BUFFALO TeraStation 3420: 4-Bay NAS with 16TB Included for SMB Storage

The BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 4-Bay SMB NAS brings enterprise-grade storage capabilities into a compact, rackmount package designed for small to medium businesses. With a generous 16TB of total capacity delivered by two pre-installed 8TB drives, this device is built to centralize data, streamline collaboration, and protect important files across teams. Engineered for dependable performance in busy office environments, the TeraStation 3420 combines straightforward setup, robust data management features, and scalable storage efficiency in a single ready-to-use solution.

• Centralized storage for teams: Store, share, and manage documents, multimedia, and backups from a single networked location, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page.
• Pre-installed drives for immediate use: The system ships with 2 x 8TB drives (total 16TB), so you can start storing data right away without waiting for HDDs to be purchased separately.
• Rackmount convenience: Designed to fit standard network closets and server racks, the BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 maximizes space efficiency while delivering reliable performance in a professional environment.
• SMB-optimized access and collaboration: Built with business workflows in mind, it offers secure network sharing, user permissions, and streamlined data access for multiple teams and departments.
• Poised for growth and protection: The 4-bay architecture provides room to add capacity or configure data protection schemes, helping you safeguard critical information while expanding your storage footprint as needed.

Technical Details of BUFFALO TeraStation 3420

• Model: BUFFALO TeraStation 3420
• Bays: 4-Bay
• Included drives: 2 x 8TB HDDs
• Total capacity: 16TB
• Form factor: Rackmount NAS storage
• Intended use: Small to medium business storage and data management

How to install BUFFALO TeraStation 3420

Setting up the BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 is designed to be intuitive, with a focus on quick deployment so your team can begin storing and sharing data without delay. Here are practical steps to get your NAS up and running in a typical office environment.

1) Prepare the environment and unbox the unit. Place the rackmount NAS in a suitable rack or a secure, ventilated area with ample airflow. Ensure the surrounding area is clean and free of dust, and that there is an unobstructed path for cable management and maintenance access.

2) Confirm pre-installed drives. The TeraStation 3420 includes two 8TB drives pre-installed, delivering an initial 16TB of capacity. If you plan to use additional drives for expanded storage or different RAID configurations, verify compatibility and install any extra drives according to the user manual.

3) Connect network and power. Attach an Ethernet cable from a switch or router to the NAS’s network port. Connect the power supply and power on the unit. In most office environments, a traditional gigabit Ethernet connection provides ample bandwidth for file sharing, backups, and remote access.

4) Access the web-based setup wizard. Using a computer on the same network, open a web browser and enter the TeraStation’s default IP address or hostname as provided in the quick-start documentation. The web-based setup wizard guides you through initial configuration, including language settings, time zone, and admin credentials.

5) Configure storage and protection. Within the setup wizard, you can select your preferred storage configuration. If you plan to use RAID for redundancy and data protection, choose an appropriate RAID level supported by the 4-bay chassis (for example, RAID 5 or RAID 1 in many configurations). Create one or more shared folders tailored to different departments or teams, and assign permissions to users and groups to control access.

6) Enable and customize network services. Depending on your environment, enable SMB for Windows-compatible file sharing, NFS for Linux-based workflows, or AFP for legacy devices. Configure user accounts, access permissions, and quotas if needed to manage storage consumption. Integrate with existing backup workflows to protect critical data.

7) Establish backup and restore plans. Set automated backups to protect against data loss. This can include scheduled backups to local destinations, cloud services, or remote sites. Ensure versioning is enabled where possible so you can recover previous file iterations if necessary.

8) Finalize security and access controls. Create strong administrator credentials, enable encryption if supported, and review firewall settings. Establish remote access options if you require offsite file retrieval, and configure secure VPN connections for remote users.

9) Test accessibility and performance. From multiple workstations, access the shared folders to verify permissions are correctly applied. Copy representative workloads (documents, media, databases) to assess transfer speeds and responsiveness. If performance is slower than expected, review network cabling, switch port configurations, and drive health from the web interface.

10) Document the setup. Keep a concise record of administrator credentials, IP addresses, RAID configuration, and share names for future maintenance and onboarding. A well-documented setup reduces downtime and simplifies expansion as your business grows.

The BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 is designed to offer a balanced mix of straightforward setup, reliable performance, and centralized storage management that SMB teams can rely on. Its pre-installed drives provide immediate value, while the rackmount form factor makes it a practical fit for office infrastructure. Whether you’re a small design studio, a regional office network, or a department with shared project data, this NAS is built to streamline data storage, improve collaboration, and safeguard important files with a sensible, scalable approach.

Frequently asked questions

• What does the package include? The BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 comes with a rackmount NAS unit and two pre-installed 8TB drives, totaling 16TB of storage. It’s ready to deploy in SMB environments and includes the hardware necessary to begin sharing files immediately.
• How many drive bays does this NAS have? It features 4 drive bays, offering room for expansion and configurable data protection schemes as your storage needs evolve.
• Is this device suitable for small to mid-sized businesses? Yes. It’s specifically designed to address the data storage, sharing, and backup needs of SMBs, providing centralized access for teams and departments while supporting essential security and management features.
• What network capabilities does it offer? The TeraStation 3420 is built for networked storage and is typically configured for SMB-based file sharing. It provides a centralized point for team access over a local network and can be integrated into existing IT infrastructure with standard network protocols.
• Can I expand storage or upgrade drives later? Yes. The 4-bay architecture supports adding or replacing drives to increase capacity or adjust protection levels. When expanding, follow Buffalo’s guidelines for drive compatibility and RAID configuration to maintain data integrity.