NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Orbi RBK760 with two satellites: What is the best NAS?
I have an Orbi RBK760 with two satellites that I bought from Costco. I want to set up a NAS for auto back up of a desk top PC that is connected to the Orbi router via CAT cable and Windows laptops ...
Given your concern regarding compatibility with the router, I just want to verify that you are looking for a NAS, which connects to your network via Ethernet, and not something that connects to the Orbi via USB. Many routers have some basic NAS-like functionality with USB-connected drives, which may be what you are really wanting.
Thanks so much for the replies.
To be more clear, this is what I was envisioning:
1. My desktop is connected to my ORBI base switch via CAT cable. My internet modem is also connected to my Orbi Switch.
2. I will have both Windows and Mac Laptops which use the ORBI wireless around the house.
3. I would like to get a NAS that will be connected to the ORBI switch via CAT cable. This NAS will allow daily updates from the CAT wired desktop and the laptops.
I read somewhere that the ORBI will not allow a NAS to have daily updates via wireless connection for laptops (both windows and Mac).
I don't know if this is a function of the NAS, the software being used on the NAS/desktop/laptop computers or the ORBI.
I really like my ORBI for the coverage and speed, but I didn't look into setting this up for a NAS.
I am thinking I'll buy a new NAS, probably 2 bay with a mirrored drive. I have a external 3 Tb drive that is used for manual backups, but I only do it once per quarter. I really need to be more disciplined for getting updates on a daily basis.
Do you have a recommendation for a great NAS for my purpose? I can't see myself ever using this device for file sharing or streaming DVD's, etc. I just want it for data back-up.
techymechy wrote:
I read somewhere that the ORBI will not allow a NAS to have daily updates via wireless connection for laptops (both windows and Mac).
I use an Orbi myself (an RBS860 system), and I do back up our laptops over wireless connections.
I suspect that you are misunderstanding what you read. It's not about what the Orbi will "allow".
If the PC is off when the backup is scheduled, then the NAS can wake it up over a wired ethernet connection - and then do the backup.. That process won't work when the PC isn't connected wirelessly because the wifi radio in the PC is off when it is shut down. The protocol used to wake up the laptop might also fail over wifi if the laptop is simply in sleep mode.
One reason I suggested running the backup software on the PCs is that it eliminates that problem. The backup software can schedule the PC to wake up when the backup is scheduled, and perform the backup, and then shut the PC down again. That eliminates any need for the NAS to do the wakeup.
FWIW, personally I just manually start the backups on the laptops once a week.
techymechy wrote:
Do you have a recommendation for a great NAS for my purpose? I can't see myself ever using this device for file sharing or streaming DVD's, etc.
I generally won't recommend something I haven't used myself - and I only own ReadyNAS.
Pretty much any NAS will do what you need, I think the real issue for you is whether their admin interface is something easy enough for you to use. So I suggest looking at the manuals of vendors I suggested earlier (plus the WD mydrive pro), as I think that will inform your decision.
techymechy wrote:
I just want it for data back-up.
FWIW, We also use if for storage consolidation. Like you, we have multiple PCs. One challenge is keeping all fhe files organized, so we don't have competing (e.g., different) versions of the same documents, and minimize duplication.
So the files we care about are all on the NAS, and we access them over the network from whatever PC we are using.
Of course if you use it this way, you also need to back up the NAS (since any device can fail).
We also do have music and videos on it.
If you have the NAS control the backup, you will also have to insure the IP address for the laptops is reserved so they are always the same. Lastly, a backup controlled by the NAS won't back up anything that's in use, which can include your email (if stared locally) and a lot of system files. Backups that run on a Windows PC will make a shadow copy of those files and then back those up. I suspect a Mac has a similar implementation. It is that factor that drives me toward PC-based backups with the NAS as just destination storage.
A big down side of a PC-initiated backup is only a concern if you don't plan for the NAS to be on all the time. You have to insure the NAS is on and stays on for the backup. With a NAS-initiated backup, it knows if the backup is still in progress and can hold off a power-down. With a PC-based one, it can't do that. Mine's on 24/7, so this is of no concern to me.
I can't find anything about it, but perhaps the Orbi also doesn't transmit WoL to the satellites, so all systems using it must be connected to the same unit (base or satellite) via Ethernet? I can't imagine that being the case, but maybe that's also part of what you've heard.
I have an external drive that is in a fire resistant enclosure that I am using for manual back ups. I don't have my boot drive mirrored though. I am rethinking if I really want a NAS. I am starting to think that I may just go with a back up software.
Is there a back up software that will provide a mirror of your drives so if I lose the boot drive on my computers that it will be able to rebuild it? I'm pretty sure if I have this on all of my laptops, I can do a manual backup through the software that will only back up the new files rather than back up everything. I'll probably do it automatically through my desk top.
NETGEAR Academy
Boost your skills with the Netgear Academy - Get trained, certified and stay ahead with the latest Netgear technology!
Join Us!
