Question 1

Can I connect this to a switch on a small (20 users) network and use it as a file server?  Meaning can I just make it a shared drive for all users on a domain and save domain profiles to it?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can.
File sharing and backup are what they do best.
Just log into it using any web browser and you can configure Shared folders and user permissions.

I normally use these Buffalo NAS for people on a budget.
For more performance and features I prefer Synology.
If it is storing critical data get one with dual drives (Raid 1).

Question 2

I'm looking for wirelss storage. I don't want to have to connect a usb to the device to transfer media. Can i connect this to my home network router, and transfer media wirelessly? Does this device contain the drive to hold the media, not just a slot, or docking station?

Accepted Answer

Can you connect it to the home network router and transfer media wirelessly?

Yes, you can. I have an older router, so I can't say what speed it will go at. I have a Linksys WRG54GL and a 1 year old Zenbook, and it capped off wirelessly at ~12 meg per second (guessing the speed of the router). Once you install the software to be able to communicate with the device, you'll be able to transfer files.

Does the device contain the drive to hold the media, not just a slot or docking station?

Yes. I have the 2 TB version.

Question 3

Can you setup multiple shares, where some require NO password and some have a password assigned for access ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have set up mapped public directories, then personal user directories that require login.

Question 4

I have a client that wants this device but asked about backing it up to a cloud service like Dropbox, Google, etc. Is that functionality built in?

Accepted Answer

The included NovaBACKUP provides powerful local and online backup capabilities along with a library of robust features. Open File Manager Agent and Bare Metal Restore (BMR) provide users with easy business continuity solutions, while NovaStor’s online backup functionality allows users to protect the data on the Buffalo device in the case of an onsite disaster.

Question 5

Has anyone changed out the drive to something larger?  Of course I know it voids the warranty, but just asking.

Accepted Answer

You will need to remove the drive from the enclosure, attach it to a computer and use Clonezilla or an equivalent to make an image of the drive, then restore the image to the larger drive.

Questions & Answers