BUFFALO TeraStation 3420: 4-Bay SMB Desktop NAS with 8TB Pre-Installed

The BUFFALO TeraStation 3420 is a compact, enterprise-friendly desktop NAS designed to meet the storage, sharing, and backup needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With 8TB of total capacity across four 2TB drives already included, this 4-bay NAS delivers immediate, worry-free performance for centralized file sharing, data protection, and scalable expansion. Built for reliability and simplicity, the TeraStation 3420 combines robust hardware with a user-friendly web interface, making it easy to deploy in office environments, remote work sites, and creative teams that rely on fast, secure access to documents, media libraries, and backups.

• Ready-to-use 8TB storage for instant productivity — The 4x2TB drives are pre-installed to provide immediate shared storage, enabling teams to start storing, accessing, and collaborating without waiting for drive installation. The 8TB total capacity supports large project files, multimedia libraries, and backups from multiple users, ensuring everyone stays productive from day one.
• Flexible RAID and data protection — Built for data safety, the TeraStation 3420 supports multiple RAID configurations (including 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10) to balance storage efficiency with redundancy. Hot-swappable drive bays allow for seamless drive replacement and expansion, minimizing downtime and preserving business continuity in the event of a drive failure.
• Cross‑platform file sharing and collaboration — Designed for mixed IT environments, this NAS supports common network protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, and FTP, providing smooth access for Windows, macOS, and Linux clients. Teams can collaborate with ease, stream media to compatible devices, and share large files securely across the office network.
• Robust backup and disaster recovery options — Centralize backups from desktop PCs and laptops, protect important documents, and create reliable recovery points. The TeraStation 3420 supports scheduled backups, versioning, and straightforward restoration, giving businesses a clear path to rapid data recovery after incidents or accidental deletions.
• Easy management, security, and energy efficiency — A web-based management interface makes setup and ongoing administration straightforward, with configurable user permissions, quotas, and activity logging. Quiet operation and energy-conscious design help keep office spaces comfortable while meeting business continuity needs without breaking the budget.

Technical Details of BUFFALO TeraStation 3420

• Form factor: Desktop Network Attached Storage (NAS) suitable for small to medium offices
• Drive Bays / Capacity: 4 bays; total 8TB (4 x 2TB drives pre-installed)
• Networking: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for reliable LAN connectivity
• USB support: USB 3.0 ports to enable quick backups and wired peripheral connections
• RAID support: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 for configurable data protection and performance
• File protocols: SMB/CIFS, NFS, and FTP for cross‑platform access and flexible integration
• Cross‑OS compatibility: Suitable for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments, with broad network compatibility
• Backup and recovery: Centralized backup options with scheduling and restore capabilities to minimize downtime
• Energy and efficiency: Designed for continuous operation with a focus on quiet performance and reliable uptime

How to install BUFFALO TeraStation 3420

• Unpack and connect: Place the TeraStation 3420 on a stable surface in a central location. Connect the unit to your network via the included Ethernet cable and plug the power adapter into a grounded outlet. Allow the device to boot up fully before proceeding.
• Initial access and configuration: On a computer connected to the same network, open a web browser and enter the NAS management address shown in the setup guide. Follow the on-screen setup wizard to initialize the device, create the initial administrator account, and configure network settings.
• Configure storage and RAID: Choose a RAID configuration that matches your data protection goals (for example, RAID 5 for a balance of redundancy and capacity). The wizard will guide you through creating volumes, assigning disk groups, and initializing the RAID array. This step may take several minutes depending on the configuration.
• Set up users and folders: Create user accounts and group permissions, assign shared folders, and configure access rights to ensure that only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive data. Enforce password policies and enable user quotas if needed.
• Enable backups and remote access: Schedule regular backups from client devices and servers, enable remote access options if required for off-site administration, and configure any required port forwarding or DNS settings according to your security policy.
• Firmware and security checks: Check for the latest firmware release from BUFFALO and apply updates. Review security settings, enable encryption where supported, and perform a final verification by accessing shared folders from multiple clients to confirm smooth operation.

Frequently asked questions

• What is included with the BUFFALO TeraStation 3420? — The unit ships with four 2TB hard drives pre-installed, delivering a total of 8TB of usable storage. It includes essential cables and power accessories for quick deployment, along with access to BUFFALO’s NAS management tools for setup and ongoing administration.
• What environments is the TeraStation 3420 suitable for? — Ideal for small to midsize offices, remote work groups, and teams requiring centralized storage, secure file sharing, and reliable backups. Its four-bay design supports expansion as business data grows while maintaining performance and protection.
• Which devices and operating systems can access the NAS? — Windows, macOS, and Linux clients can connect using standard network protocols (SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP). Mobile and remote access options are available through the admin interface with appropriate configuration, enabling flexible collaboration across devices.
• How does data protection work on this NAS? — Data protection is achieved through configurable RAID levels, drive redundancy, scheduled backups, and controlled access permissions. In the event of a drive failure, the hot-swappable bays allow quick replacement with minimal downtime, while rebuild processes restore redundancy.
• Can the storage be expanded in the future? — Yes. Additional capacity can be added by upgrading drives within the existing bays (subject to RAID compatibility and performance considerations), or by expanding to larger capacity drives in the same bays as needed. Always plan RAID and backup strategies before expanding.
• Is this device energy efficient for 24/7 operation? — The TeraStation 3420 is designed for continuous office use with attention to stable performance and moderate power consumption, helping to manage operating costs while keeping noise levels suitable for typical office environments.