PlatinumNAS PLUS Owner’s Guide www.MicroNet.
FCC Compliance Statement Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Warranty Limitations of Warranty and Liability MicroNet Technology has tested the hardware described in this manual and reviewed its contents. In no event will MicroNet or its resellers be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damage resulting from any defect in the hardware or manual, even if they have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Welcome Welcome From MicroNet Technology We are pleased that you have chosen the PlatinumNAS. Our systems are designed for speed, reliability, compatibility, and performance. We think you will find the system easy to install, and a productive addition to your computer system. This manual presumes that you are familiar with standard computer operations; this includes copying files, opening documents, clicking with the mouse, and organizing files or folders within other folders.
Table of Contents Table of Contents FCC Compliance Statement .................................................................................................. 2 Warranty Information ............................................................................................................ 3 Welcome Note ....................................................................................................................... 4 Table of Contents .................................................................
Table of Contents 5.4 Save/Recover System Settings ........................................................................... 33 5.5 Module Management........................................................................................... 34 5.6 Reset to Factory Default .................................................................................... 34 5.7 Update Firmware ............................................................................................... 34 5.
1-Getting Started Chapter 1 - Getting Started Thank you for purchasing The MicroNet PlatinumNAS storage solution. With speed, high capacity, ease of use, and support for numerous applications, PlatinumNAS is the ideal solution for all of your data storage needs. Please take advantage of the information contained within this manual to ensure easy setup and configuration. If at any time you require technical assistance, MicroNet’s Help Desk is available at 310-320-0772 or email us at Support@MicroNet.com 1.
1-Getting Started 3. Unpacking the PlatinumNAS Please unpack your PlatinumNAS in a static free environment, carefully making sure not to damage or discard any of the packing material. If the RAID subsystem appears damaged, or if any items of the contents listed below are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer or distributor immediately. In the unlikely event you may need to return the PlatinumNAS for repair or upgrade, please use the original packing material to ensure safe transport. 4.
1-Getting Started 6. The PlatinumNAS interface components The following figures illustrate the connector locations for the RAID subsystems.
1-Getting Started 7. Visual and Audible Indicators The PlatinumNAS has LEDs and a buzzer to inform the user of the overall health and function of the unit. The following chart describes the various conditions indicated: Indicator Normal Status Problem Indication Power LED Glows green LED does not light up after power switched on System Busy LED Off Blinks amber during boot or maintenance Blinks blue when there is network activity on the LAN 1 port.
2-Connecting the PlatinumNAS Chapter 2- Connecting the PlatinumNAS 1. Connections 1. Connect an Ethernet cable from your network to LAN1 (DHCP environment) or LAN2 (static IP) port on the back panel. 2. Connect the provided power cord into the universal power socket on the back panel. Plug the other end of the cord into a power socket. 3. Click the power button on the front panel. LAN1 LAN2 4. The PlatinumNAS will boot.
2-Connecting the PlatinumNAS 2.1.1 Macintosh OS X The wizard application for Mac OS X is located on your PlatinumNAS CD in the “wizards” folder. You may launch the wizard directly from the CD, or you can copy it to your Applications directory. Launch the wizard by double clicking the “Setup Wizard” Icon. 2.1.2 Microsoft Windows The wizard installation files for Windows are located on your PlatinumNAS CD in the “wizards” folder. Install the wizard by double click the file named “setup.
2-Connecting the PlatinumNAS 2.2 Launching the IP Storage Administration GUI, DHCP Environment 2.1.1 Make sure your PlatinumNAS is Windows hosts can access the PlatinumNAS connected via LAN1 to a hub or a switch via WINS. Mac OS X and *nix based workstations may not support WINS and that is connected to the DHCP server would require your network administrator 2.1.2 (Windows hosts) Point your browser to to provide the newly assigned IP address “http://platinumNAS” before accessing the PlatinumNAS. 2.1.
2-Connecting the PlatinumNAS 3. Adding USB Disks The PlatinumNAS has two USB ports for attaching external USB disks such as the Fantom Drives Titanium2 and Geforce Megadisk lines of products, formatted in FAT32 or NTFS. Please note that NTFS volumes will be available in read only mode.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS Chapter 3- Administering the PlatinumNAS This chapter describes the menu and control structure for your PlatinumNAS. The RAID subsystem configuration utility is firmware-based and its operation is independent of host computer type or operating system.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS The Main Menu Configuration Tree 1. Status 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.1 System Status Information 1.2 System Description 1.3 Product Information (About) Storage Configuration 2.1 Disk Information 2.2 RAID Configuration 2.3 Folder (Shares) Configuration 2.5 nSync Synchronization Configuration Network Configuration 3.1 LAN 1 Interface setup 3.2 LAN 2 Interface setup 3.3 Feature and Function Configuration Accounts and Permissions 4.1 Authentication services configuration 4.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 1. Status Displays 1.1 System Status The Status window contains the basic system functionality indicators including current CPU load, uptime, disk information and health. To view the System Status, select “System” from the Status Menu. 1.2 System Information This field is the verbose description that will describe this particular PlatinumNAS. To access the System Information definition field, select “Info” from the Status Menu.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 2. Storage Configuration The storage configuration menu contains 5 submenus: • Disks (Informational) • RAID • Folder (Share) • Service Folder Configuration • nSync Task Configuration 2.1 Disks (Info) The disks menu displays the current disks, capacity, the disk firmware revision, and current status. To view the Disk Info screen, select “DISKS” from the Storage Menu. 2.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS A. Select RAID level B. Select the disks for the RAID or as spare C. Click the Create Button The Platinum will begin initialization. Please note that the shares cannot be created while RAIDset initialization is in progress. ! IMPORTANT: RAID Initialization cannot be stopped once started. A B C D Note: If the RAID Level options and the “Create” button are greyed out, there is an existing RAIDset. It will have to be removed before a new RAIDset can be defined. 2.2.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 2.3 Folder (Share) Configuration The Folder Screen, accessible through Storage -> Folder, allows you to create and configure folders on the RAID storage volume. The interface windows contains the following elements: Folder name Displays the name of the Share folder. Description Provides a description of the Folder. (ACL) Button Click (ACL) (Access Control List) to configure which users have access to this folder.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 2.3.1 Adding Folders (Shares) New shares can be created by clicking the (Add) button from the Folder screen: The Add Folder Interface Contains controls for the following elements: Folder name Enter the name of the Folder. Comment Provide a description the Folder. Browseable Whether the share will be visible when the PlatinumNAS is viewed through “network browsing”. Yes/No Public Whether the share will be accessible to all regardless of permissions.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS The Edit Folder Interface Contains controls for the following elements: Folder name The name of the Folder. Cannot be edited Comment Provide a description the Folder. Browseable Whether the share will be visible when the PlatinumNAS is viewed through “network browsing”. Yes/No Public Whether the share will be accessible to all regardless of permissions. Public shares will ignore ACL lists.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 2.3.4 Deleting Folders (shares) Shares can be removed by clicking the (Del) button corresponding to the folder required. A confirmation screen will appear. Click (OK) to delete the share, or (Cancel) to abort. 2.4 nSync Backup Service nSync is an FTP compatible synchronization method that allows backup and restoration of a share folder to another PlatinumNAS Target or any FTP server.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 2.4.2 Modify an existing nSync task To modify an existing nSync task, check the checkbox next to the task name and click (Modify). Refer to section 2.4.1 for detailed field information. It is recommended the nSync link be tested before it is committed for connectivity and to verify proper credentials. When the modifications to the nSync task are entered, click the (Test Connection) button to verify the address and credentials.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 3. Network Configuration Network Configuration is accessible by selecting the network menu. It consists of setting LAN port specific functions for each interface, and Network services, accessible via 3 submenus: • LAN1 Configuration • LAN2 Configuration • Feature and Function Configuration 3.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 3.1.6 IP Forwarding The PlatinumNAS can route IP traffic from LAN 2 to LAN2 using IP forwarding. When used in conjuction with DHCP services on LAN2 (see section 3.2.4) the PlatinumNAS can act as a router within a two subnet environment. To enable IP routing, check the “enabled” checkbox and follow the on screen instructions. 3.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 3.3 Network Services Configuration The PlatinumNAS offers the following network services: • SMB/CIFS (Server Message Block) or “Windows” Networking • Webdisk (Web Browser Storage) and Secure Webdisk • UPNP (Universal Plug and Play) automatic detection and configuration • Apple File Protocol Service • FTP Service • nSync Target Service • iTunes™ Service • Download Manager It is recommended that you disable services you will not require for security purposes.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 3.3.5 FTP Services FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a commonly used, open standard protocol for exchanging files over any network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet). Virtually every computer platform supports the FTP protocol. This allows any computer connected to a TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another computer on that network regardless of which operating systems are involved (if the computers permit FTP access.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 3.3.8 Download Manager The PlatinumNAS is capable of downloading user specified HTTP, FTP, and Bittorrent files independently from a host computer. To access the download manager, navigate to Network - Download Manager. To add a task, select the task type (HTTP, FTP, or BT) and click the add task button. In the following dialog, enter the download URL or bittorrent hash file along with the protocol specific parameters, and Click Apply.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS WINS Server Specifies the WINS server if necessary. Work Group / Domain Name Specifies the SMB/CIFS Work Group / ADS Domain Name. ADS Support Shows Disable for automatic settings or Enable to make your own settings. The following options are enabled only if ADS Support is enabled. ADS Server Name Specifies the ADS server name. ADS Realm Specifies the fully qualified ADS realm (Domain).
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS users in the “Users List” pane and click the button.To remove a group membership from the selected user, highlight the desired users in the “Member List” pane and click the button. When changes to the user’s group membership are complete, click the “Apply” button to finalize the action. 4.3 Local User Configuration When providing folder access to non Active Directory clients, the PlatinumNAS provides its own user and group administration.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 5. System Control Functions The system control functions, accessible from the “System” menu, facilitate the following functions via submenus: • Remote Notification Configuration • Event Logs • System Time • Save/Recover System Setting • Configure Add On Modules • Reset PlatinumNAS to factory default • Upgrade Firmware • Change Administrator Password • Reboot/Shutdown • Schedule On/Off • Logout from the Administration Interface • Change the user Interface Language 5.11 5.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 5.2 Event Logs From the System menu, choose the Logs item and the System Logs screen appears. This screen lets you configure and manage system logs, which provide a history of system usage. A description of each item follows: I<< < > >>I INFO WARN ERROR GO Ascending Descending Download Logs Use these buttons to browse the log pages. Provides all log information including warning messages and error messages. Shows all warning messages and error messages only.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 5.5 Module Management MicroNet strives to continually improve and from time to time will release additional features, or modules, for the PlatinumNAS. Modules offer additional functionality without replacing the base operating code, or firmware. Modules will either be made available on MicroNet’s website or provided by MicroNet Technical Support. To access the module management, navigate to “System” -> “Module Mgmt”.
3-Administering the PlatinumNAS 5.9 Reboot/Shutdown To cleanly shut down or reboot the PlatinumNAS, navigate to “System” -> “Reboot and Shutdown.” In the following screen, Click the “Reboot” button to restart the unit, or the “Shutdown” to turn off the unit. ! IMPORTANT: Use the Reboot/Shutdown system functions to turn off the unit cleanly. Shutting down using the power button may result in data loss! 5.
4-Connecting Users Chapter 4- Connecting Users Once the PlatinumNAS has been configured with storage, shares, users, groups, and permissions, It is ready to accept user connections. The PlatinumNAS supports SMB/CIFS network services as well as Webdisk/Secure Webdisk user connections. This chapter includes discussion on both of those services and connection methods. 1. SMB/CIFS User Access Configuration SMB shares are accessible from Windows 95 and newer, OS-X 10.
4-Connecting Users 1.2 Mapping a Network Drive (OS-X) The simplest method to locate and connect your PlatinumNAS to an OS-X workstation is by using the Finder Network browser. If you can’t locate the computer or server within the network browser, you may be able to find it by typing its network address in the Connect to Server dialog, accessible from the “Go” -> “Connect to Server” Finder menu option.
4-Connecting Users 2. Using Webdisk The PlatinumNAS provides a WebDisk function that allows you to access the system over the Internet from any browser. 2.1 Make sure that WebDisk Support or Secure WebDisk Support is enabled in the Service Support screen in the system’s Network menu. 2.2 Webdisk can operate normally (unsecured) or in secured mode.
4-Connecting Users 2.6 The folder’s page appears displaying files and folders. File Operations Buttons The webdisk interface consists of the following elements: Name Size Type Modified Displays the names of folders and files. Shows the size of folders and files. Displays the type of folders and files. Shows the time of most recent modification of folders and files. Change user password Logout Webdisk Files are accessible for download by clicking them. 2.
5-Understanding RAID Chapter 5-Understanding RAID The PlatinumNAS controller subsystem is a high-performance SATA drive bus disk array Controller. When properly configured, the RAID subsystem can provide non-stop service with a high degree of fault tolerance through the use of RAID technology and advanced array management features. The RAID subsystem can be configured to RAID levels 0, 1 (0+1), and 5.
5-Understanding RAID RAID 0 (Striping) This RAID algorithm writes data across multiple disk drives instead of just one disk drive. RAID 0 does not provide any data redundancy, but does offer the best high-speed data throughput. RAID 0 breaks up data into smaller blocks and then writes a block to each drive in the array.
5-Understanding RAID Hot Swappable Disk support Your PlatinumNAS has a built in protection circuit to support replacement of disk drives without having to shut down or reboot the RAID. In case of drive failure, the failed drive can be removed from the PlatinumNAS and replaced with a new drive without disrupting dataflow to the host computer. Hot Spare Drives A hot spare drive is an unused online available drive, which is ready for replacing a failed disk drive.
6-Troubleshooting Chapter 6-Troubleshooting Daily Use Tips • Read this User’s Guide carefully. Follow the correct procedure when setting up the device. • Additional application software may have been included with your drive. Please review the documentation included with this software for information on the operation and support of this software. The documentation can usually be found in an electronic format on the included CD. • Always operate your drive on a steady, level surface.
6-Troubleshooting Resetting the PlatinumNAS Should the PlatinumNAS become inaccessible (blinking fault light, forgotten password) or if directed by MicroNet support, please follow the below procedure to reset the PlatinumNAS to factory default: 1. If the unit is functioning, ping the PlatinumNAS from the host to obtain its IP address. Write down the IP address. 2. Shut down the PlatinumNAS and disconnect the Ethernet cable(s) 3.
6-Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions Q: I Forgot the Network IP Address or Password A: If you forget your network IP address or your password, you can reset the PlatinumNAS to its default settings. Please see “Resetting your PlatinumNAS” in the troubleshooting section. Q: There is a fault light and/or the buzzer is beeping! A: Do not turn off or reset the unit! Follow these steps to identify and correct the alarm: 1. Refer to Chapter 1, Section 7 to identify the alert.
A-Getting Help Appendix A: Getting Help If you experience problems with your PlatinumNAS, please contact your Authorized MicroNet Reseller for assistance. If the reseller is unable to resolve your issue, please contact MicroNet’s Help Desk for assistance. Please have the model, serial number, date of purchase, and reseller’s name available before making contact. If possible, call from a telephone near the system so we can direct you in any necessary system corrections.
B-RAID Level Comparison Table Appendix B: RAID Level Comparison Table RAID Description Level Span Also known as disk spanning. Data is distributed sequentially to all drives. There is no data protection. 0 Also known as striping Data distributed across multiple drives in the array simultaneously. There is no data protection 1 Also known as mirroring All data replicated on N Separated disks. N is always a multiple of 2.
C-Active Directory Appendix C: Active Directory With Windows 2000, Microsoft introduced Active Directory (ADS), which is a large database/information store. Prior to Active Directory the Windows OS could not store additional information in its domain database. Active Directory also solved the problem of locating resources; which previously relied on Network Neighborhood, and was slow. Managing users and groups were among other issues Active Directory solved.
D-Glossary Appendix D: Glossary Active Directory an implementation of LDAP directory services by Microsoft for use in Windows environments. Active Directory allows administrators to assign enterprise wide policies, deploy programs to many computers, and apply critical updates to an entire organization. An Active Directory stores information and settings relating to an organization in a central, organized, accessible database.
D-Glossary Disk Array A Disk Array is a logical disk comprised of multiple physical hard disks. The number of hard disks in an disk array is dictated by the type of the array and the number of spares that may be assigned to it. Furthermore, whether a disk array can be built using part of the space on a disk (as opposed to being forced to use the whole disk) depends upon the implementation. Disk Arrays are typically used to provide data redundancy and/or enhanced I/O performance.
D-Glossary by any RAID array as a backup. In the event a hard disk in a RAID array fails, this backup is automatically mobilized by the RAID controller to step in place of the failed hard disk. The data in the failed hard disk is “reconstructed” and written into the new hard disk. In the case of a RAID 1, data is reconstructed by simply copying the contents of the surviving disk into the spare.
D-Glossary Performance Performance is an important criterion on which a customer judges a RAID controller. There are a number of popular benchmarking utilities that are available to measure the I/O performance of a controller. Some of these utilities simulate specific real-life applications and provide the user a score indicating the controller’s overall performance in that niche.
D-Glossary RAID 10 A RAID 10 array is formed using a two-layer hierarchy of RAID types. At the lowest level of the hierarchy are a set of RAID 1 arrays i.e., mirrored sets. These RAID 1 arrays in turn are then striped to form a RAID 0 array at the upper level of the hierarchy. The collective result is a RAID 10 array. The figure below demonstrates a RAID 10 comprised of two RAID 1 arrays at the lower level of the hierarchy – arrays A and B.
D-Glossary Read Through Using this methodology, a read operation not only reads data from secondary storage into system memory but also places the data into the cache such that future need for the same data can be addressed expeditiously by directing a read operation for that data into the cache only.
D-Glossary TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) A pair of communications protocols that implement the protocol stack on which the Internet and most commercial networks run. TCP is a peer-to-peer connection oriented protocol that guarantees the delivery of data packets in the correct sequence between two peers. IP is the protocol that defines and governs addressing, fragmentation, reassembly and time-to-live parameters for packets.
E-Product Specifications Appendix E: Product Specifications System Architecture Intel IOP advanced 64bit RISC processor 128MB on-board DDR200 SDRAM with ECC protection 16MB on-board flash memory Intel SATA 4 drive channel controller Dual Gigabit Ethernet host controllers 2x USB 2.
E-Product Specifications 4 x Hard drive activity LED PlatinumNAS Dimensions: Width: 6.5” Depth: 8.75” Height: 7.75” Weight: 18 lbs with drives. Power Consumption: Normal operation: 1.0 AC Amps @ 115 Volts Spin up (peak): 2.
MicroNet Techology 19260 Van Ness Ave Torrance, CA 90501 www.MicroNet.com 8-28-2007 Rev 4 The material in this document is for information only and is subject to change without notice. While reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation of this document to assure its accuracy, MicroNet Technology assumes no liability resulting from errors or omissions in this document, or from the use of the information contained herein.
