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D-Link DNS 323 - SATA Network Storage Solution

Written by Richard Lee

The D-Link DNS 323 Network Storage box will hold up to two SATA drives that can be used as aggregate memory or as mirrored drives (via RAID1). With 750GB drives now becoming reasonably priced and available, this means that the a home office or small office environment can quickly add a 1.5 Terrabyte disk server to their network for a fraction of what it cost just a few years ago, without having to purchase and find a location for another computer just to hold the storage.

In a home environment, the DNS 323 device allows parents to password protect sensative information, and still access that information from any computer in the house. Remotely accessing the files via the internet is also possible using the included FTP software on the device. Also, if you own a UPnP media device, you can stream audio or video content wirelessly from the NAS server without accessing any of your computers.

The DNS 323 comes without any storage drives, so you will need to purchase one or two SATA hard drives. Unless you are doing a Raid Mirroring solution, we recommend that you start with one large drive, and as you fill it up, get a second drive (which will no doubt be larger AND less expensive).

Configuration of the device is simple and straightforward. Use the enclosed CD on any computer on the network to configure the device and setup user groups and passwords. After that, simply visit each PC on the network and "map" the network drive to a local drive letter (F:, G:, H:, etc).

Most households and small businesses use network storage drives for backup, but if you use it for archiving or streaming media or controlling access to sensitive data, you will need another backup solution. One solution is to have yet another DNS 323 at an offsite location, and use the built-in FTP software to backup key data between the two devices via the internet. If you use one of the mainstream internet backup services such as Carbonite or Mozy, however, this device will not be backed up, as these services do not backup "mapped' drives.

For more information on the D-Link DNS 323, visit www.dlink.com.

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TECH2 LAKE HOUSE

UPDATE - The exterior of the Technology Lake House is complete and we are now working on interior finishing and electronics. Last year, San Francisco's Channel 7 ABC News ran a special video report on the construction progress of the Technology Lake House, and we expect them back for a follow-up soon. Click HERE for a DLINK Live Video Feed with pan and zoom features (userid=user, no password, daylight hours only).

Ron Rosberg's current project home, the Technology Lake House, is currently under construction on the shores of Clearlake in Northern California. Even though the house is a wireless demo house, we have installed more than seven miles of wires in the walls for dozens of flat panel TVs, speakers, control panels, and sophisticated lighting. So far, more than a dozen technology and fixture manufacturers have agreed to sponsor this project, which has been simmering in Ron's head since he attended the first CES show in New York in 1967. The 7,500 square foot project (plus three existing rustic cabin guest houses) is being built on a five-acre Honeymoon Cove resort with 500 feet of beach directly across from Konocti Harbor Resort. This summer retreat will host technology gatherings annually, inviting Western states home builders, contractors, and technology consultants for a live open house showcasing the latest in home technologies. There is room to park plenty of boats, so plan on coming up for some lake fun after the project is complete. For more info, send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 707-995-2683. To see the latest photos, visit Ron's Flickr gallery.

We are currently looking for products to evaluate in these areas:

Home automation: lighting, security, and entertainment
A/V technology for the 500 SF home theater media demo room

Hot News on Cool New Features: The ENTIRE front of the home is made of 21 sliding NanaWall glass panels that fold into the walls, opening the entire home up to the lake during demo days.

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