Page 1 Linksys Business Series Network Storage System Administrator Guide Linksys Business Series Network Storage System Models NSS4000 and NSS6000 Series...
Page 2 Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys, the Cisco Systems logo, the Linksys Logo, and the Linksys One logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Configuring the Network Ports Setting up the Link Bonding & Advertising Modes Chapter 4: Managing your Storage ....38 Choosing a RAID Array Level Creating a RAID Array...
Page 4 Setting up Network Filesystem (NFS) Access Configuring the NSS for FTP Access Creating or Running a Backup of a Share Creating a Scheduled Backup for a Share Initiating a Backup for a Share Contents Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 5 Configuring SNMP Alerts Changing the Administrator Password Chapter 8: Accessing the NSS’s Storage ... 140 Logging into the CIFS Shares with Administrator Privileges Windows Users: Accessing the NSS Storage using CIFS/SMB...
Page 6: Chapter 1: Introduction
The NSS lets you install up to four physical disk drives as well as virtualize your storage into one or more logical, redundant storage units or RAID arrays. The NSS uses the most common file-based protocols such as NFS, CIFS, and FTP for file sharing.
Page 7: Using The Help
It contains the menu options that represent the major configuration areas for the NSS. For example, System, Network, Share, Storage, and so on. When you click an option, a sub-menu of related options appears. Clicking a subtopic opens the associated topic in the Topic page in the right side of the window.
Page 8: Recommended Disk Drive List
For example, if you are creating a RAID (versus a JBOD), make sure that each of the disks used in the array have the same disk capacity. The RAID is built using the capacity of the smallest disk in the array. Chapter 1: Introduction Recommended Disk Drive List Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 9: Chapter 2: Working With The System
You can also view the current status of any of the following: storage, shares, backups, volume snapshots, network, power, and system details. Status pages like the System Status page automatically refresh on a regular interval and are very helpful for monitoring the progress of certain processes such as building a RAID.
Page 10: Network Status
• Warning: These types of messages indicate there is a problem with the NSS that requires eventual action. They are color-coded orange. For example, if the amount of storage used for a volume is over 90%. • Notification: These types of messages are simply to advise of changes to the NSS. They do not require action and are color-coded green.
Page 11 The System area displays the following: • Serial Number: The serial number of the NSS. • Firmware Version: The current version and date of the firmware installed on the NSS. Chapter 2: System Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 12 Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide • Uptime: The number of days the NSS has been running since it was last rebooted. • Last Boot: The date when the NSS was last rebooted. Chapter 2: System...
Page 13: Viewing The Hardware Monitor
"unavailable". If the temperature of the system or disks is over or under the ideal temperature, the temperature is color-coded red. When the temperature is within the normal range the color-coding is green. Chapter 2: System Viewing the Hardware Monitor Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 14: Viewing And Managing The System Logs
• CIFS Sharing: A time-stamped event log of events initiated by users accessing shares through CIFS. • FTP Access: A time-stamped log of FTP actions, including user logins, file transfers, and user logouts. Chapter 2: System Viewing and Managing the System Logs Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Logs. Chapter...
Page 15 IP address of the server in the Remote Log Host field. Note that the remote server must be running a syslog server. 4. Click Update. Chapter 2: System Viewing and Managing the System Logs Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 16: Configuring The System For Ups Support
1. From the Manager Menu, click System The System Power page appears. 2. To enable UPS support, select Enable UPS support. 3. Click Update. Chapter 2: System Configuring the System for UPS Support Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Power. Chapter...
Page 17: Nss-Supported Ups Product Families
• APC Back-UPS Pro USB • APC Back-UPS RS USB • APC Back-UPS USB • APC Back-UPS LS USB • APC Back-UPS ES/CyberFort 350 • APC Smart-UPS USB Chapter 2: System NSS-supported UPS Product Families Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 18: Chapter 3: Managing The Network Options
• Rx Pkts: The total number of IP packets received since the last boot. • Tx Pkts: The total number of IP packets transmitted since the last boot. Chapter 3: Network Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Links) to assist you.
Page 19: Virtual Interfaces
• Tx Pkts: The total number of IP packets transmitted on the VLAN interface since the last boot. • Dropped Pkts: The total number of IP packets dropped on the VLAN interface since the last boot. Chapter 3: Network Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 20: Viewing The Network Settings
• IP Address: The IP address for the physical or virtual interface. • Netmask: The netmask for the physical or virtual interface. • Gateway: The address of the gateway for the physical or virtual interface. Chapter 3: Network Viewing the Network Settings Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide IP. The...
Page 21: Configuring The Network Link Ip
• Obtain IP Address Automatically: Use a DHCP server to retrieve the IP address, netmask, and gateway address for the interface. • Use the Following IP Address: Enter the IP configuration details manually, in dotted-quad notation. 4. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Configuring the Network Link IP Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Chapter...
Page 22: Resetting The Dhcp Lease On A Link
2. Click Edit on the row of the link IP you want to reset. The Network Link Configuration page appears. 3. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Resetting the DHCP Lease on a Link Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Chapter...
Page 23: Viewing Vlans Configured On The Nss
• Label: A text description for the VLAN (for example, "Data," "Voice," "Video," and so on). This description is used solely as a reference within the NSS interface and does not affect its operation. Chapter 3: Network Viewing VLANs Configured on the NSS Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide VLAN. Chapter...
Page 24: Allowing A Vlan Access To The Nss
0 to 7 (as defined by the IEEE 802.1p standard). VLAN Ethernet frames contain a three-bit priority tag ranging from 0 to 7 (where 0 is best effort and 7 is network- critical traffic). Chapter 3: Network Allowing a VLAN Access to the NSS Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide VLAN. Chapter...
Page 25 VLAN does not take effect until you configure the IP address. 4. Click OK. The Network IP page appears. The newly added VLAN appears in the list. 5. Click Edit for the VLAN. Chapter 3: Network Allowing a VLAN Access to the NSS Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 26 • Obtain IP Address Automatically: Use a DHCP server to retrieve the IP address, netmask address, and gateway address for the VLAN. • Use the Following IP address: Enter the IP configuration details manually. 7. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Allowing a VLAN Access to the NSS Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 27: Changing A Vlan Configuration
2. Click Edit for the VLAN you want to change. The VLAN Configuration page appears. 3. Make changes to any of the VLAN configuration fields as required. 4. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Changing a VLAN Configuration Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide VLAN. Chapter...
Page 28: Removing A Vlan's Access To The Nss
2. From the VLAN Configuration table, click Delete for the VLAN you want to remove. The VLAN disappears from the VLAN Configuration table and no longer has access to the NSS. Chapter 3: Network Removing a VLAN’s Access to the NSS Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide VLAN. Chapter...
Page 29: Configuring The Nss Network Identification
2. In the Hostname field, enter the name you want to use for the NSS. Note any special naming restrictions or conventions enforced by the domain(s) into which the NSS is being joined. Chapter 3: Network Configuring the NSS Network Identification Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide (see Configuring the Identification. Chapter...
Page 30 If you configured the NSS to join a domain, when you click Update, the domain join occurs. The NSS configuration interface displays the status of the domain join (i.e., successful or not successful). Chapter 3: Network Configuring the NSS Network Identification Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 31: Configuring Dns Or Wins For Name Resolution
• Primary WINS server: If your network has a WINS server, enter its address. This field is optional. • Alternate WINS server: If your network has a secondary WINS server, enter its address. This field is optional. Chapter 3: Network Configuring DNS or WINS for Name Resolution Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide DNS/WINS. Chapter...
Page 32 DHCP server. If the DHCP server cannot be found or times out, the DNS server IP address is assigned the IP address manually entered in the Primary or Alternate WINS Server fields. 3. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Configuring DNS or WINS for Name Resolution Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 33: Joining The Nss To A Network Information System (Nis) Domain
• Use the following NIS Servers: To manually identify the NIS server you want the NSS to use, click this option, and then enter the address of up to three different NIS servers. Chapter 3: Network Joining the NSS to a Network Information System (NIS) Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide (see Configuring the NIS. Chapter...
Page 34 Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide The Bind State field shows the current bind status of the NSS. 5. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Joining the NSS to a Network Information System (NIS)
Page 35: Editing Access Control Lists (Acls) From Windows Explorer: Restrictions
• NIS domain: You cannot create or edit ACLs for NIS domain users; they do not appear in the Security tab in Windows Explorer. Chapter 3: Network Editing Access Control Lists (ACLs) from Windows Ex- Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 36: Running Diagnostics Of Your Physical Links
After the test completes, the test results appear in the Link Status area. The test results also appear on the System Status page. If the cable is in sufficient working condition, the link is again accessible to your users. Chapter 3: Network Running Diagnostics of your Physical Links Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Diagnostics. Chapter...
Page 37: Configuring The Network Ports
• SSL Web Server Port: The well-known port setting is 443. Select Disable WAN Access to disallow HTTPS protocol access to the NSS from a WAN. 3. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Configuring the Network Ports Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Ports. Chapter...
Page 38: Setting Up The Link Bonding & Advertising Modes
5. Based on your network requirements, enable any of the following: • Advertise using UPnP: The NSS is advertised within the network using UPnP. Chapter 3: Network Setting up the Link Bonding & Advertising Modes Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Properties. Chapter...
Page 39 Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide • Advertise using Zeroconf/Bonjour: The NSS is advertised within the network using Zeroconf/Bonjour. 6. Click Update. Chapter 3: Network Setting up the Link Bonding & Advertising Modes...
Page 40: Chapter 4: Managing Your Storage
Managing your Storage The Storage Status page is where you can view the current state of the disk drives, arrays, and volumes currently installed or exported to the NSS. You can also view the S.M.A.R.T. health report for each physical disk. To display the Storage Status page, from the Manager Menu, click Storage Status.
Page 41 NSS chassis blinks for the targeted disk drive. (Note that only one locate request can be sent at a time to ensure that you can easily spot the desired disk drive. Disk drives Chapter 4: Storage Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 42 • RAID Level: The configured RAID level. • Size: The size allocated for the array. The amount of available storage for an array depends on the number of drives in the array, the size of the smallest drive, as well as the RAID level assigned.
Page 43 If you mount a USB flash device by inserting it into the AUX-1 port on the front of the chassis, the USB Storage Status table appears. If there is no USB flash device mounted, the USB Storage Status table does not appear. The USB flash device can be used to save a backup of the configuration file (see Saving the Current Configuration).
Page 44: Choosing A Raid Array Level
The component devices in a RAID array appear as a single logical storage device. There are various types of RAID, referred to as RAID levels. Some RAID levels increase the performance of the array, some increase the reliability, and others do a mixture of both.
Page 45 • Disadvantages: Decreased aggregate storage capacity (you lose half of the storage space) JBOD: JBOD lets you combine multiple disks of mixed capacities into a single logical storage device. The capacity of the JBOD array is the sum of the total capacities of the individual component disks (that is, it does not have the limitation of RAID0 where you lose some capacity when using mixed sized disks).
Page 46: Creating A Raid Array
RAID0 array, the total capacity is only 750 GB. To create an array: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The RAID page appears: 2. The available disks appear in the New RAID Device table. Select each disk that you want to include in the array.
Page 47: Adding A Disk Drive To An Array
To add a disk to an array: 1. If not already installed in the chassis, insert the disk in the NSS. 2. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The RAID page appears. 3. In the RAID Arrays table, click Edit for the applicable RAID array.
Page 48 The RAID array is rebuilt for the added or changed redundant disk drive. While the rebuild continues, the array can still be used. After the rebuild process completes, the disk becomes part of the redundant storage. You can monitor the progress of the rebuild through the System Status page.
Page 49: Deleting An Array
Deleting an Array You can remove an existing array and release the disks used in the array back into available storage. Note that deleting an array also deletes any existing data on the array (including the volumes, shares, and quotas). If you delete an array that contains the volume that is used as the location of your users’...
Page 50: Migrating A Raid Array To Another Storage Device
Migrating a RAID Array to another Storage Device If you are migrating a RAID array from the NSS to another network NSS, ensure that you coldplug the RAID array (versus hotplug it) into the new system as per the following: 1.
Page 51: Virtualizing Storage Within Your Network
Currently Imported Storage table. Until the exported storage is used to build a JBOD, the storage appears in the list of available disks in the New RAID Device table on the RAID page.
Page 52: Exporting Storage To Your Network
Exporting Storage to your Network If you have multiple NSS units in your network, you can easily export the storage to form a large, logical storage unit that can be managed from the master NSS). The first step in creating virtualized storage is to export the disk(s) or array to the network.
Page 53: Creating Virtualized Storage
Exported storage can be used to create a JBOD, which can then be used to set up volumes and shares. Keep in mind that although the storage is managed through the master unit, the physical device that contains the exported storage is still managed through the applicable slave unit.
Page 54: Unexporting Storage
Unexporting Storage You can choose to unexport pieces of the storage currently exported to the network. Note that you can only unexport storage that has not yet been used. To unexport a piece of storage: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Storage Virtualization page appears.
Page 55: Volume Management
Volume Management A volume is a way to partition storage space available on an array. The Storage Volumes page is where you can view the following details about configured volumes, or create additional volumes. The Volumes table displays the following: •...
Page 56: Creating A Volume
After you define at least one RAID array, you can create a volume. You need to create at least one volume before you can create users, groups, or shares. To create a volume: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Storage Volumes page appears. 2. From the New Volume area, set up the following fields: •...
Page 57 See Restoring the Configuration (see Restoring a Configuration File) for help on this.) 5. Re-enter the password in the Confirm Password field. 6. Click Add. Chapter 4: Storage Creating a Volume Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 58: Expanding A Volume
After a volume is created, you can increase its size, provided there is available space on the array. To increase the size of a volume: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Volumes page appears. 2. Click Edit for the volume you want to expand.
Page 59 "Grow By", the new number is added to the existing volume size. If you selected "Resulting Size", the new number becomes the total size for the volume. 5. Click OK. Chapter 4: Storage Expanding a Volume Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 60: Deleting A Volume
Location, you must reassign the Home Directory Location to another volume. To delete a volume: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Storage Volumes page appears. 2. From the Existing Volumes area, click Delete for the volume you want to delete.
Page 61: Viewing The Snapshot Reserve Details
The snapshot reserve is the amount of space that you want to allocate to the snapshot on the associated array. Once set, this space is not available for other storage use. The recommended amount of a reserve is generally between 10 to 20% of the total volume size. Note that if the period of time between snapshots is greater, the amount of the reserve should be greater.
Page 62 Maintaining Active Snapshots You can view the list of configured snapshots by displaying the Storage Snapshots page. The Currently Active Snapshots area lists each snapshot set up for all the volumes on your NSS6000 series NAS. The following column headings provide details about the snapshot: •...
Page 63: Creating A Snapshot For A Volume
The snapshot reserve is the amount of space that you want to allocate on the array to the snapshot. Once set, this space is not available for other storage use. The recommended amount of a reserve is generally between 10 to 20% of the total volume size. Note that if the period of time between snapshots is greater, the amount of the reserve should be greater.
Page 64 5. In the Reserve Size field, enter the amount of space (in MB) that you want to allocate to the snapshot. This space becomes unavailable for any other storage on the array. Note that you must enter a minimum of 32 MB in this field.
Page 65: Taking A Manual Snapshot Of A Volume
This feature is only available on NSS6000 series NAS units. To take a manual snapshot: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Storage Snapshots page appears. 2. Click Resnap next to the volume for which you want to take a snapshot.
Page 66: Windows End Users: Accessing A Snapshot For A Share
4. Snapshots are read-only. To work with a snapshot, locate it, take a copy of it, and then place the copy in a working directory. Chapter 4: Storage Windows End Users: Accessing a Snapshot for a Share Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 67: Volume Encryption Overview
Volume Encryption Overview The Volumes page lists both the encrypted and unencrypted volumes and lets you create a volume, and lock, unlock, or change the password for encrypted volumes. Chapter 4: Storage Volume Encryption Overview Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 68: Locking An Encrypted Volume
To lock a volume: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Volumes page appears. The Crypto column displays whether the volume is encrypted (Yes) or not encrypted (No).
Page 69: Unlocking A Locked Volume
To unlock a volume: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Volumes page appears. 2. Click Unlock for the volume you want to unlock.
Page 70 The Unlock Volume page appears. 3. Enter the password for the volume in the Password field. 4. Click OK. The Volume Encryption page appears. The volume is now unlocked. Chapter 4: Storage Unlocking a Locked Volume Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 71: Changing The Password For An Encrypted Volume
See Restoring the Configuration Configuration File) for help on this.) To change the password on an existing encrypted volume: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Volumes page appears. Chapter 4: Storage Changing the Password for an Encrypted Volume...
Page 72 (0 to 9), and a special character (such as @#$%^*&). 5. Re-enter the new password in the Confirm Password field. 6. Click Update. Chapter 4: Storage Changing the Password for an Encrypted Volume Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 73: Storage Options
NSS automatically gives the spare drive to RAID B to enable RAID B to resync. This option is only relevant when you use network disks (via storage virtualization). A system limited to local disks lets you only build up to two, two-disk RAID arrays, but have no spares.
Page 74: Setting The Raid Rebuild Priority
To configure the RAID rebuild priority: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Storage Options page appears. 2. From the RAID Rebuild Priority menu, select the allocation of CPU processing power to the RAID rebuild task.
Page 75: Setting The Spin Down Time
To configure the disk drives for spin down: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The Storage Options page appears. 2. In the Idle Drive Spin Down field, select the period of time that the disk drive must be idle before it is spun down.
Page 76: Chapter 5: Administering Access To The Nss
Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Administering Access to the NSS The Access Status page lets you view the current end-user connections to the NSS, grouped by the file-sharing protocol used. The page displays the username, the name of the host from which the user is currently connected, and the share or path that the user is accessing.
Page 77: Managing Your Nss Users
To rename an existing user profile, delete the user profile and then create a new one. User profiles are maintained by the administrator. Users cannot make changes to their passwords. Chapter 5: Access Managing your NSS Users Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 78: Creating A User Profile
Group page), the primary group is the group against which quota charges for the user’s storage usage are made and is the group that defines the group ownership for all files created by the user. The primary group applies to users set up locally on the...
Page 79 8. To record the user’s email address, enter it in the Email Address field. This field is optional. 9. Click OK to create the user and exit the New User page. Click Apply to create the user and then add another new user. Chapter 5: Access Creating a User Profile Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 80: Editing A User Profile
The Configured Users page appears. The existing users appear in the Configured Users table. 2. Select the user from the list, and then click Edit. Chapter 5: Access Editing a User Profile Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Users. Chapter...
Page 81 The end user’s profile appears in the Edit User page. 3. The username is read-only. You can make changes to any of the other fields in the user’s profile. 4. Click Update. Chapter 5: Access Editing a User Profile Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 82: Integrating Users From An Ads, Ntv4, Or Nis Domain
For example, if the NSS hostname is "NASadmin" and the local username is "bob", the user would need to log in as "NASadmin\bob" in the login dialog. Chapter 5: Access Integrating Users from an ADS, NTv4, or NIS Domain Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 83: Deleting A User Profile
Ctrl key, and then click each user from the list. Click Delete to delete the highlighted users. The selected user(s) disappear from the list of available users. Chapter 5: Access Deleting a User Profile Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Users. Chapter...
Page 84: Working With Groups
You can add or remove users from a group at any time. The user’s primary group (the group to which quota charges for storage usage are applied) is set up in the Primary Group field of the user’s profile.
Page 85: Creating A Group
When a user creates a file, the group ownership is automatically set to the user’s primary group. The user’s storage usage is charged to the user’s primary group for the purposes of volume quota accounting. Group membership, other than the primary group, is defined in either the Add Group or Edit Group page and is used only to control access to shares and files.
Page 86 5. Click OK to save the current group and display the Configured Groups page. Click Apply to save the current group and remain in the New Group page to add another group. Chapter 5: Access Creating a Group Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 87: Changing The Users Assigned To A Group
The double angled bracket "<<" or ">>" moves the entire list in the direction of the bracket.) 5. Click Update. Chapter 5: Access Changing the Users Assigned to a Group Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Groups. Chapter...
Page 88: Integrating Groups From An Active Directory, Ntv4, Or Nis Domain
ADS, NTv4, or NIS domain. After you join the NSS to a domain, you should not make changes to the range as this might lead to an ID collision. Chapter 5: Access Integrating Groups from an Active Directory, NTv4, or Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 89: Deleting A Group
- Ctrl-click: To select a non-contiguous set of groups that you want to delete, hold down the Ctrl key, and then click each group from the list. Click Delete to delete the highlighted groups. Chapter 5: Access Deleting a Group Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Groups. Chapter...
Page 90 Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide • Edit Groups page: Select the group you want to edit, and then click Edit. The Edit Groups page appears. Click Delete to remove the group. Chapter 5: Access Deleting a Group...
Page 91: Managing Volume Quotas
If the user is created within a domain, the primary group defined in the user profile from the domain, not the Primary Group field in the NSS user profile. Chapter 5: Access Managing Volume Quotas Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 92 The Volume Quota page is where you manage user and group quotas for each volume. To display the Volume Quota page, from the Manager Menu, click Access Chapter 5: Access Managing Volume Quotas Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Quota.
Page 93: Creating Volume Quota For A User Or Group
To create a quota for a user or group: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Access The Volume Quota page appears. 2. Click New Quota. Chapter 5: Access Creating Volume Quota for a User or Group Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Quota. Chapter...
Page 94 7. Click Update. Chapter 5: Access Creating Volume Quota for a User or Group Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 95: Setting Up The Grace Period For A Volume Quota
Filesystem Quota page turns red. 3. Click Update. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each applicable volume. Chapter 5: Access Setting up the Grace Period for a Volume Quota Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Quota. Chapter...
Page 96: Changing A Volume Quota For A User Or Group
The Edit Quota page appears. 3. Make the required changes to the soft (warning) or hard quota (space limit) limits. 4. Click OK. Chapter 5: Access Changing a Volume Quota for a User or Group Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Quota. Chapter...
Page 97: Clearing A Quota
The Volume Quota page appears. Quotas are displayed according to their associated volume. 2. Click Clear for the user or group whose quota you want to remove. Chapter 5: Access Clearing a Quota Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Quota. Chapter...
Page 98: Network Filters Overview
Network Filters Overview In addition to providing storage for your data, the NSS provides a configurable firewall to protect that data. Defining network filters lets you specify which network hosts have access to the NSS via the various supported protocols.
Page 99: Defining The Default Network Policy
NSS. When you set up your filters, select those filters that "allow" certain types of connections. For example, you might only want to allow FTP connections. 3. Click Change Policy. Chapter 5: Access Defining the Default Network Policy Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Network. Chapter...
Page 100: Creating A Network Filter
192.168.1.0/24 (where the digits following the slash represent the number of bits in the network portion of the IP address). Chapter 5: Access Creating a Network Filter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Network. Chapter...
Page 101 3. Select the type of filter you want to apply to the IP/MAC address from the Filter drop-down menu. 4. Click Add. Chapter 5: Access Creating a Network Filter Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 102: Available Access Filters
• Reject HTTP: Do not allow access to the NSS configuration interface via a Web browser. The NSS informs the system initiating the connection about the denial of service. Chapter 5: Access Available Access Filters Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 103 NSS does not inform the system initiating the connection about the denial of service. • Drop NFS: Do not allow NFS filesharing access. The NSS does not inform the system initiating the connection about the denial of service. Chapter 5: Access Available Access Filters Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 104: Deleting A Network Filter
2. The Active Network Access Filters table lists the existing filters. To delete a filter, click Delete for the filter you want to remove. The filter disappears from the list. The filter is no longer active. Chapter 5: Access Deleting a Network Filter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Network. Chapter...
Page 105: Configuring The User/Group Settings
3. Set the volume that you want to assign as the home directory location for your users via the Home Directory Location field. 4. Click Update. Chapter 5: Access Configuring the User/Group Settings Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Options. Chapter...
Page 106: Chapter 6: Managing The Shares
Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Managing the Shares To display a list of your defined file shares, from the Manager Menu, click Share Shares. The File Shares page appears. This page displays read-only details about the shares currently defined on the NSS.
Page 107: Creating A Share
3. Enter a name for the share in the Share field. 4. From the Location field, select the volume on which you want to configure the share. Chapter 6: Share Creating a Share Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Shares. Chapter...
Page 108 "<<" or ">>" moves the entire list in the direction of the bracket.) NOTE: Setting individual user and group permissions on NFS shares only works when joined to an NIS domain. Chapter 6: Share Creating a Share Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 109 "<<" or ">>" moves the entire list in the direction of the bracket.) • Read-Only Groups: These groups have read-only access to the share. • Read-Write Groups: These groups have full read-write access to the share. 11. Click OK. Chapter 6: Share Creating a Share Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 110: Editing An Existing Share
5. The Share attributes checkbox determines if the share is read-only or if users can write to the share: • Public: All users can write to the share. Chapter 6: Share Editing an Existing Share Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Shares. Chapter...
Page 111 • Read-Only Groups: Groups that appear in this list have read-only access to the share. • Read-Write Groups: Groups that appear in this list have full read-write access to the share. 10. Click OK. Chapter 6: Share Editing an Existing Share Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 112: Adding A Dfs Shared Folder
2. Click Edit for the share to which you want to add a folder. The Edit Share page appears. 3. Click Add Shared Folder. Chapter 6: Share Adding a DFS Shared Folder Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Shares. Chapter...
Page 113 5. If you are adding a folder to DFS, click OK. If you are importing a remote server, click Import. NOTE: Make sure you review the restrictions and recommendations Microsoft DFS from the Chapter 6: Share Adding a DFS Shared Folder Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide (see Restrictions using NSS) for using Microsoft DFS from the NSS. Chapter...
Page 114: Restrictions Using Microsoft Dfs From The Nss
• Windows Operating System Version: MSDFS is not supported by Windows 98 clients. • Windows Clients must be Restarted: After you set up a DFS tree, any Windows clients that were connected must be restarted. Chapter 6: Share Restrictions using Microsoft DFS from the NSS Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 115: Setting Up Cifs Access
The CIFS Networking Configuration page appears. 2. Enter the amount of time (in seconds) that the CIFS connection can be idle, after which it is disconnected. 3. Click Update. Chapter 6: Share Setting up CIFS Access Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide CIFS Setup. Chapter...
Page 116: Setting Up Network Filesystem (Nfs) Access
The downside of enabling this feature is that there is a potential for permanent data loss should the NSS suffer an unexpected power loss or if the NFS client crashes. 5. Click Update. Chapter 6: Share Setting up Network Filesystem (NFS) Access Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide NFS Setup. Chapter...
Page 117: Configuring The Nss For Ftp Access
NOTE: The default setting is to disable FTP access. You must enable FTP access before your users can access the NSS storage through FTP regardless of their per-share settings. To set up the FTP protocol: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Share The FTP Setup page appears.
Page 118 Max Connections per IP Address field. (To leave this as an unlimited number of connections, leave this field blank.) 13. Click Update. Chapter 6: Share Configuring the NSS for FTP Access Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 119: Creating Or Running A Backup Of A Share
The Scheduled Backup page displays any backups that have been configured. It lets you schedule further backups or initiate a manual backup. Chapter 6: Share Creating or Running a Backup of a Share Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 120: Creating A Scheduled Backup For A Share
• Local File System: Select the share on which you want to store the backup. 5. Click Next. Chapter 6: Share Creating a Scheduled Backup for a Share Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Backup. Chapter...
Page 121 8. To set up a backup that backs up just the changes made to the share since the last backup, click Incremental Backups. Leave it unchecked to take a full backup of the share each time the backup is run. 9. Click OK. Chapter 6: Share Creating a Scheduled Backup for a Share Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 122: Initiating A Backup For A Share
CIFS server or to another share on the NSS. To initiate a backup manually: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Share The Scheduled Backup page appears. 2. Click Run Backup. Chapter 6: Share Initiating a Backup for a Share Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Backup. Chapter...
Page 123 • Local File System: Select the share on which you want to store the backup. 5. Click OK to initiate the backup. A message appears when the backup is complete. Chapter 6: Share Initiating a Backup for a Share Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 124: Deleting Backup Images
1. Login to the share using the "amin" username together with the password configured for the administrator. The share’s contents appear. 2. Go to the "backup" folder and delete the backup images (they appear as .tar.gz files) as required. Chapter 6: Share Deleting Backup Images Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 125: Chapter 7: Managing The Admininstrator Options
• Rebooting or Shutting down the system • Upgrading the firmware (see Upgrading the NSS • Restoring configuration settings to factory defaults Configuration) Chapter 7: Admin Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide (see Rebooting or Shutting Down the NSS) Firmware) (see Restoring the Factory Default Chapter...
Page 126: Rebooting Or Shutting Down The Nss
NSS by pressing and holding the Reset button on the front of the chassis until the Power LED starts to flash (you must then release it). A warning message appears. 3. Click OK to continue. Chapter 7: Admin Rebooting or Shutting Down the NSS Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide (see Handling an Unexpected (Unclean) Maintenance. Chapter...
Page 127 Power LED is solid green. When the shutdown is complete, the Power LED is off. You need to unlock any encrypted volumes following any reboot or power up of the NSS. Chapter 7: Admin Rebooting or Shutting Down the NSS Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 128: Upgrading The Nss Firmware
LED is a solid green before you log back into the configuration interface. For more information about the behavior of the Power LED, refer to the LEDs & Buttons & Buttons) section. Chapter 7: Admin Upgrading the NSS Firmware Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Maintenance. Chapter (see LEDs...
Page 129: Restoring The Factory Default Configuration
2. Depending on the nature of the problem, choose one of the following ways to reset the configuration: • Delete the entire configuration with the exception of the storage details: When you reset the configuration through the configuration interface, the RAID, volume, share, and quota configuration is maintained.
Page 130 - NSS Hostname: nas<MAC address of primary link> For example, "nas0123456789ab" - Administrator Password: admin - Network Filters: cleared - Network Default Policy: Accept All - MTU Size: 1500 Chapter 7: Admin Restoring the Factory Default Configuration Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 131: Managing The Nss Configuration
Manager page. After you mount the USB flash device by inserting it into the AUX-1 port, make sure you unmount the USB flash device before you remove it. (To unmount the USB flash device, display the Storage Status page and then click Unmount. NOTE:...
Page 132: Saving The Current Configuration
5. Click Save to save the configuration settings. If the configuration file does not successfully save to the specified volume, check the volume to ensure that it is not locked. Chapter 7: Admin Saving the Current Configuration Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Configuration. Chapter...
Page 133 6. If you saved the file to the USB flash device, display the Storage Status page. 7. Click Unmount. NOTE: Removing the USB flash device in a mounted state means that you risk causing file or filesystem corruption. 8. When the AUX-1 LED on the front of the chassis is off, you can safely remove the unmounted USB flash device from the AUX-1 port.
Page 134: Restoring A Configuration File
Including it in the configuration backup does not decrease the security of the encryption because this same header Chapter 7: Admin Restoring a Configuration File Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Configuration. Chapter...
Page 135 10. Log back into the configuration interface. You need to unlock any encrypted volumes to make them available for storage purposes. 11. If you saved the file to the USB flash device, display the Storage Status page. 12. Click Unmount.
Page 136: Deleting A Configuration File
USB flash device into the AUX-1 port on the front of the NSS chassis. 3. Click Restore. A list of saved configuration files appear. 4. Click Delete for each configuration file you want to remove. Chapter 7: Admin Deleting a Configuration File Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Configuration. Chapter...
Page 137: Configuring The Timing Settings
Configuring the Timing Settings If you are installing the NSS within the Linksys One environment, the NSS time is automatically set via the Linksys NTP server. When you first configure the NSS, ensure that the NSS has successfully synchronized the time with the NTP server.
Page 138 5. Enter the date and time in the Date and Time fields. 6. Select your timezone from the Timezone drop-down menu. 7. Click Update. Chapter 7: Admin Configuring the Timing Settings Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 139: Configuring Snmp Alerts
• Snapshot: When a snapshot reserve is more than 90% full. • Quota: When a user or group is over their quota. • Backup: When a backup job completes. Chapter 7: Admin Configuring SNMP Alerts Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide SNMP. Chapter...
Page 140 8. To send a test alert for each of the selected conditions to all configured trap sinks, click Test All. To delete an existing SNMP Trap Sink, click Delete. Chapter 7: Admin Configuring SNMP Alerts Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 141: Changing The Administrator Password
5. Click Update. The new password is in effect immediately. The next configuration interface page that you access will prompt you for the new password. Chapter 7: Admin Changing the Administrator Password Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Password. Chapter...
Page 142: Chapter 8: Accessing The Nss's Storage
The NSS supports three file-sharing protocols: CIFS, NFS, and FTP. The steps to access the NSS storage depend on which file-sharing protocol the end user chooses to use: CIFS, NFS, or FTP as well as the end user’s operating system.
Page 143: Logging Into The Cifs Shares With Administrator Privileges
4. As the administrator, you have read-write access to all the shares and all files and folders within those shares. You can delete files (such as backup images) as required. Chapter 8: End User Access Logging into the CIFS Shares with Administrator Privi- Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 144: Windows Users: Accessing The Nss Storage Using Cifs/Smb
The Windows Explorer window opens with a directory listing of the shares accessible by the user. 4. Depending on your privileges to the share, you can begin using the NSS storage. Chapter 8: End User Access Windows Users: Accessing the NSS Storage using...
Page 145: Windows Users: Accessing The Nss Storage Through Ftp
When your FTP client has logged in, a list of shares accessible by the user appears as individual directories. 3. Depending on your privileges to the share, you can begin using the NSS storage. Chapter 8: End User Access Windows Users: Accessing the NSS Storage through FTP...
Page 146: Mac Users: Accessing Storage Through Cifs/Smb
(that is, through the NSS configuration interface and not through the ADS or NTv4 domain), you need to enter the following: <NSS hostname>\<user name>. 5. Depending on your privileges to the share, you can begin using the NSS storage. Chapter 8: End User Access...
Page 147: Mac Users: Accessing Storage Through Ftp
When your FTP client has logged in, a list of shares accessible by the user appears as individual directories. 5. Depending on your privileges to the share, you can begin using the NSS storage. Chapter 8: End User Access Mac Users: Accessing Storage through FTP...
Page 148: Unix/Linux Users: Accessing Storage Through Nfs
UNIX/Linux Users: Accessing Storage through NFS UNIX/Linux users can access shares on the NSS via NFS. Due to the way that the NSS implements NFS file access privileges, only NFSv3 is supported. In order for NFS access privileges to work correctly, you must have the NSS joined to an NIS domain.
Page 149: Unix/Linux Users: Accessing Storage Through Ftp
For more help using the FTP client, refer to the FTP client documentation. 4. Enter your username and password when prompted by the FTP client. 5. Depending on your privileges to the share, you can begin using the NSS storage. Chapter 8: End User Access...
Page 150: Chapter 9: Glossary
DAS: Direct Attached Storage. Also referred as Server Attached Storage and Captive Storage. The storage device (such as disk drive or RAID array) is directly attached to a computer. The computer uses various adapters and standardized protocols, such as SCSI and Fibre Channel, to access the storage device.
Page 151 There are four types of disk quotas: 1) Usage (or block) quota sets a limit on the amount of storage space (measured in MB or GB) that connected users or groups can use, 2) File (or inode) quota sets a limit for a specific number of directories or files that connected users or groups...
Page 152 TLS security be used and performs the appropriate handshake before sending any sensitive data. Gigabit: Also Gbit or Gb. A unit of information or data storage equivalent to 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) bits. Gigabtye (GB): A unit of information or data storage equivalent to 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) bytes.
Page 153 JBOD: Just a Bunch of Disks. Multiple hard disk drives (HDDs) that are combined into a single virtual drive. In a JBOD configured array, each drive can be a different size or capacity (this storage method can be used to turn two or more odd-sized hard drives into one useful drive). There is no redundancy provided with a JBOD and the failure of one disk in the array usually results in the loss of the data stored on the JBOD.
Page 154 The Linksys Business Series NSS products are NAS devices. NFS: Network Filesystem. A protocol suite developed and licensed by Sun Microsystems that allows different makes of computers running different operating systems to share files and disk storage.
Page 155 Parity: A way to attach additional binary digits to data blocks that lets a NAS controller monitor if data has been lost or overwritten after it has been moved from one place to another in a storage array or among networked computers.
Page 156 Snapshot: A copy of a set of files, volumes, or directories as they were at a particular point in time. The Linksys NSS uses snapshots to back up the shares located on a volume in such a way that end users can recover their own files without having to ask the administrator to restore a backup.
Page 157 Virtualization: The creation of a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, such as an operating system, a server, a storage device or network resources. The Linksys NSS refers to virtualization as a way of aggregating storage between devices. Virtualized storage occurs when storage is exported to the network as a disk drive or an array and is then imported by a master NSS.
Page 158 Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Well Known Ports: IANA assigns TCP and UDP port numbers to specific uses. The port numbers are divided into three ranges: the Well Known Ports, the Registered Ports, and the Dynamic and/or Private Ports.The Ports that are popular (well known) are those in the range 0–1023.
Page 159: Chapter 10: Troubleshooting
System LED (Front Panel) The System LED can be in any of the following conditions, depending on the current type of system error on the NSS: Chapter 10: Troubleshooting LEDs & Buttons Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 160 The LEDs associated with each of the installed disk drives indicate the disk drive activity, error condition, and locate state. The various states of the green LED indicates the drive activity: Chapter 10: Troubleshooting LEDs & Buttons Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 161 The various states of the white LED indicate whether there is a locate request currently on the disk drive: • Blinking White: There is a locate request currently on the disk drive (from the Storage Status (see The Storage Status page is where you can view the current state of the disk drives, arrays, and volumes currently installed or exported to the NSS.
Page 162: Repairing A Degraded Array
1. If you are replacing a disk, remove the failed drive from the NSS and install the replacement disk. 2. From the Manager Menu, click Storage The RAID page appears. 3. In the RAID Arrays table, click Edit for the applicable RAID array.
Page 163 The RAID array is rebuilt for the added or changed redundant disk drive. While the rebuild continues, the array can still be used. After the rebuild process completes, the disk becomes part of the redundant storage. You can monitor the progress of the rebuild through the System Status page.
Page 164: Working With A Failed Array
The RAID page appears. The failed array appears with a status of "Stopped". 5. Click Delete. The disk drives used in the failed array become part of the available storage. 6. Create a new array as required. Once built, you can set up the volumes, shares, and quotas for the array. If the failed array contained the volume used as the Home Directory Location, set the location to the volume you want to use.
Page 165: Free Bound Aggregation Storage When The Master System Fails
Free Bound Aggregation Storage when the Master System Fails Problem Scenario: A storage system is bound to a failed storage system and rejects any bind requests from other systems. The steps to recreate this problem are as follows: 1. Export storage from System A.
Page 166: All Cifs Connections Were Unexpectedly Ended
Solution: Check if the hostname set up in the Network Identification page has been changed. Changing the hostname will sever any current CIFS connections to the NSS. Chapter 10: Troubleshooting All CIFS Connections were Unexpectedly Ended Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 167: Hotplugging The Ethernet Link Doesn't Reset Ip Or Link Rate
4. Wait 10 seconds. The link should be re-established correctly. You can view the status from the System Status page on the configuration interface. Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Hotplugging the Ethernet Link doesn’t Reset IP or Link Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 168: Unable To Create A Share Or Quota For A Volume
As long as the volume is locked, you cannot use the volume to create shares or quotas (you can however, set up the Home Directory Location). To resolve the problem: 1. From the Manager Menu, click Storage 2. If the problem is due to the volume being locked, the Unlock button appears next to the volume in the Action column.
Page 169: Cannot Access The Nss Through Ftp
8. Make sure there are no filters set up to drop or reject FTP access for the applicable IP or MAC addresses. Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Cannot access the NSS through FTP Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide FTP Setup. Shares. Network.
Page 170: Configuration Page Does Not Appear In Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer might vary slightly. 1. From the Internet Explorer browser window, click Tools 2. Click General, and then click Settings. Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Configuration Page does not Appear in Internet Explor- Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide Internet Options.
Page 171 3. Under the Check for newer versions of stored pages: section, click Automatically. 4. Set the Amount of disk space to use to 1 MB. 5. Click OK. Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Configuration Page does not Appear in Internet Explor- Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 172: Handling An Unexpected (Unclean) Shutdown
USB flash device backup or manually edit the settings. The factory default administrator password is "admin". NOTE: Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Handling an Unexpected (Unclean) Shutdown Chapter Network Storage System (NSS) Administrator Guide...
Page 173: Appendix A: Support Contact Information
Visit us online for information on the latest products and updates to your existing products at http://www.Linksys.com Customer Service Contacts If you experience problems with any Linksys One product, you can call us at: 1-866-870-5826 For Email Service, submit your requests or questions on-line at www.Linksys.com (Details on Warranty and RMA issues can be found in the Warranty Information section in the product’s Quick Installation Guide.)

This manual is also suitable for:

Nss6000 series

Linksys NSS4000 Series Administrator's Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Working with the System

Chapter 3: Managing the Network Options

Chapter 4: Managing Your Storage

Chapter 5: Administering Access to the NSS

Chapter 6: Managing the Shares

Chapter 7: Managing the Admininstrator Options

Chapter 8: Accessing the Nss's Storage

Chapter 9: Glossary

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting

Appendix A: Support Contact Information

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Summary of Contents for Linksys NSS4000 Series

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Table of Contents