Closer Look: DNS-323 Exterior

D-Link has become a much larger contender in technology markets beyond their traditional focus on network appliances. Although remotely related, Network Attached Storage Servers (NAS) are quickly dominating the small and medium size business segments, and are popular as well with SOHO users. The DNS-323 SATA RAID Gigabit NAS is just one more extension to the quickly growing reach of D-Links engineering team.

Not much larger than some of the external hard drive enclosures I have seen lately, the D-Link DNS-323 is a very compact NAS. With a footprint of 4.1” W x 7.8” D x 5.2” H, this NAS could easily be shelved beside other network appliances, or any inconspicuous area with an Ethernet connection.

Single button operation means that there is no steep learning curve for administrators and general users. D-Link has designed the DNS-323 SATA RAID Gigabit NAS to look great in any environment: corporate or residential. The all-black finish is complimented by a single portion of silver at the front, creating a refined appearance.

D-Link appears to have concentrated on giving as much functionality to the DNS-323 as possible, and leaving the extra costs of unnecessary fixtures and finishes to the competition. At the rear of the DNS-323 is a single exhaust fan, two separate SATA drive eject levers, a power input receptacle, one Gigabit Ethernet port, and a single USB print server port. The rear plate is made of thick black plastic.

Encased in a black metal chassis with grain-finish, the D-Link DNS-323 SATA RAID Gigabit NAS is capable of performing in the roughest indoor environments. Because of the all-black finish and limited cooling system, I would not recommend placing this NAS a high-heat or direct-sunlight environment.

<< Previous Page - Next Page >>