Three-in-one LAN server

Imagine installing a file server, backup server and a print server in about 15 minutes.Impossible? Well Synology’s DS-101 Disk Station actually enables a small business or even a home-based business to run a network between two to four machines.
It even can handle mix Mac and PC environments.
The network is barebones NAS device and uses USB 2.0 for connections. The days of e-mailing over files to a person right next to you maybe gone with this product.
However, it does enable a small group to share a printer and a hard drive through RJ-45 10/100Mbps Ethernet.
The company claims, although never tested, that Disk Station is portable. Its weigh (1.7KG) is insignificant and the footprint will make it easy for someone to carry it in a brief case.
Installation is similar to many other peripherals. The package comes with a three-step guide.
It can be difficult positioning the desktops around the Disk Station.
If it is a two-desktop environment, you should have no trouble just positioning them front to back or side by side. But, four will be tricky and you will have to have the space to do it all in one room. Or else you will have to run cable through walls.
The CD-ROM provided will make it a snap to install all the software required to run the Disk Station. The software has a step by step wizard. After that, comes the security aspect of the product. You will have to come up with a password strategy to operate the LAN server.
Again, easy with two and not so easy with four individuals.
But, after that you are just a few screens away from completion.
The device is available from Supercom, Synology’s Canadian distribution partner. It comes with a one-year warranty.
The Synology DS-101 Disk Station is not an alternative to a real LAN, but it does give small groups of workers an affordable opportunity to share a printer, back up their work and share files.
It is an entry-level solution, but a good solution nonetheless.