D-Link ShareCenter Cloud Storage 2000 (DNS-320L) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The D-Link ShareCenter Cloud Storage 2000 (DNS-320L) is a 2-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) enclosure designed to provide a centralized location for storing and sharing digital files. This device allows users to access their data locally over a network or remotely via cloud services. It supports various RAID configurations for data protection and offers features such as media streaming, file sharing, and backup solutions. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your DNS-320L device.

2. Safety Information

• Power Supply: Use only the power adapter provided with the device. Ensure the power outlet meets the specified voltage requirements.
• Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings. Ensure adequate airflow around the device to prevent overheating.
• Environment: Operate the device in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Avoid placing it near water or in excessively humid conditions.
• Handling Hard Drives: Handle hard drives with care. Static electricity can damage components. Always ground yourself before handling internal components.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service the device yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Cleaning: Disconnect the power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

3. Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• D-Link ShareCenter Cloud Storage 2000 (DNS-320L) Enclosure
• Power Adapter
• Ethernet Cable
• Quick Installation Guide
• Resource CD (may contain software and full manual)
• Hard Drive Handles/Screws (for drive installation)

Note: Hard drives are not included and must be purchased separately.

4. Physical Overview

The D-Link DNS-320L features a compact design with essential indicators and ports for network storage functionality.

Figure 4.1: Front and Side View of the DNS-320L Enclosure.

This image displays the D-Link ShareCenter Cloud Storage 2000 (DNS-320L) from a front-side perspective. The device is a black, rectangular tower with rounded edges. The D-Link logo is visible on the left side panel. Towards the bottom front, the text "ShareCenter" is printed, accompanied by small icons representing the power button, a USB port, and two drive status indicators (L and R for Left and Right drives). A thin silver line separates the lower front panel from the main body. The top panel is textured black.

Front Panel Indicators and Buttons:

• Power Button (⏻): Press to power on or off the device.
• USB Port (⇌): Connect USB storage devices for one-touch backup or printer sharing.
• Drive L Indicator (⌂L): Indicates the status of the left hard drive.
• Drive R Indicator (⌂R): Indicates the status of the right hard drive.

Rear Panel Ports:

• Power Connector: Connects to the provided power adapter.
• Gigabit Ethernet Port: Connects the NAS to your network router or switch.
• Reset Button: Used to restore factory default settings (requires a paperclip or similar pointed object).

5. Setup

5.1. Hardware Installation (Hard Drives)

1. Prepare Hard Drives: Ensure you have two compatible 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. The DNS-320L is diskless, so drives must be purchased separately.
2. Open Enclosure: Gently press the release button on the top cover and slide it off to expose the drive bays.
3. Attach Handles: Secure the provided plastic handles to each hard drive using the included screws. Ensure the handles are oriented correctly to allow the drives to slide into the bays.
4. Insert Drives: Slide each hard drive into an available bay until it clicks securely into place.
5. Close Enclosure: Replace the top cover, ensuring it locks securely.

5.2. Connecting to Your Network

1. Connect Ethernet Cable: Plug one end of the provided Ethernet cable into the Gigabit Ethernet port on the rear of the DNS-320L and the other end into an available LAN port on your router or network switch.
2. Connect Power: Connect the power adapter to the power connector on the rear of the DNS-320L, then plug the adapter into a power outlet.
3. Power On: Press the Power button on the front of the device. The power indicator will illuminate. Wait for the device to boot up, which may take a few minutes.

5.3. Initial Configuration (Web User Interface)

The DNS-320L is configured via a web-based user interface. It is recommended to avoid the setup wizard on the included CD, especially for Mac users, and instead access the device directly via its IP address.

1. Find IP Address:
   • Option A (Recommended): Access your router's administration page and look for a list of connected devices (DHCP client list). Locate the DNS-320L and note its assigned IP address.
   • Option B (D-Link Utility): If you cannot find the IP address via your router, you may use the D-Link ShareCenter Utility from the Resource CD or D-Link's support website to discover the device on your network.
2. Access Web UI: Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and enter the IP address of your DNS-320L into the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).
3. Login: The default username is admin and the password field should be left blank for the first login. You will be prompted to set a new password.
4. Run Setup Wizard (Web UI): Follow the on-screen setup wizard within the web interface to perform initial configurations, including:
   • Firmware Update: Check for and install the latest firmware from D-Link's support website.
   • Disk Management: Navigate to Management > Disk Management to format the installed hard drives. Warning: This will erase all data on the drives. You can choose between RAID 0 (striping for performance), RAID 1 (mirroring for data redundancy), or JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks, treating drives as separate volumes).
   • User Accounts: Create user accounts and assign access permissions to shared folders.
   • Network Settings: Configure network settings if necessary (e.g., static IP address).

6. Operating Your DNS-320L

6.1. Accessing Files

• Network Shares (SMB/CIFS):

  On Windows, open File Explorer and type \\NAS_IP_ADDRESS or \\NAS_NAME (e.g., \\192.168.1.100) into the address bar. You can map network drives for easier access.

  On macOS, go to Finder > Go > Connect to Server and enter smb://NAS_IP_ADDRESS. You may need to enable AFP service for Time Machine backups.

• FTP Server: Enable the FTP server in the web UI to access files using an FTP client.
• Web File Access: The web UI provides a file browser for managing and downloading files directly through your web browser.

6.2. Cloud Access (mydlink.com)

The DNS-320L supports remote access via mydlink.com and the mydlink ShareCenter mobile app. This allows you to stream and upload/download media to your mobile devices from anywhere with an internet connection.

1. Register Device: Register your DNS-320L with your mydlink account through the web UI.
2. Install App: Download the mydlink ShareCenter app on your smartphone or tablet.
3. Access Files: Log in to the app or mydlink.com to access your ShareCenter files remotely.

6.3. Data Protection (RAID Configurations)

The DNS-320L offers several RAID options to protect your data:

• Standard: Each drive is treated as a separate volume. No data redundancy.
• JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks): Drives are combined into a single large volume. No data redundancy.
• RAID 0 (Striping): Data is split across both drives for increased performance. No data redundancy; failure of one drive results in loss of all data.
• RAID 1 (Mirroring): Data is duplicated across both drives, providing redundancy. If one drive fails, data is still accessible from the other. This uses half of the total drive capacity.

Configure your preferred RAID level under Management > Disk Management in the web UI. Changing RAID levels will erase all data on the drives.

6.4. Media Server (DLNA)

Enable the built-in DLNA server to stream media (photos, music, videos) to compatible devices on your network, such as smart TVs, game consoles (Xbox 360, PS3), and media players. Configure shared folders for media content in the web UI.

6.5. Backup Features

• Time Machine Support: The DNS-320L can serve as a Time Machine backup destination for macOS devices. Enable AFP service and configure shares under Applications > Local Backups > Time Machine.
• USB One-Touch Backup: Connect a USB storage device to the front USB port and press the USB button to initiate a backup of the USB device's contents to a designated folder on the NAS.
• Remote Backup: Configure scheduled backups to another NAS or rsync server.

6.6. Additional Features

• BitTorrent Client: The NAS includes a built-in BitTorrent client for direct downloads. Configure torrent links and download paths via the web UI.
• Web Server: Host a basic website by enabling the web server function.
• Printer Server: Connect a compatible USB printer to the front USB port to share it across your network.

7. Maintenance

7.1. Firmware Updates

Regularly check for and install firmware updates from the D-Link support website (www.dlink.com/support). Firmware updates can provide new features, performance improvements, and security patches. Perform updates through the web UI under Management > System > Firmware Upgrade.

7.2. Disk Management

• Disk Health: Monitor the health of your hard drives through the web UI. Replace failing drives promptly, especially if using RAID 1.
• Disk Sleep: Configure disk sleep settings to conserve power and extend drive lifespan when the NAS is idle.

7.3. Power Management

The DNS-320L features a built-in fan to keep drives cool. The fan speed can be configured (off/low/high) to balance cooling and noise levels. The device also supports scheduled power on/off times.

8. Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Device Not Detected on Network:
  • Ensure Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the NAS and the router.
  • Verify the NAS is powered on.
  • Check your router's DHCP client list for the NAS's IP address.
  • Try restarting the NAS and your router.
• Cannot Access Web UI:
  • Confirm you are using the correct IP address.
  • Ensure your computer is on the same network segment as the NAS.
  • Clear your browser's cache or try a different browser.
  • If you forgot the password, use the reset button on the rear panel (this will revert to factory defaults, requiring re-configuration).
• Hard Drives Not Recognized:
  • Ensure drives are properly seated in the bays.
  • Verify drives are compatible 3.5-inch SATA drives.
  • Drives must be formatted through the NAS web UI before use.
• Slow Transfer Speeds:
  • Ensure your network uses Gigabit Ethernet components (router, cables, network adapter).
  • Avoid transferring large files over Wi-Fi if possible, as wired connections are significantly faster.
  • Check for other network activity that might be consuming bandwidth.
• mydlink Cloud Access Issues:
  • Ensure your NAS has a stable internet connection.
  • Verify the device is properly registered with your mydlink account.
  • Check for any firewall settings on your router that might be blocking cloud access.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official D-Link website. D-Link provides technical support and resources for its products.

• Online Support: Visit www.dlink.com/support for FAQs, troubleshooting guides, firmware downloads, and product documentation.
• Technical Assistance: Contact D-Link technical support for further assistance if you encounter issues not covered in this manual.