∙You are not using the latest firmware that includes hard disk standby, which spins the disks down when not in use.

∙The disks are reading or writing

∙Copying data to mirrored drives, since the writing activity happens on both disks

∙Disk brands which naturally run hotter are used

How does heat affect the Storage Central performance?

Even when the Storage Central seems hot, the IDE disk-drives are working within their normal specified temperature limits. In fact by placing back-up disk-drives outside a computer case you lower the heat generated around critical, heat-sensitive components in your PC, such as your CPU and memory. Also you reduce the heat produced by your computer's power supply. This actually can help protect and improve your PC’s performance.

As far as is known, the Storage Central has not caused a significant reduction in disk life.

This non-NETGEAR article HDD Diet: Power Consumption and Heat Dissipation, explains in detail hard disk heating, and also compares recent brands. Note that many of these disks, however, are NOT compatible with the SC101.

SC101 Performance

The SC101 Storage device is designed for these critical requirements:

∙Security through mirrored disks

∙Flexible network storage expansion

∙Cost-effectiveness

Since performance is slightly less critical in the design, be aware of factors that affect it. The SC101 performs best when:

∙Using the unmirrored configuration

∙Using high performance disks

∙Using a wired connection. Wireless 802.11b in particular will cause a considerable performance degradation

∙Leaving disks with > 10% free space

∙Reading and writing to the SC101 from a high performance computer

In the best conditions, the fastest read time is 7 MB / second, and the fastest write time is 5 MB / second. The San File System used by NETGEAR has the strongest advantages with read/write, bandwidth-intensive applications.

For reasonable performance with multiple users, use a switch with I/O at least as fast at 100 MB.

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NETGEAR manual SC101 Performance, How does heat affect the Storage Central performance?
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SC101 specifications

The NETGEAR SC101 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device designed to simplify data storage and sharing within a home or small office environment. It provides an efficient solution for users looking to centralize their files, making them accessible from multiple devices connected to the same network.

One of the main features of the SC101 is its user-friendly interface that allows for easy setup and administration. It supports Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. This versatility makes it an attractive choice for households and small businesses that utilize different systems. The SC101 also implements a simple drag-and-drop file management system, enabling users to effortlessly store and retrieve their data.

The device is built with two bays, accommodating standard hard drives that can be customized based on the user's storage needs. This flexibility enables users to start with a single drive and expand their storage capabilities as required. The SC101 supports both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations, allowing for a balance between performance and data redundancy. RAID 0 offers enhanced speed, while RAID 1 mirrors data, providing a level of protection against drive failures.

Connectivity is another highlight of the SC101. It features an Ethernet port that connects to the network, with support for various protocols including TCP/IP and UDP. Users can access their files from any computer on the network or even remotely, providing enhanced accessibility for team collaboration or personal use. The built-in web-based management interface also enables users to manage user accounts and permissions, ensuring security and controlled access to data.

In terms of performance, the SC101 utilizes a 480 MHz processor and 64 MB of RAM, which helps in delivering satisfactory performance for file transfers. While it may not compete with modern storage solutions or high-speed drives, it facilitates efficient data retrieval suitable for home and office environments.

Overall, the NETGEAR SC101 is a practical NAS solution that combines central file storage, easy management, and essential data protection features. Its compatibility with various operating systems, support for RAID configurations, and user-friendly setup make it a solid choice for users seeking to enhance their data storage capabilities without the complexity often associated with high-end NAS systems.
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