Unveiled at CES in 2013, IoSafe Server NAS N2 is the first storage device connected in network that offers protection of data against the failure of the hard drive and disasters. The device is a combined effort of Synology, the manufacturer of several NAS servers of award-winning IoSafe, and market the supplier of storage known for disaster-proof storage products.
Having said that, the N2 is basically a Synology DS213NAS hosted server chassis 30 lb waterproof, fireproof, super-rugged. In my tests, the server offers in fact about the same performance and features as recently the Synology DS213air reviewed (the Wi-Fi-version of the DS213), which was excellent for an entry-level server of double Bay. Although the N2 could be a bit excessive for some users, those seeking a storage product of robust network that can also keep your critical data safe regardless of what you will find N2 its economical price is worth so not about $600 (no HDD included).
Design
The N2 is a storage device double, capable of accommodating two units standard SATA 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch design. With current 3.5-inch hard drives capsular in 4 TB of capacity, the server is able to offer up to 8 TB of storage space in RAID 0 or 4 TB of storage in RAID 1-protected space. Considering that the server is designed to be a storage depot, RAID 1, which protects the data against the event that one of the hard drives fails, is the most convenient way to establish internal drives of N2. IoSafe N2 with Synology DS213air. While essentially the same, the N2 is much larger and heavier because of its layers of protection.
Please note that N2 is also compatible with Synology hybrid RAID, which automatically sets the internal units with a balance between performance, storage space and data security, is based on how many units are used. Since N2 is a Dual-bahia server, if you choose hybrid RAID, the configuration would be similar to a RAID 1. However, in this case you can then upgrade the internal drive for more capacity without having to rebuild the RAID from scratch.
First serviceable storage depot
The N2 is not the first product of IoSafe disaster proof storage, but is the first that allows users to replace internal drives. This is significant since it is difficult to do something serviceable while stays well protected internal unity. The N2 is also the first IoSafe storage device I've seen offering raids. This means that, in addition to being able to survive a catastrophe, N2 can survive also lack a disk drive when used in RAID 1 configuration as mentioned above.
The front Server bays are covered by layers of protection. N2 comes with a hex screwdriver designed to loosen the two screws tamper on his forehead. This will separate the first unit door fireproof heavily reinforced - that is similar to one that can be found in a vault - reveal another door on the inside. This second door protects the internal drive of water and can be removed with the same hex driver. Finally, the two hard drives are protected by the server with a latch that can also be removed using the same tool. Ultimately, the entire process of installation or replacement of disk drives hard took me 5 minutes and it was much easier than I expected. Please note that without a proper hex screwdriver, it is simply not possible to do it at all.
A server of standard input, in a non-standard fitness level
In front, the server has a button for quick backup, a USB 2.0 port and a SD card slot. With this button, you can quickly upload a portable storage device, such as a thumbdrive, an SD card or a portable unit, internal server storage. There are indicators that show the status of the internal hard disk, network connection, and the power status.
On the back the N2 has a Gigabit Ethernet port and two USB 3.0 ports. These USB ports can be used to hold more storage or printers, or to make backup of internal data from the server to an external storage device. This is rather limited; other dual-Bay NAS servers have more USB ports and also eSATA ports and even two Ethernet ports. You can use the N2 with expansion of Synology to expand storage space it can DS712 + with a DiskStation DX510 expansion unit, nor. Also in the back, the N2 has a larger fan that manages to stay very quiet even during heavy operations.
The N2 is very similar to other storage devices to test disaster of IoSafe, such as the G3 and the Pro Solo, in terms of physical size. It is huge. 5.9 X 9.06 x 11.5 inches, that server bigger double Bay I've seen and it's heavy, too - about 30 pounds. However, since it's a NAS server, its size and weight does not bother me the way the size and weight of the G3 do. Really not take a NAS server, after all. Developed by Synology DSM NAS operating systems, the N2 promises to be one of the best dual-Bay NAS servers, adding to its uniqueness as a disaster-proof storage device.
Features
The best of both worlds: During my years of review of storage devices, I found that server Synology NAS are among the best on the market, thanks to NAS operating system robust of Synology, DiskStation Manager (DSM). On the other hand, IoSafe is the only company that offers storage devices truly disaster-proof.
The N2 is a combination of both. Indeed, as mentioned above, as a NAS server, it is basically the same as the recently reviewed the DS213air. For this reason you can expect everything that the DS213air (except for the built-in Wi-Fi) and the rest of time same insurance that your data will survive must strike of the disaster, which the DS213air can do for you.
Disaster-proof
By IoSafe, N2 comes with enough protection to protect its two internal drives up to 1,550 degrees 30 minutes and heat immersion in up to 10 feet of water (including salt water) up to three days.