IFA 2007: Linksys N200 - Network Storage Solution with Streaming Functionality

Linksys will launch a network storage solution towards the end of September aimed at the home user. The device, called the N200, possesses two 3.5” drive bays for SATA drives, two USB connectors and an integrated download manager for the HTTP and FTP protocols.

The hard drives can be used in either a RAID-0 or a RAID-1 configuration. An integrated monitoring feature that regularly sends status emails to the user will warn in case of impending hard-drive failure. The N200 can be configured either through the device’s bundled software or via the web interface, which can also be used to create user or group accounts.

Files are accessed using the HTTP, FTP and SMB protocols. Additionally, the integrated UPnP AV-media server also supports video streaming. DLNA conformity is meant to guarantee problem free file-exchange within the digital home network.

The USB connectors can play host to external media such as USB-hard drives or memory sticks/flash devices. These media are then also available in the network. An easy one-button backup feature lets users back up computers connected to the network by literally at the touch of a button.

Linksys N200 storage solution will debut at £120 / €179. The device is sold without hard drives.