fast and efficient, but with no redundancy, if one hard drive fails, all data on the TeraStation is lost.

RAID 1 (mirroring) - Hard drives (or spanned pairs of hard drives) are arranged in mirrored pairs. Each half of the pair reads and writes exactly the same data. This costs you half the total capacity of your TeraStation, but provides excellent redundancy. If a hard drive fails, the mirror continues to supply data, so you may work on normally. You may replace the damaged or defective drive at any time, and normal RAID 1 mirroring will then be automatically restored.

RAID 5 (parity) - All drives in a RAID 5 array reserve part of their data space for parity information, allowing all data to be recovered if a single drive fails. The parity information takes up about one hard drive’s worth of space, so if you set up all four drives in the TeraStation as a RAID 5 array, your usable capacity will be about 3/4 of the total capacity of the TeraStation. RAID 5 is an excellent compromise between efficiency and security. If a single drive fails, no data is lost. After the damaged or defective drive is replaced, your TeraStation will automatically restore all data to the new drive and resume normal RAID 5 operation. This is how your TeraStation is set up out of the box.

Buffalo Technology recommends RAID 5 for its excellent balance of efficiency and security.

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Buffalo Technology HS-DTGL/R5 user manual

HS-DTGL/R5 specifications

Buffalo Technology has long been a name synonymous with reliable, high-performance storage solutions. Among their array of products, the HS-DTGL/R5 stands out as a noteworthy network-attached storage (NAS) device, designed for users seeking a balance between performance, capacity, and ease of use.

The HS-DTGL/R5 is equipped with several standout features. Its sleek design allows it to blend seamlessly into any home or office environment, while the inclusion of multiple bays caters to those who require extensive data storage. With support for up to five drive bays, this device can accommodate large amounts of data, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.

One of the most commendable characteristics of the HS-DTGL/R5 is its compatibility with RAID configurations. Users can set up RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and JBOD, depending on their specific needs for redundancy, performance, or capacity. This flexibility allows for customizable data protection solutions, which is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. Users can choose to prioritize speed or data safety based on their unique situation.

Another impressive feature is the device's dual-core processor and ample RAM, which ensure smooth performance even during multiple file transfers or when streaming high-definition content. This processing power enhances the overall user experience, allowing for smoother multi-user access and quicker file retrieval.

Networking capabilities add further value to the HS-DTGL/R5. With multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, the device supports link aggregation, which effectively doubles the data transfer speeds when paired with compatible routers. This feature ensures that large files can be accessed or backed up without lengthy waiting periods, an essential factor for businesses and professional users.

In addition to its hardware characteristics, Buffalo Technology provides a user-friendly web interface that simplifies the setup process. This interface allows users to easily manage files, set permissions, and monitor device status from anywhere on their network. Compatibility with various operating systems also means that both Windows and Mac users can take advantage of the HS-DTGL/R5's capabilities without hassle.

Buffalo Technology combines functionality, innovative technology, and reliability in the HS-DTGL/R5, making it an ideal choice for consumers and businesses alike. Whether for data storage, backup, or media streaming purposes, this NAS solution stands out as a versatile and powerful tool that meets the demands of today’s data-centric world.