BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 4-Bay SMB 16TB Desktop NAS Storage with Hard Drives Included

The BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 is a purpose-built solution for small to medium-sized businesses that need robust, secure, and scalable storage. This 4-bay desktop NAS arrives pre-configured with a total of 16TB of storage (4 x 4TB), delivering ready-to-use capacity out of the box. Designed to streamline collaboration and data management, the TeraStation 3420 consolidates file sharing, backups, and data protection into a single, centralized device. Its compact desktop footprint makes it a practical addition to an office network, while its enterprise-grade features ensure dependable performance under demanding workloads. With a focus on reliability, security, and easy administration, this NAS is built to keep important business files accessible, organized, and safe—no matter how your storage needs evolve. From project folders and media libraries to critical backups, the TeraStation 3420 is engineered to simplify IT tasks and empower teams to work faster and more securely.

• All-in-one SMB storage for teams — The TeraStation 3420 serves as a centralized repository for documents, spreadsheets, multimedia, databases, and backups. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux clients through standard network protocols, making file sharing across a mixed-OS environment straightforward. With shared folders, access permissions, and centralized management, IT can enforce security while users experience fast, reliable access to files from any connected workstation. This single NAS reduces the need for multiple storage devices and helps keep data organized in a single, easy-to-manage location.

• Pre-installed 16TB storage (4x4TB) — This model arrives with four enterprise-grade drives pre-installed, delivering a total capacity of 16TB right out of the box. The pre-configured drives provide generous headroom for shared folders, backups, and media libraries, enabling teams to start collaborating immediately. The 4-bay design also positions you for future expansion; as your data grows, you can upgrade drives or reconfigure the array to meet changing storage and redundancy needs without a major overhaul of your network storage solution.

• Robust data protection and RAID flexibility — The TeraStation 3420 supports multiple RAID configurations to balance performance, capacity, and fault tolerance. Typical options across 4-bay NAS devices include RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing choices for speed or redundancy based on your business priorities. In addition to RAID, you can implement scheduled backups and versioning to protect important files against accidental deletion, ransomware, or corruption. Centralized backups for Windows PCs, Mac computers, and network shares help ensure business continuity and data integrity across the organization.

• Secure access, easy management, and remote capabilities — The TeraStation 3420 features a web-based management interface that makes setup and ongoing administration intuitive, even for IT teams with limited NAS experience. Create user accounts, groups, and granular permissions to control who can view or modify content. Security-minded features—including activity logs and access controls—help you monitor usage and protect sensitive information. For remote work or off-site recovery, built-in remote access options and cloud-friendly features simplify off-network access and backups while maintaining robust security standards.

• Quiet, energy-efficient desktop design with scalability — The desk-friendly chassis fits neatly into office environments, delivering reliable performance without excessive noise. Designed for 24/7 operation, the TeraStation 3420 emphasizes energy efficiency and thermal management, helping to reduce operating costs while maintaining steady performance. The modular four-bay architecture gives you room to grow; you can upgrade storage capacity or reconfigure the array as your business data needs expand, all managed from a single centralized device.

Technical Details of BUFFALO TeraStation 3420

• Model: BUFFALO TeraStation 3420
• Bays: 4 hot-swappable drive bays
• Total capacity: 16 TB (4 x 4 TB drives included)
• Drive configuration: Pre-installed drives ready for immediate use
• Form factor: Desktop NAS
• Operating system: TeraStation OS with web-based management
• Networking: Ethernet connectivity suitable for SMB networks (typical 1 Gbps; supports standard network protocols)
• Security: User authentication, access controls, and activity logging for auditability
• Supported protocols: SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP (based on firmware)
• Power: Internal, energy-efficient power supply
• Warranty: Manufacturer warranty (region-dependent)

How to install BUFFALO TeraStation 3420

• Step 1: Unbox and place — Remove the TeraStation 3420 from its packaging and place it on a stable surface with adequate ventilation. Ensure the power cord and network cable are readily accessible. If you plan to connect to a switch or router, position the NAS in a location that minimizes cable clutter and maximizes airflow to keep temperatures stable during continuous operation.

• Step 2: Connect and power up — Connect the NAS to your network via a standard Ethernet cable and plug in the power supply. Turn the device on and allow it a few minutes to boot. The initial boot may take longer as the system checks hardware health and begins the startup sequence, readying the web-based management interface.

• Step 3: Access the management interface — From a computer on the same network, open a web browser and navigate to the NAS address provided in the user manual or shown on the device’s status indicators. Log in with the default administrator credentials, then immediately update the password to safeguard access. The web dashboard guides you through initial setup, including network settings and shared folders.

• Step 4: Configure storage and RAID — Use the management interface to verify the pre-installed 16TB array and select your preferred RAID configuration. If you anticipate future expansion, enable settings that preserve data integrity while adding capacity. Create shared folders with appropriate permissions for teams and departments, and set up any required backups to protect vital data on workstations or servers.

• Step 5: Enable backups and user access — Establish user accounts and groups aligned with your organization’s access policies. Configure scheduled backups for endpoints, including Windows PCs and Mac systems, and enable notifications for health status, drive warnings, or backup failures. Validate remote access options if you need off-site recovery or mobile access to shared files, ensuring security policies remain in place.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Does the Buffalo TeraStation 3420 come with drives? A: Yes. This model includes four 4TB drives for a total of 16TB of storage, pre-installed and ready for immediate use.
• Q: What RAID configurations are supported? A: The TeraStation 3420 supports common RAID configurations (such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10) to balance performance and redundancy according to your data protection needs.
• Q: Can I access the NAS remotely? A: Yes. The device provides remote access capabilities through secure web dashboards and mobile apps, making files accessible from off-site locations while maintaining control over permissions and security settings.
• Q: Is the NAS suitable for 24/7 operation? A: Yes. The TeraStation 3420 is designed for continuous operation in office environments, offering a compact form factor, efficient cooling, and reliable hardware components to support round-the-clock use.
• Q: What protocols does it support for file sharing? A: The NAS supports common network file-sharing protocols such as SMB/CIFS and NFS, with additional options available depending on firmware updates. This ensures compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux clients.
• Q: How do I expand storage in the future? A: You can upgrade drives in the existing bays, reconfigure the RAID group, or add external storage solutions compatible with Buffalo’s NAS ecosystem to scale capacity as your data grows.