The Buffalo TeraStation Essentials 8TB 4-Bay NAS Array Rackmount provides a reliable, secure data storage solution with standard-grade hard drives (CMR) included. Ideal for small-scale environments (10 to 30 concurrent users), the TeraStation Essentials NAS offers signature Buffalo security features along with robust backup options to safeguard your files. Utilize the 2.5 GbE RJ45 LAN jack for fast file transfers. RAID support and cloud service integration allow you to optimize data storage as well as backup operations.

The TeraStation Essentials NAS features four drive bays that fit 3.5" hard drives. This configuration comes with four 8TB pre-tested hard drives. The hard drives are hot-swappable. You can also secure your NAS with 256-bit AES encryption so the hard drives can't be read on another device. The TeraStation Essentials NAS provides reliability and usability right out of the box.

8TB Storage Capacity    4 x 2TB 3.5" Standard HDD (CMR)    1.4 GHz Alpine AL214 Quad-Core Processor    1GB of DDR3 RAM    Gigabit & 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports    2 x USB-A 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1 Ports    RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD    Hot Swap Functionality    Supports TCP & IP Protocols    Works with Windows, Windows Server & Mac

You can use TeraStation Essentials as a private cloud to easily back up data on the network, or integrate cloud services to the NAS storage to establish a hybrid cloud. The NAS server supports popular cloud services, such as Amazon S3, Dropbox, or Microsoft Azure/OneDrive that you already use. You can also keep non-essential workloads and data in the cloud while storing sensitive or essential data in your local TeraStation Essentials NAS for an extra layer of security.

The TeraStation Essentials NAS runs on a closed system, with not even the system administrator having root rights. The closed system on the TeraStation NAS bypasses third-party apps and the potential vulnerabilities from them to keep the NAS safe. The TeraStation NAS also provides 256-bit AES encryption for the drives, preventing them from being read on another device if they are removed.

The NAS storage also offers encrypted file transfers so you can access and share data securely, boot authentication that prevents a lost or stolen TeraStation from booting, and a Kensington lock slot for physical security to further protect your data. Buffalo also offers an optional Anti-Virus Protection license (sold separately) as a security option to further protect your data from multiple cyber threats.

TeraStation Essentials utilizes two-factor authentication (2FA) to add a key layer of login security to ensure that only authorized users can access the NAS. When enabled, users logging in to the TeraStation will also need to enter a verification code along with their username and password.

This extra layer of protection helps secure data on your NAS against hackers and ransomware. 2FA can significantly improve data security for your NAS, as it ensures that your login information cannot be easily compromised by threat actors, especially if you are logging in remotely.

Please note that you will be required to download and install the latest firmware version to access this feature.

Multi-gigabit Ethernet can increase network performance to enable faster data transfer speeds. The native 2.5 GbE port on the TeraStation Essentials NAS is ideal for those who are not ready to commit to the deep end of 10 GbE NAS storage. By using the same Cat5e cables that are already widely installed around the office, you can enjoy notably faster network speeds around the multi-user network environment at much lower costs.

The TeraStation Essentials NAS is a secure, straightforward data storage and backup solution designed to keep it simple yet effective. With pre-tested hard drives included and pre-configured RAID, the TeraStation Essentials NAS provides out-of-the-box reliability and data protection. Active Directory support and advanced NTFS permissions let you control file permissions at the subfolder level, and you can set up folders and user access as you see fit to easily store, back up, and manage your data on the NAS storage.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does anyone know if Western Digital NAS can run a hypervisor so that you can create virtual servers on the NAS?

A: No, the WD My Cloud Pro Series 40TB PR4100 4-Bay NAS Server (4 x 10TB) BH #WEWDBBCL0400 does not support Hyper V.

Q: 2. What version of WD Red drives are included? Are they the WD Red Pro 8TB 3.5-Inch SATA III 7200rpm 128MB Cache NAS Internal Hard Drive?

A: WD does not specify the exact drives it uses in this NAS.

Q: 3. Will the PR4100 work with 20TB hard drives?

A: There is no practical limit on the size of drives you can use with an enclosure like this, 20TB should be perfectly fine.

Q: 4. Can the memory and the storage space be upgraded in the future?

A: Yes, RAM and drives can be upgraded to higher capacities.

Q: 5. Are the drives SMR or CMR?

A: I received confirmation that the drives inside are WD Red drives and are 2TB. They are SMR drives currently.

Q: 6. What is the speed of the SATA drives 5400 or 7200 in the WD PR4100?

A: This comes with 7200RPM drives

Q: 7. Are the SATA Hard Drives RED PRO drives?

A: Yes, the WD My Cloud Pro Series 56TB PR4100 4-Bay NAS Server (4 x 14TB) BH #WEBNFA0560KB uses Red Pro drives.

Q: 8. Does the pr4100 connect to your network via wifi?

A: You connect the WD My Cloud Pro Series 32TB PR4100 4-Bay NAS Server can be connected to the router or using an Ethernet port or adapter on your computer.

Q: 9. Can i use 12 * 4for the drive.

A: You can use 12TB drives in the WD My Cloud PR4100 4-Bay NAS Enclosure BH #WEPR41000.

Q: 10. Does this have a print server? Can a printer be plugged in and shared on the network?

A: No, this does not have a print server built in. You would need to plug the printer directly into a router or switch to enable network connectivity.