crunchlife: Review: Linksys NAS200

Review: Linksys NAS200

Ryan Baxter — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:30:00 -0700

Last Sunday I purchased a Linksys NAS200 network attached storage (NAS) device and two Western Digital 500GB SATA drives hoping to solve my problem with backups and provide a shared storage solution for my home network. After a precursory examination of five NAS devices, I chose the Linksys NAS200 based upon its feature set, price, and the reputation of its predecessor, the Linksys NSLU2. The NAS200 boasts features such as:

Ethernet connected storage.
Dual SATA hard drive bays.
Two USB 2.0 ports for extra storage.
Internet FTP and HTTP access.
Built-in media server.
RAID 1 and 0 disk configuration.

Before buying this device I had been leaning heavily towards the D-Link DNS-323, but hoping the Linksys NAS200 would arrive on the market in time for my purchase. I mentioned previously that it was out of my character to buy bleeding edge hardware and I have to admit that I was a little nervous that the device would not work out of the box on my network. As a Linux user, I don’t think I’ll ever get over the anxiousness of buying new hardware.

The device was packaged well. The box pictured was merely a container for the much sturdier packaging material that housed the NAS200, a Quick Installation guide, CDROM, network cable, power supply, and some promotional material. I glanced briefly at the contents before proceeding to unhinge the plastic doors housing the NAS200’s drive bays. The doors were a little hard to open single-handed. Plastic clips found on either side of the doors must be pinched simultaneously to expose the bays.

Peering within the first bay, I was puzzled by the length of “ribbon” found inside. Not knowing what this was for, I consulted the manual located on the CD. To my surprise, the manual did not provide directions for hard drive installation. Printed on the edge of the ribbon was the word “Pull”. My wife giggled as she often does when she figures something out before me. The ribbons’ purpose is to aid in hard drive removal. Pulling the ribbon will eject the drive from its controller. Later, in the Quick Installation guide, I found a screenshot of the Setup Wizard depicting the ribbons proper use. Her assumption was correct. Reading the guide now, I’m impressed by the clarity of the screenshots found within. They are small, but readable.

With the drives installed, I placed the NAS200 on the shelf that was to become its new home. I then attached the device to my router with the provided Ethernet cable. You’ll need a longer cable if you plan on storing the device more than three feet from your router. I plugged in the AC adapter and turned on the device by pressing a small button located on the back panel near the AC input. The NAS200 chirped loudly signaling it had been turned on. The device’s internal speaker is loud and its tone is similar to that of a smoke detector. Some lights on the front of the device began blinking and the two that looked like disc platters lit up. At last I could turn on my computer.

Like the NAS200’s packaging, the CDROM was neatly branded. I didn’t have high hopes for running the Setup Wizard, but I did give it the college try. From the command line, I navigated to the CD and typed “wine Setup.exe” and cringed as several error messages appeared in my terminal. I didn’t bother going any further with this. Knowing the NAS200 would be assigned an IP address via DHCP from my router, I launched Firefox and navigated to http://192.168.1.102. I felt a small measure of relief watching the NAS200’s administrative page load within my browser. This feeling was soon found fleeting as I attempted to log in. The default username and password listed in the manual did not work. A few curses later, I remembered the default login (admin / admin) used by my Linksys router and gave that a try. It worked.

Feeling elated, I navigated through the remaining administration within minutes. I first chose “Firmware Upgrade” from the list of options. I was slightly disappointed when clicking “Check for Upgrade” opened a new browser window and directed me to the Linksys.com website. In the days of Web 2.0 you shouldn’t have to search for firmware updates and install them manually. Updates should download and install with one click. I found the NAS200 on Linksys’ website, but at the time of this writing no firmware updates had been published. Screenshots of the Linksys NAS200’s administration interface can be found below:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Formatting the hard drives took little time. The “Disk Utility” section contained a set of simple controls for both drive formatting and the running and scheduling of Scandisk. I had prepared myself to wait at least a half hour for the formatting of two 500GB SATA drives, but only sat and watched the progress bar for about 5 minutes. Likewise, the “Disk Configuration” menu was also simple and configuring my device for RAID 1 mirroring was as easy as clicking a radio button. Soon after, my 1TB of raw storage became 465.29GB of mirrored drive space.

Once the drives were configured, I quickly changed the admin password and set a disk quota for guest users. Under “System Options”, I gave the device a more suitable name and assigned it a static IP address. I then created user accounts for myself and my wife. When creating user accounts, access to the device’s Download Manager can be set. I don’t remember reading about this feature within the product’s description before purchasing it. Not that I’m complaining, because the functionality is pretty cool. Basically it acts as an autonomous downloader. You provide the URLs, and it does the work. This single feature could end up saving money on my electric bill as I oftentimes leave my computer running all night to download large files. I don’t know the exact numbers, but I feel confident in saying that the Linksys NAS200 draws less power than my desktop PC.

To complete the installation I did a quick training session with my wife. She now knows to click Places -> Network within Gnome to find our network devices. Double-clicking “Thorbardin” (Yes, I was a Dungeon Master) displays her private folder and the public share entitled, “PUBLIC DISK”. Not being particularly fond of screaming caps, I tried to rename the folder, but was prompted with the following error message.

Unlike some other NAS devices, the Linksys NAS200 is quiet. I have to be standing within a foot of the device to hear any noise. The noise that does emanate from its internal fan is not of the jet engine variety. The fan within the NAS200 emits a low-pitched whir. I’m still quite impressed by this as my second story apartment is extremely hot. Its probably a good thing that the device has an operating temperature of 41 to 104ºF (5 to 40ºC). The surface of the NAS200 is not cool to the touch, but it is not particularly hot either. I can faintly feel air being pushed by the fan through the tiny holes dotting all sides of the device. That is a good sign.

I certainly feel more comfortable now that I have the Linksys NAS200 integrated into my backup strategy. With the NAS200 configured as RAID 1, I’ve all but eliminated the potential for single disk failure. My wife and I are already benefiting from the advantages of having a networked storage solution. We can finally share family pictures without the hassle of peer-to-peer file sharing between our computers. The NAS200’s product packaging and administration controls are both well designed and the device itself appears of exceptional quality. Any anxiety I had about the device communicating on my home network was unjustified. It works well with Linux and will undoubtedly perform just as well with Windows.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Titan

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:35:27 -0700

Got anyone facing the problem when transfer data/images file(more than 1GB)out from NAS200 to PC? Everytime i try transfer out some files(around 2GB) to my pc,the speed of transfer is very slow and always failed for transfer or stop 10%. :( any solution to solve that? The NAS only can transfer photo,audio or movie files only? other data or ISO or formats files not suitable transfer out to pc?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Robert

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:06:58 -0700

Ryan, No it's not a beta anymore. I downloaded it and did a firmware upgrade. You'll have to format your harddisk in nonjournaled option. Then it should be better/faster. Before it last aprox 20 minutes for 4,2 GB and now 15 min. (not by benchmark but just wat windows says in it's copy window). So it is quicker. Greetings Robert.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Ryan Baxter

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:53:18 -0700

Anthony - I have never experienced what you're describing. My NAS200 has been up for over a year and working just fine. Maybe you could try asking around on the Linksys forums. You could always contact technical support *shudders*. I'd be interested in hearing what you find out. Let us know.

Robert - I haven't applied the firmware upgrade. Is it still in beta?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Robert

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:30:14 -0700

Hello there, Does anyone know if the firmware upgrade realy helps with the writingspeed to the NAS200?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Anthony

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:58:01 -0700

May return this thing. Have the NAS200 up for 2 weeks and today, without warning, a continual high-pitch tone began to come from the device. Had to power it down. I dont understand. It isnt too warm and certainly not hot to touch. I dont know what else to do. I dont want to go past the return days/policy from Circuit City and then find out something is wrong. Does anyone know what a continuous tone (high pitch) about 1/2 as loud as the two beeps that alert you that the box has booted up OK.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Ryan Baxter

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:33:30 -0700

No problem. Good luck!

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Chris

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:13:37 -0700

Thanks for the admin/admin password advice. I was getting very frustrated.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Ryan Baxter

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:11:17 -0700

MikeB - I don't own any streaming media devices, but a comment left on another post of mine suggests that media can be streamed from a NAS200 to PS3.

Here is a list of UPnP-enabled clients that work with TwonkyMedia. I have no idea what version of Twonky is embedded in the NAS200. Does anyone else have experience with this?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Vassili

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:39:55 -0700

hey guys, just want your opinion about this NAS200. Is is good when it com to transfer rate? Hows the Speed? Thanks

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by MikeB

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:26:01 -0700

The password problems have not been fixed. I was not able to access the Advanced Functions after a clean setup with a new drive. I returned the NAS for exchange before I found this forum so I never tried the admin/admin option... Has anyone out there succeeded in streaming media from the NAS to an XBox360?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by hifi_guy

Mon, 19 May 2008 13:49:37 -0700

While the rather slow transfer rates can be annoying when copying large files to or from the NAS200, it should still be quick enough for video streaming. I get (roughly estimated) 5-6 MB/s when moving files, which would be equivalent to 40mbps, which should be enough even for HD video streams. Mind you, I haven't tried this (I only use it for audio streaming) and my assumption may be totally wrong. For those of you with difficulties logging in as admin: The NAS200 seems to be picky regarding the browser and possibly the OS, especially if you are using a Mac. Try different browsers! I had the same problem (unable to login as admin with admin/admin) in the beginning and finally succeeded only with the last version of Netscape (of all things...). After I updated to OS X 10.4.11 and Firefox 2.0.0.14 i've never again had any problem. What I really don't like about the NAS200: Even though it's really noisy (mine definitely is...there seems to be some sample-to-sample variation) it still seems to provide inadequate cooling to the HDs. As has been written before...the discs get surprisingly hot.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Erasmuz

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:26:19 -0700

I would also be interested to know if the network speed of this device can handle streaming video to other devices? TV shows (350MB), Movies (1GB) & High-Def Movies (4GB+) streamed to another computers for example?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Nikolay (SIRIYS)

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:03:21 -0700

Hi ( sorry for my english ) i have NAS200 from 5 days , and a have debian + apache2 + php5 + myslq-server + proftpd + ssh + support for ext2/3 fs on it . it takes long time for me , but i did it without removing firmware ( last version that supports telnet ) if somebody want to know how i did it . please write me an e-mail (cupuyc@gmail.com). I hope soon i will have a time to write a ( HOW TO ) somewhere in the internet . next thing i'm going to try with this ( NAS200 ) is to set gammu and bluetooth , to use it as SMS-gateway , so for me it will be a perfect server .

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by David

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:44:10 -0700

The password issue mentioned where admin/admin no longer works does anyone have a solution? Setup: NAS 200 which I setup using a Win XP machine. I have now replaced the hard drive on that machine and am running Fedora. Problem: File access via http works fine for both machines. File access via explorer only on Win XP. Admin access only from Win XP Any advise greatly received

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Nick in Portland

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 13:58:05 -0800

I am really interested in this device. I have been reading all over the place and the only real complaint seems to be the speed. I can live with slower transfer speeds, its not like I am planning on running my OS off of it or something. I am however very interested in streaming High Def videos over the network to my XBOX 360. Anybody know if this box can handle that? I have read that it can handle non-HD vids and music with no issues. Also if I am watching videos on another media player can my PC access it at all? I thought that I read that only one device can be connected to it at a time. Thanks to anybody that can provide some assistance. :-)

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by dan

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:03:46 -0800

I just pruchased a N200 last night. This is my 3rd home NAS device... I'm only getting 3.3Mbit/s from a USB to the NAS200 over the 100Mbit link which is a show stopper. I'm sad to say I'm taking the device back and getting a another USB enclosure for my 1TB drive. I sure wish netapp would get into the home market, I manage 30 Netapps at work, and Ontap at home with a snapmirror amd smapshots feature would rock!

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by The Dude

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:05:49 -0800

I hear ya!!! It would be good to get some help from a logistics company, specially if you are moving fragile and expensive stuff.. Then have them insure them. :p Regarding the torrent download via the download manager, I think I have an idea of how to do it. But it would only give you opportunity to download 1 torrent at a time, since there is only 1 http: input line. Please validate if this is correct guys: 1. Go to a torrent host website and pick out your target torrent for download. 2. Click on it to initiate download. 3. When it asks you to "save" the download icon (so you could use azureus of other torrent clients for manual trigger) copy the source location of the torrent into the http: line of your nas200. If this contains the actual lcoation of the torrent in the server, the nas should be able to download this automatically. I cannot validate this as of the moment as I still don't have my nas200. But soon! :) Good luck with your transfer Ryan...

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Ryan Baxter

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:35:42 -0800

The Dude - Thanks! No torrents at the moment. I haven't searched for any firmware hacks yet, because I use mine mainly for back-ups and as a file server. I'll do some looking around when I get a chance. I'm in the middle of moving this week. What a PIA!

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by The Dude

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:26:08 -0800

Hi Ryan! Great blog indeed! I just got home from the shops... Been looking around for 3 days already. A lot of China products could provide the simple features of a NAS but the NAS200 is justifiably affordable and more flexible. Yes, it is just a matter of time before the firmware is hacked and fully utilized. Probly another trip to another electronics area before I get one. I read about your download manager option. Nothing is mentioned about this in the literature. Is the NAS200 capable of downloading torrents? I currently use Azureus as my download manager. Could you shed more light on how to use this little baby on torrents? Do I just enter the tracker URL into the URL space of the NAS200 and it downloads the file directly or do I just direct the file to the nas-located folder, after confirming it in Azureus, and it directs the file there automatically even when the PC is off? =) Thanks.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by James

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:08:30 -0800

I never read the manual. I just plugged it in. I expected the password and user name would be admin. I actually plugged my old NAS into the usb port of this one. Anyone use this thing to stream with XBMC?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Ryan Baxter

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:16:49 -0800

Joe - Thanks! Glad it helped.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by JoeSpin

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:01:09 -0800

Nice blog and your password comment saved my ass. I'm constantly amazed that companies like this make these obvious errors. To reiterate for search engines, the password is WRONG and if you LOST PASSWORD and CANNOT LOGIN to Linksys NAS200, the username/password is admin/admin. Also, everyone note the hard-drives get HOT like the fires of HELL, it can't be good for the disks, so I plan to keep things there I can afford to lose. Anyone who is serious about NAS might consider Linksys/Cisco's NSS product line, it looks nice.

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Mac dude

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 08:01:44 -0800

I set mine up with the LVM on 2 Seagate 750 GB drives, once configured it only showed 392 GB available. :( Reconfigured with RAID 0 (Stripped) and Boom 1.396 Terabytes appeared. While I am going to primarily use this as a large back up device, I may convert it into Raid 1 before much time goes by. MAC seems fine with the current configuration but performance seems a bit slow. Don't care about noise at all here as it is in my network closet :)

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by XiOn

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 03:35:27 -0800

I want to replace the fan to lower the noise level. Does anybody know how to open the case?

"Review: Linksys NAS200" by Ryan Baxter

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:04:36 -0700

Francis - I just mapped a network drive to one of the shares on my NAS200 this evening. You'll have no problem with this. You don't need the software, but if you're on a Windows network, then why not? Good luck!