BUFFALO LINKSTATION LS 410

Buffalo is known for many small peripherals like USB multi-ports, portable drives, and, at one time, multi flashcard readers. Now its primary focus is all about network-attached storage (NAS) and the like. In line with wanting to remain at the forefront of NAS innovation for home users, Buffalo announced the latest update for its LinkStation series. Now called the LinkStation 400 Series (replacing LinkStation Live), PC.com had the opportunity to try out the 1TB variant, the LS410 and its improved services.

EASY SETTING 
The LS410 is an easy NAS to install and link up to the network. Just plug the network cable in, power it up and it is good to go! No really, it’s that simple. PCs on the same network will detect the LS410 instantaneously and set up a media server for easy access. I prefer more control over what I want to do with the NAS since the more advance options are in there. 

STEADY TRANSFERS 
In terms of file management, the media server link does a good job of providing easy access to the LS410. Files can be quickly dragged and dropped into the folder system, ala Windows Explorer, and are sorted without any issues. Now the transfer rates really depends on the number of files and file sizes that are being tossed around. 84 files (total size of 1.3GB) saw a zippy transfer of three minutes, while a 25GB file took almost 15 minutes to complete. Streaming multimedia files are pretty okay so long as the network is stable and there are no heavy network traffic movement. Only problem I encountered was when I tried to stream a raw HD video, which caused the network and my PC to lag. Not a good combination.

APP ACCESS 
One cannot be away from their data and personal media files for too long and Buffalo understands that. Its WebAccess software now has an app, called WebAccess A, for smart devices, which means improved remote access to stored data, that can be on different Buffalo NAS at any one time, on any device. This is all thanks to the Buffalo’s newly developed BuffaloLink, its Cloud service that allows users to remotely access their content from a Buffalo NAS. All one needs is a steady high-speed internet connection.

NIFTY TWEAKS 
Besides the two major NAS features, the LS410 also has some pretty cool functions, such as an improved DLNA platform, UPS support, USB link for additional storage capacity, and, most interestingly, remote BitTorrent capabilities. Now imagine being able to load your torrents to be downloaded for the day without needing to turn on the PC as it is all done via smart device. It’s buggy but the idea is sound if the use for it is practical and within the law.

BUFFALO LINKSTATION LS 410
 
Type External NAS 
Interface Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2
Transfer Speed 80MB/s 
Features NAS Navigator, WebAccess, WebAcess A App, BuffaloLink, DLNA, AirPlay, UPS Support, and BitTorrent Remote 
OS support Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows XP or later

 VERDICT Faster and better than before.

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