Buffalo LinkStation 500 User manual

Network Attached Storage
LinkStation 500
User Manual
Please make sure to read this manual before using and follow the procedures. If you have any inquiries about
the product, contact the number on the warranty statement or the packing box. Do not discard this manual, the
warranty statement, or the packing box.
Americas: www.buffaloamericas.com
Europe: www.buffalo-technology.com
Asia Pacific: www.buffalo-asia.com
35020844-12
April, 2018

Contents
Chapter 1 Getting Started .............................................7
Diagrams...........................................................................................7
Accessing Shared Folders................................................................8
Accessing from a Computer ...................................................................... 8
Accessing from a Mobile Device ............................................................... 8
Turning the LinkStation On and Off ...............................................9
Restarting from Settings........................................................................... 9
Chapter 2 Configuration ............................................. 12
Opening Settings .......................................................................... 12
Opening from a Computer ......................................................................12
Opening from a Mobile Device ...............................................................14
Resetting Administrator Password.........................................................15
Navigating the Main Menu........................................................... 15
The Home Screen .....................................................................................16
Launcher...................................................................................................16
Customizing the Home Screen..................................................... 17
Adding New Shortcuts.............................................................................17
Deleting Shortcuts...................................................................................17
Restoring Shortcuts.................................................................................17
Arranging and Sorting Icons...................................................................17
Changing Icons.........................................................................................17
Launcher Options ....................................................................................18
Display Options........................................................................................18
Wallpaper Options...................................................................................19
Changing Display Languages .................................................................20
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Chapter 3 My LinkStation ........................................... 23
Navigating the My LinkStation Window ..................................... 23
Adding Folders .............................................................................. 24
Uploading and Downloading Files .............................................. 25
Uploading from a Computer...................................................................25
Downloading Files to a Computer ..........................................................26
Sharing Files and Folders Using Shared Links ............................ 27
Chapter 4 Media Player............................................... 30
Navigating the Media Player Window ......................................... 30
Creating Playlists .......................................................................... 31
Adding Media Files ....................................................................... 32
Playing Files................................................................................... 34
Chapter 5 Disk Manager ............................................. 35
RAID Arrays.................................................................................... 35
Working with RAID Arrays............................................................ 35
Using JBOD...............................................................................................35
Changing RAID Mode ..............................................................................38
Expanding RAID Array Capacity .............................................................40
Adding an External Drive ............................................................. 41
Dismounting an External Drive.................................................... 42
Dismounting Using the Eject Button......................................................42
Dismounting Using Disk Manager..........................................................42
Formatting Drives ......................................................................... 44
Drive Replacement........................................................................ 46
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Step 1 - Replacing a Drive........................................................................46
Step 2 - Rebuilding the RAID Array.........................................................49
Chapter 6 System Information ................................... 53
Server Info ..................................................................................... 53
System Log..................................................................................... 54
Chapter 7 Services....................................................... 56
Folder Setup .................................................................................. 56
Adding Shared Folders ............................................................................56
Recycle Bin................................................................................................58
Configuring Access Restrictions .............................................................58
SMB ................................................................................................ 59
Enabling SMB ...........................................................................................59
Changing the Workgroup Name.............................................................60
AFP ................................................................................................. 61
FTP.................................................................................................. 62
DLNA Server .................................................................................. 63
Playing Files on the DLNA Client Device ................................................65
iTunes............................................................................................. 65
Downloader................................................................................... 67
Enabling Downloader Service ................................................................67
Opening the Download Manager...........................................................68
Downloading Files ...................................................................................70
WebAccess ..................................................................................... 71
Configuring WebAccess...........................................................................72
Accessing Remotely.................................................................................73
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Direct Copy .................................................................................... 74
Chapter 8 System......................................................... 76
Users............................................................................................... 76
Creating Users..........................................................................................76
Changing Passwords ...............................................................................78
Deleting Users..........................................................................................79
Groups............................................................................................ 79
Creating Groups.......................................................................................79
Deleting Groups.......................................................................................81
Network ......................................................................................... 81
Changing the Hostname .........................................................................81
Changing the IP Address .........................................................................82
Wake-on-LAN ...........................................................................................83
System Language.......................................................................... 85
Changing System Languages..................................................................85
Changing FTP Client Character Encoding..............................................85
Date & Time.................................................................................... 86
Changing Date and Time .........................................................................86
Changing Time Zone................................................................................88
Power Management...................................................................... 90
Drive Spin Down ......................................................................................90
Sleep Mode...............................................................................................92
UPS Sync ...................................................................................................93
Firmware ........................................................................................ 95
Online Update ..........................................................................................95
Manual Update.........................................................................................95
Backup ........................................................................................... 97
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Preparing a Backup Destination.............................................................97
Configuring a Backup Job .......................................................................99
Backing Up Your Mac with Time Machine ............................................106
Reset............................................................................................. 110
Initializing from Settings ......................................................................111
Initializing with the Function Button ...................................................112
Chapter 9 Configuring from Mobile Devices........... 113
Settings That Can Be Changed from Your Mobile Device ........ 113
Managing User Accounts............................................................ 113
Creating Users........................................................................................113
Changing Passwords .............................................................................115
Deleting Users........................................................................................116
Changing the RAID Mode ........................................................... 117
Configuring WebAccess .............................................................. 119
Configuring DLNA Server........................................................... 125
Managing USB Devices............................................................... 125
Dismounting USB Drives.......................................................................126
Starting Direct Copy ..............................................................................126
Configuring UPS Sync............................................................................128
Chapter 10 Utilities.................................................... 129
NAS Navigator2 for Windows..................................................... 129
Changing the IP Address .......................................................................131
NAS Navigator2 for macOS ........................................................ 132
Changing the IP Address .......................................................................133
NovaBACKUP ............................................................................... 133
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Chapter 11 Appendix ................................................ 134
When the Power LED Blinks........................................................ 134
White.......................................................................................................134
Red ..........................................................................................................134
Amber .....................................................................................................135
Default Settings .......................................................................... 135
Specifications .............................................................................. 136
Chapter 12 Regulatory Compliance Information.... 138
For Customers in the United States ........................................... 138
For Customers in Europe ............................................................ 139
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Chapter 1 Getting Started
Diagrams
LS510D
Function
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OFF
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LS520D, LS520DN, LS520DE
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1 Power LED ( )
The white power LED will light up while the LinkStation is on.
The white power LED blinks while booting or shutting down.
The red power LED blinks when an error occurs.
If there is a status message, the power LED blinks amber.
If there is new firmware available, the power LED glows amber.
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2 Function LED ( )
This LED glows white while the USB device is connected, and blinks white dismounting USB devices and
during Direct Copy.
3 Drive 1 Error LED
If there is an error on drive 1, this LED will light.
4 Drive 2 Error LED
If there is an error on drive 2, this LED will light.
5 Function Button
Use this button for Direct Copy and initializing settings.
6 Power Switch ( )
Move the switch up and down to power on and off.
7 USB 3.0 Port ( )
Compatible Buffalo USB 3.0 drives and USB flash drives can be connected. USB hubs are not compatible.
8 Link and Activity LED
This LED shows network activity. It blinks green when the LinkStation is accessed over the network.
9 LAN Port ( )
Connect to a router, hub, or switch on your Ethernet network with the included Ethernet cable.
10 Power Status LED
The LED glows green when the power cable is connected.
11 Power Connector
Use the included power cable to connect to a surge protector or outlet.
12 Fan
Spins to prevent overheating inside. Do not block the fan.
13 Anti-Theft Security Slot ( )
Use this slot to secure your LinkStation with a cable lock (not included).
Accessing Shared Folders
Accessing from a Computer
1 Double-click the NAS Navigator2 icon ( ) to start NAS Navigator2.
2 Double-click your LinkStation’s icon.
3 File Explorer will open with a list of shared folders. For macOS, the LinkStation is mounted as a drive icon on
the desktop or it is displayed in the sidebar of the Finder.
Accessing from a Mobile Device
To access shared folders from a mobile device with the following procedure, you must configure WebAccess settings
first. To configure WebAccess, see the“WebAccess”section in chapter 6.
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1 Open SmartPhone Navigator.
2 Tap your LinkStation from the NAS list.
3 Tap Browse.
Note: Alternatively, you can access shared folders from the WebAccess app. Open the application and tap your
LinkStation in the NAS list.
Turning the LinkStation On and Off
Move the power switch on the back of the LinkStation to the on position to turn it on. To turn it off, move the switch
to the off position and wait for the unit to fully shut down before unplugging it. Never unplug the AC adapter
without properly shutting down the LinkStation first.
When all the LEDs on the front of the LinkStation turn off, the shutdown process is complete.
Restarting from Settings
You can also restart the LinkStation remotely from Settings. To restarting from Settings, follow the procedure below.
1 Double-click the NAS Navigator2 icon ( ) to start NAS Navigator2.
2 Right-click on your LinkStation’s icon and choose Settings. For macOS, click your LinkStation’s icon while
holding down the control key, then select Settings.
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3 Enter a username and password, then press the Enter key or click Log In.
4 Settings will open.
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5 Click at the top-left of Settings and choose Restart.
6 Click Restart again.
When the power LED stops flashing and glows white, the restart process is complete.
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Chapter 2 Configuration
Configure and manage your LinkStation using the Settings interface, accessible from a browser window. Open the
interface using the procedure below or type the LinkStation’s IP address in the URL field of your browser.
Opening Settings
Opening from a Computer
Note: Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer 9 or later, Safari 8 or later are supported. If you have difficulty
viewing Settings, check whether you have a proxy server enabled in the browser settings. If you do, disable the
proxy server.
1 Double-click the NAS Navigator2 icon ( ) to start NAS Navigator2.
2 Right-click on your LinkStation’s icon and click Settings. For macOS, click your LinkStation’s icon while holding
down the control key, then click Settings.
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3 Enter a username and password, then press the Enter key or click Log In.
4 Settings will open.
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Notes:
• To log out from Settings, close the browser.
• If the time-out period is set to“10 minutes”, you will be logged out of Settings after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Opening from a Mobile Device
You can access your LinkStation’s Settings from your iOS or Android device. Download and install“SmartPhone
Navigator” from the App Store or Google Play.
Notes:
• If you have an older version of SmartPhone Navigator installed on your device, update to the latest version. Your
icons and software may be slightly different from the examples in this manual.
• You must be logged in as the“admin” user to change settings.
• Mobile devices that support mobile-optimized Settings display are listed below:
iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch*
Android smartphones and tablets**
*iOS 7.0 or later
**Android 4.1 or later
1 Open SmartPhone Navigator on your mobile device.
2 Tap Open Settings.
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3 Settings will be displayed.
Note: If you tap any buttons, you will need to enter a username and password.
Resetting Administrator Password
If you forget the admin password and cannot log in to Settings, you can initialize it with the function button. Follow
the procedure below to initialize the password.
1 Turn off the LinkStation.
2 Turn the LinkStation on while pressing and holding the function button until the power LED flashes amber.
3 Initialization will start. Do not power down the LinkStation while the power LED is blinking.
4 When the power LED glows a steady white, initialization is finished.
Navigating the Main Menu
When you log in to Settings, you will see the following screen first.
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The Home Screen
The home screen acts like a typical computer desktop. Default shortcuts are listed below:
Item Description
My LinkStation Accesses all stored files and folders and all LinkStation functions, including creating new
folders.
My Photos*
Shortcuts of folders that are in My LinkStation.My Music*
My Videos*
Applications Contains programs built in to the LinkStation, as well as default shortcuts to system
settings.
Recycle Bin
Stores deleted files. If a file is accidentally deleted, you can restore it from this folder. To
empty the recycle bin, right-click the recycle bin icon, then click Empty Recycle Bin.
Note: The recycle bin will only store files deleted from Settings.
*If you disable the“Hide username folders”checkbox through the initial setup wizard, these options will appear. This
setting can also be changed from the window by clicking Options at the shared folder settings.
Launcher
The launcher provides instant access to applications and settings of your choice. Even with other windows open
in the LinkStation, the launcher will always stay on top for easy access. You can adjust the launcher size, screen
position, orientation, or even hide it completely, depending on what is convenient for you.
Default launcher shortcuts are listed below:
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Item Description
My LinkStation
The same as My LinkStation.
Media Player
Plays audio or video files stored in the LinkStation.
Disk Manager
Manages internal and external drives connected to the LinkStation.
System Settings
Configures optional advanced settings.
Customizing the Home Screen
You can customize the home screen desktop to your specifications.
Adding New Shortcuts
To add a new desktop shortcut for an application, drag the application from the“Applications”folder to the desktop.
To add a desktop shortcut for a file or folder, drag the file or folder from its location to the desktop.
Deleting Shortcuts
To delete a shortcut, you can either right-click on the shortcut and click Delete.
Alternatively, you can drag and drop the shortcut into the recycle bin, then click OK from the dialog window.
Restoring Shortcuts
To restore desktop shortcuts to the default ones, right-click anywhere on the desktop and click Restore Desktop Icons.
Arranging and Sorting Icons
To re-arrange the icons, simply drag them to your preferred location on the desktop. To sort desktop shortcuts,
right-click anywhere on the desktop and click Sort Desktop Icons. All the shortcuts will be re-arranged starting from
the top-left corner.
Changing Icons
You can change replace an icon image with an image file on your LinkStation.
1 Right-click on a shortcut icon and click Change Icon.
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2 Click Change and select the image you want.
3 Click Close.
Launcher Options
You can remove or restore launcher shortcuts just as you would with desktop shortcuts.
In addition to removing applications, you can also change the location and size of the launcher.
• Click and drag on the launcher to re-position.
• Click on the double arrows in the gray handle to minimize the launcher.
• Click on the single arrow in the gray handle to flip the orientation from vertical to horizontal or vice versa.
• Click and drag the triangle in the corner of the launcher to resize it.
Display Options
Right-click anywhere on the desktop and click Display Options. You can adjust the sliders to change the item display
sizes. To revert back to the factory default setting, click Reset.
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• Icon Size: Toggle between icon display sizes.
• Grid Size: Toggle between icon grid display sizes.
• Text Size: Toggle between text display sizes.
Wallpaper Options
You can replace the default wallpaper to match your own personal preferences. You can set any image stored on the
LinkStation as the wallpaper. You can also enable the slideshow function to cycle through your images and display a
new image at a preset interval.
1 Right-click on the background and click System Appearance.
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