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Product:
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Vantec NexStar LX NAS Hard Drive Enclosure |
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Price:
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$78 (CDN) / $70 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Vantec
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Author:
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Mars
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Date:
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August 6th, 2006
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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On the rear of the enclosure you will find the RJ-45 jack, USB port, fan control switch, power jack, the ON/OFF button, a reset button, as well as
a Kensington lock receptacle should the need arise to use one.. By using the DIP switches on the back, we can set the fan to run in
one of three modes; Automatic, Manual Low and Manual High. Notice how the two back corners of the enclosure have a mesh insert to allow
air to enter the enclosure and be vented out by the active fan to aid in cooling.
Testing:
I will test the NexStar LX as a NAS connected to a router, and using its USB connection.
1) Using the NexStar LX as a NAS
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Connect the RJ-45 (CAT 5) cable and the power cable to the rear of the NexStar LX. The unit was immediately detected by my router, and
was assigned its own IP address. Once the NexStar LX is connected to your network, and to log in as an administrator you will need to
fire up your web browser and type "http://storage" in the address bar, you’re then prompted for a password to gain access. After using
the default password, it is recommended that you change it from the default settings.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Once you are logged in, the GUI of the NexStar LX gives you a few option buttons. The status button will give you the status of the
system, network and hard disk. In the system area you are given information on the host name, group name, administrator, date/time,
and the firmware version. The network area provides information about the IP address and if the built in DHCP server is enabled or
not. The disk portion provides information about the Disk ID, free space, and the total size of the installed hard drive. If your hard
drive is new, there is a built in disk utility that will allow you to format, partition, and run a scan check on the installed disk.
Take note that this device formats and will only read a drive that is formatted under FAT 32, it does not support NTFS formatting and
partitions. Also if the hard drive contains more than one partition, only the first (primary) partition will be available on the
network.
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