Cheapest 4-bay HDD enclosure or alternatives...

[saketb]

@saketb

I assumed ReadyNAS will do the job for formatting it into BTRFS before creating new volumes. I could be wrong. Which link you have referred in your post?.

I have copied the content of the PDF file from ReadyNAS website for you. Kindly follow the below steps one by one to get the drive formatted properly. Link to pdf... http://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/READYNAS-100/ReadyNAS%20OS%206%20Desktop_IG_12Jun2013.pdf

Reformat Disks
If you are using previously formatted disks that contain data, you must reformat the disks before you can use them with your ReadyNAS system.
Warning: This process erases all data and reformats all disks into a single X-RAID2 volume. If you want to preserve the data on the disks, you must back up the data to an external drive before using the disks in your ReadyNAS storage system.
To reformat previously formatted disks:
1.If your system is powered on, gracefully power off the system.
See Additional Information on page 9.
2.Install the previously formatted disks.
For a list of supported disks, see the Hardware Compatibility List at Hardware Compatibility List Hard Disks.
For information about installing disks, see the hardware manual for your system.
3.Using a straightened paper clip, press and hold the Reset button.
4.Press the Power button.
The system powers on.
5.Continue pressing the Reset button until the system enters boot mode.
If you have a 2-bay storage system, the Power, Disk 1,
Disk 2, and Backup LEDs light when the system is in boot mode.
If you have a 4-bay or 6-bay storage system, the status display screen indicates that the system is in boot mode.
8
6.Select the factory default option from the boot menu.
If you have a 2-bay storage system, do the following:
aScroll through the boot menu options by pressing the Backup button.
bWhen only the Disk 1 LED is lit, press and release the Reset button.
If you have a 4-bay storage system, do the following:
aScroll through the boot menu options by pressing the Backup button.
bWhen the status display screen shows the factory default option, press and release the Reset button.
If you have a 6-bay storage system:
aScroll through the boot menu options using the arrows on the touchpad.
bWhen the status display screen shows the factory default option, press the OK button.
The system initiates a short disk test that takes 2 to 5 minutes.
Then, a 10-minute time-out period begins. After 10 minutes, the factory default process starts.
7.(Optional) Press the Backup or OK button to skip the 10-minute time-out period and begin the factory default process immediately.
The system returns to its factory default settings and reformats all installed disks for use with ReadyNAS OS 6.
When the factory default process is complete, the reformatted disks are ready to use with your system.

 

[ukjeyaraj]

Thanks for taking effort to give a detailed reply.

I exactly followed the above procedure mentioned twice but it did not help.

I am trying the following now:

1) Loaded only one disk in the bay and did factory defult boot. Completed
2) Accessed the disk through admin panel, removed the volume. Completed
3) Now added next disk in the second day online (without switching off the device). Completed
4) System scanned and detected this device again with x-raid. Completed
5) Once again from admin panel, removed the volume. Completed
6) Now selected both disks and created new volume. Completed

Currently it display 99% free disk space in the new volume created. I will start copying of data from external HDD and see how it goes.

How to check the data transfer rate through web interface?

 

[saketb]

Thanks for taking effort to give a detailed reply.

I exactly followed the above procedure mentioned twice but it did not help.

I am trying the following now:

1) Loaded only one disk in the bay and did factory defult boot. Completed
2) Accessed the disk through admin panel, removed the volume. Completed
3) Now added next disk in the second day online (without switching off the device). Completed
4) System scanned and detected this device again with x-raid. Completed
5) Once again from admin panel, removed the volume. Completed
6) Now selected both disks and created new volume. Completed

Currently it display 99% free disk space in the new volume created. I will start copying of data from external HDD and see how it goes.

How to check the data transfer rate through web interface?

I am really glad that you were able to create the volume and are ready to transfer the files to the NAS from external HDD. When copying files from the external HDD to the NAS, the Shares->Browse area shows only the time taken to transfer and not the transfer rate. You will have to divide the size by time taken to get the avg transfer speed. Well, this may not seem the best way to do it, so I figured another way through Windows OS.

You have something called as "Map Network Drive", if you go into the Windows Explorer. You will have to Map the external HDD connected to the NAS and assign a drive letter to it. Now when you copy files from this drive (ex. z:\) to another folder on the NAS you will get the copy window which shows the progress along with the transfer rate.

BTW, the transfer rate I'm getting from USB 3.0 (WD 1TB Passport) to NAS is around 40-45 MB/s. That's surprisingly low in my opinion when compared to 70-75 MB/s (USB 3.0 to PC).

 

[ukjeyaraj]

If we map the network drive and copy from our laptop or PC, wont it require the PC or laptop to keep on until transfer is completed. Also in such case wont the transfer happen through the network.

Update on current transfer of files-> after 1.5hr it has completed transfer of 2GB files through USB3 from an external HDD. Doesn't seem to be normal.

 

[saketb]

If we map the network drive and copy from our laptop or PC, wont it require the PC or laptop to keep on until transfer is completed. Also in such case wont the transfer happen through the network.

Yes, you are correct. Its just another way to check the speed of transfer but not recommended for transferring large data, as you have to keep the system on throughout.

Update on current transfer of files-> after 1.5hr it has completed transfer of 2GB files through USB3 from an external HDD. Doesn't seem to be normal.

There is definitely some issue here... What you have stated leads to 0.38 MB/s and that is way too, too slow.
One thing I am not clear over here... have you put two drives and copying data to it? Cause, for X-RAID to work, (see this link - X-RAID2 in Action : ReadyNAS by NETGEAR ) initially you have to put in 1 drive first and create a volume. Then transfer all the data to it at approx 40-50 MB/s with USB 3.0. After the data has been transferred, external HDD removed and NAS being on, put in the other drive.

Now, what happens is that your data in the first drive will be copied to the newly inserted drive making it redundant (a copy of the first one) while the data being available for streaming or accessing. The redundant process is done internally and would take a pretty long time for it to complete as it has to modify the volume to RAID 5.

I hope this helps.

 

[ukjeyaraj]

Right now I have loaded both HDD and started copying movie. I have chosen RAID-0, hence internal copying should not be there. However I can stop the existing process and try out with one disk in x-raid mode. I will do it tomorrow.

Update:

1) Now added only one disk and went for factory default. It booted within few minutes with volume created.
2) Tried to copy a mere 55GB data which it completed in less than 30mts. So the transfer rate is around 31mbps.
3) Now the interface of admin page also works smooth without much issue.

I have started to add further data. Now it seems to go well.

Thanks to saket and all others too.

 

[echo77]

This is quite a thread with a lot of valuable info. I use external disks. Used to use one for backup, which failed, and now I have two and pen drives for additional backup of critical work, so that I don't lose data. As someone who may be considering this option (or the 2-disk Netgear RN102), I'd like some clarifications.

1. How does hard drive failure fit in with NAS? Is there anything that could detect a potential drive failure?

2. Can we do a mirror backup to multiple disks within the NAS?

3. One of the reviews indicated a torrent downloader. Does the NAS allow download without having to keep a computer on? If yes, is it possible to schedule downloads?

4. Should it be always kept ON? Or is it okay if we put it on/off on a regular basis like how we hibernate or shut down computers?

5. I use a wireless ADSL router for BSNL Broadband. Would connecting the NAS to the router's ethernet port work? Or would I need to buy a hub or something of that sort?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mgdelhi]

This is quite a thread with a lot of valuable info. I use external disks. Used to use one for backup, which failed, and now I have two and pen drives for additional backup of critical work, so that I don't lose data. As someone who may be considering this option (or the 2-disk Netgear RN102), I'd like some clarifications.

1. How does hard drive failure fit in with NAS? Is there anything that could detect a potential drive failure?

2. Can we do a mirror backup to multiple disks within the NAS?

3. One of the reviews indicated a torrent downloader. Does the NAS allow download without having to keep a computer on? If yes, is it possible to schedule downloads?

4. Should it be always kept ON? Or is it okay if we put it on/off on a regular basis like how we hibernate or shut down computers?

5. I use a wireless ADSL router for BSNL Broadband. Would connecting the NAS to the router's ethernet port work? Or would I need to buy a hub or something of that sort?

Thanks in advance.

First 2 questions, I leave to experts.

3. Yes, NAS allows download without having to keep a computer on. It is possible to schedule downloads. There are few apps to do it but "transmission" is the most favorite app to do so.

Transmission : ReadyNAS by NETGEAR

4. It is not necessary to keep the NAS ON all the time. It is okay if you put it on/off on a regular basis. To switch it on/off, you use power button on NAS, use your PC/Laptop or you can switch it on/off through your mobile phone (I use android, there are good android apps). You can also schedule it to turn ON and OFF and your preferred time (on all or selected days) without you doing it manually.

5. You can connect it to your existing wireless ADSL router's ethernet port and it will work. However, assuming that it is not a gigabit router your read/write will be 1/10th of the capable speed.

 

[echo77]

Thank you very much for that info, mgdelhi. The download option will be extremely helpful. Yes, router is not gigabit, so your point is duly noted and I will have to look at changing my network setup.

Awaiting others to input on my concern of hard drive failure.

 

[ukjeyaraj]

Right now I have loaded both HDD and started copying movie. I have chosen RAID-0, hence internal copying should not be there. However I can stop the existing process and try out with one disk in x-raid mode. I will do it tomorrow.

Update:

1) Now added only one disk and went for factory default. It booted within few minutes with volume created.
2) Tried to copy a mere 55GB data which it completed in less than 30mts. So the transfer rate is around 31mbps.
3) Now the interface of admin page also works smooth without much issue.

I have started to add further data. Now it seems to go well.

Thanks to saket and all others too.

Second set of files around 270GB copies in 2 hours with transfer rate of 38mbps. I think the problem is resolved now.

 

[saketb]

Second set of files around 270GB copies in 2 hours with transfer rate of 38mbps. I think the problem is resolved now.

Glad to know that the issue was resolved. I can imagine the peace of mind you would have got.

Do, post your experience once you have transferred everything and started using the NAS.

 

[ukjeyaraj]

Thanks saket for the hint. I will give a review for sure

 

[saketb]

This is quite a thread with a lot of valuable info. I use external disks. Used to use one for backup, which failed, and now I have two and pen drives for additional backup of critical work, so that I don't lose data. As someone who may be considering this option (or the 2-disk Netgear RN102), I'd like some clarifications.

1. How does hard drive failure fit in with NAS? Is there anything that could detect a potential drive failure?

2. Can we do a mirror backup to multiple disks within the NAS?

3. One of the reviews indicated a torrent downloader. Does the NAS allow download without having to keep a computer on? If yes, is it possible to schedule downloads?

4. Should it be always kept ON? Or is it okay if we put it on/off on a regular basis like how we hibernate or shut down computers?

5. I use a wireless ADSL router for BSNL Broadband. Would connecting the NAS to the router's ethernet port work? Or would I need to buy a hub or something of that sort?

Thanks in advance.

For questions 1 & 2...

1. Yes, you have S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) built into the NAS for drives that support it, which checks for any issues or potential failures detected with inserted drives. Most of the drives in the market today support S.M.A.R.T.

2. You can always connect external drives and create backup jobs for backup. The backup jobs are user configurable and you can specify the source, destination, frequency, compression, schedule, etc.

 

[dheerajjotwani]

Just to present a second view. Anybody willing to use their existing hardware can look at open media vault. it gives the same experience and go plus as a plus you can use existing ext3 or ext4 disks. Some have used ntfs too. Has an option of running raid and can use xfs and zfs format too. Its open source and really really simple to setup.

I have been running it on a goflex embedded device and a full hp n36l microserver alike. Extremely stable and promising. Supports plugins and has great forum support

tapped on Note II cdma

 

[saketb]

New firmware update version 6.1.3 (45 MB) for ReadyNAS OS available for download and update.
Some major enhancements are as below:

Added option for USB eject after backup completion.
Improved SMTP setting page.
Improved TiVo setting page.
Improved Network setting page.
Fixed a display issue for EDA channels.
Fixed a problem for USB using ext4.
Fixed issue with ReadyCLOUD transfer file time out issue.
Fixed issue that system display extra network adapter during DNS change.

 

[saketb]

Another firmware update version 6.1.4 (45.1 MB) for ReadyNAS OS available for download and update.

Enhancements & Bug Fixes:
Fixed an incompatibility issue with OS X 10.9 Mavericks Time Machine backups.
Fixed issue with backup job source or destination field does not accept a fully qualified domain name (FQDN).

 

[mowgli80]

There seems to be security issues with some versions of the firmware.

You. Netgear ReadyNAS owners. Have you closed your gaping holes today? The Register

 

[mgdelhi]

Hey guys, how easy is it to replace hard disk in the Netgear NAS, specially the primary one. Going to replace two of my 2TBs to 4TBs.

Is it simply - SYSTEM -> VOLUME -> "Select the Disk" -> DESTROY.

Then remove old drive and insert a new drive ?

Mods: If possible, please rename this thread to "Netgear ReadyNAS owners thread". Thanks.

 

[saketb]

Has anyone upgraded their RN104 4-Bay Unit to the latest ReadyNAS OS ver 6.1.5. As, stated one has to do a factory default after installing the new firmware and then copy all data back to the NAS (from backup).

I am facing, system hangs in ver 6.1.4 when copying large amount of data to the NAS and the write speeds falling to 10-20 MB/S over gigabit network. So, I'm skeptical to install the new firmware as I've to do a complete new installation and copying the data again afresh, that' a very big job. So, would like to know other users opinions.

Now, does the new firmware 6.1.5 improve the write speeds? Can anyone confirm?
At the ReadyNAS forums many users are facing the same hangs issue even after upgrading to the new firmware. Some are even facing the USB 3.0 ports not to work.

As per Netgear they state...
Improved performance with large volumes (Most likely seen on the ReadyNAS 104). A factory default is required to make the changes. Copy all data off the ReadyNAS, upgrade the firmware, factory default the unit, and copy all data back onto the device

 

[saketb]

Finally, upgraded the firmware to 6.1.5 and did a factory default. Now copying the data off my PC and external drives.
Getting transfer rates of 60-65MB/s (this was a relief) and its much responsive than before. Planning to install 2x 4TB drives very soon, so that I can accommodate my growing data.

New apps like Serviio, Logitech Media Server, CouchPotato, SickBeard and a few more have increased the value of this NAS.
FLAC Audio transcoding (on-the-fly) works perfectly for my Samsung TV thru the Serviio app.