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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => D-Link Storage => DNS-323 => Topic started by: cferg on September 17, 2009, 11:34:53 AM

Title: Backup the backup
Post by: cferg on September 17, 2009, 11:34:53 AM
First, let me preface this by saying I am new at this, and basically an Idiot.  We are a small Engineering company that has accumulated many electronic drawings over the years, and I was tasked with protecting these drawings.  I did research for five minutes, then purchased a DNS-323.  I proceeded to loaded it up with two 1.5TB drives, and set them up to mirror each other.  Now, I was proud of myself until the owner asks me what protection we have in the event of a catastrophe, such as a fire or flood.  What is the easiest/quickest/cheapest way to make a backup of the DNS?  We do have a fireproof safe for on site storage.  Thanks in advance for all your help.
Title: Re: Backup the backup
Post by: fordem on September 17, 2009, 11:56:44 AM
Without resorting to hacking the DNS-323 to extend it's capabilities, the only way to back it up is through the network to another device.

Since your boss is asking about disaster protection, which is actually a much more complex issue than just a backup, I'd say you're looking for some form of offsite storage - yes I did see the piece about a fireproof safe, but I'm not betting on digital media or electronics surviving the elevated temperatures - so I think you're looking at removable media.

I want to mention here. that there are companies who offer "online storage", one example is Mozy, backing up your DNS-323 to such a service may be an option for you, but, living in a country where internet bandwidth is both expensive and unreliable, these are not my first choice.

So - where does that leave us - I hate to say this, especially on D-Link's forum, but perhaps the DNS-323 (or any NAS for that matter) is not the best device for your needs, how about a removable cartridge drive such as the Imation Odyssey and a rotation scheme that features cartridges being stored in the owner's home or a safety deposit box at a local bank.

Uhh - D-Link - support for a removable media USB drive enclosure such as the Odyssey and another screen in the web interface to allow backups would certainly meet this user's needs.

Hello?  D-Link?  Can you hear me?
Title: Re: Backup the backup
Post by: cferg on September 17, 2009, 01:23:09 PM
Thanks Mr Fordem for your input.  I wish I would have consulted this forum prior to buying this unit...
Title: Re: Backup the backup
Post by: dnsowner on September 17, 2009, 02:04:04 PM
DNS-323 provides a better data availability in case the one HDD fails. It does not provide backup for your data.
I have a friend who has 2x DNS-323.
He make a backup of the data from the first DNS-323 to the second DNS-323 once every week. He brings the second DNS-323 in a bank safe so his data is protected.

Connecting USB drives to the DNS-323 is currently not supported.

BR
Title: Re: Backup the backup
Post by: gunrunnerjohn on September 17, 2009, 02:32:34 PM
I have a DNS-323 and a DNS-321, each running a pair of 1.5TB drives.  The DNS-321 is in a cinder block structure in the basement and it gets a backup from the DNS-323 every three days.