Features

The new NetDisk Office is loaded with features.  I would like to start off by talking a bit about its most impressive feature, Ximeta's own NDAS Technology.

NDAS, which stands for "Network Direct Attached Storage", allows direct connection to your network without a server, IP address or a protocol and is Ximeta's patented disk storage technology.  Using NDAS technology, external hard disk drives can be directly connected to your LAN, in addition to your computer.  It allows the device featuring this technology to be recognized as a local hard disk drive by any of the computers connected to a network. 

Aggregation & Mirroring Capabilities

Although the NetDisk Office I'm reviewing features a very generous 250GB capacity,  it also comes with an aggregation utility that enables users to aggregate multiple NetDisks into a single Virtual NetDisk when larger capacities are needed.  Mirroring is also supported which provides users with an added layer of protection by automatically creating duplicate data copies.

Additional features include:

• Full-Featured External Hard Disk Drive with 8 Fast Ethernet Ports Built-In
• Network Storage via Ethernet made possible through NDAS Technology
• Portable USB Hard Disk Drive - Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 interface connections
• Pre-formatted in NTFS format
• Full Duplex, Dedicated Bandwidth for Each Port
• Each Port Automatically Detects and Negotiates Between 10Mbps and 100Mbps Speeds
• Switched 10/100 Ports Run at 10Mbps, 20Mbps, 100Mbps, or up to 200Mbps
• Power Switch allows you to conserve power when not in use
• Active Cooling System for professional applications
• Hot Swappable – No need to power down your computer when connecting and disconnecting

Design

The design of the NetDisk Office is quite appealing and will compliment any modern setup very well.  It features a two-tone metallic silver/dark brown outer shell similar to that found on new D-Link networking products.  The logo on the top section features a lighted ring or circle that serves as both power (green) and activity (blue). 

The back of the unit features your 8 port Ethernet switch, USB connector, power connector and on/off switch, which the original NetDisk does not have.  Another new feature that has been added to this model is an active cooling system.  The right side features a vent and small fan. 

Finally, a couple of shots of the drive powered in order to show the power and activity LEDs.  The ring around the logo lights a bright blue during disk activity and it certainly adds to its overall innovative design.

Next: Installation