BUFFALO TeraStation 5420 4-Bay 16TB NAS with 4x4TB Drives Included

Experience enterprise-grade reliability in a compact, easy-to-manage package with the BUFFALO TeraStation 5420. This 4-bay desktop NAS is purpose-built for small businesses, creative teams, and demanding home networks that require scalable storage, robust data protection, and seamless collaboration. With 16TB of included storage across four 4TB drives, administrators can deploy ready-to-use network storage out of the box, then expand capacity as data needs grow. Designed to simplify backups, sharing, and remote access, the TeraStation 5420 combines powerful hardware with a user-friendly software experience that saves time and protects important files.

• Massive capacity out of the box: The system ships with four 4TB drives for a total of 16TB of ready-to-use storage. This generous capacity supports large media libraries, project files, and shared folders, making it ideal for team collaborations, design studios, and small offices.
• Flexible RAID options for performance and protection: The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420 offers multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, so you can optimize for speed, redundancy, or a balance of both. Hot-swappable drive bays simplify drive replacements and upgrades without downtime, helping keep your business running smoothly even in the face of hardware failures.
• Business-grade data protection and backup features: Protect valuable files with scheduled backups, automated replication, and centralized shares. The device supports cross-platform access for Windows, macOS, and Linux clients, along with Time Machine compatibility for Mac users, ensuring a dependable backup and recovery workflow across your entire network.
• Reliable network access with expandable connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports enable link aggregation for higher throughput or failover protection, ensuring stable access to shares even during peak usage. USB 3.0 ports offer convenient external backup options or quick data transfer to/from USB storage devices, helping streamline daily operations.
• Intuitive setup and ongoing management: The TeraStation 5420 is designed for straightforward deployment with a web-based management console, guided setup, and streamlined share and user administration. It supports remote administration, making it easier for IT teams to monitor, configure, and maintain storage without on-site visits.

Technical Details of Buffalo TeraStation 5420

• Form factor: Desktop NAS with four hot-swappable drive bays
• Drives included: 4 x 4TB hard drives (total 16TB)
• RAID support: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 for data protection and performance tuning
• Networking: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for link aggregation or failover
• USB connectivity: USB 3.0 ports for external backups and quick data transfer
• Operating system: TeraStation NAS OS, designed for reliable file sharing and centralized management
• Cross-platform compatibility: Windows, macOS (Time Machine compatible), and Linux clients
• File protocols: Supports common network file sharing protocols (SMB, NFS, AFP) for seamless integration with existing environments
• Power and cooling: Enterprise-grade efficiency with a compact desktop footprint to fit on a shelf or in a small office closet

How to install Buffalo TeraStation 5420

Setting up the BUFFALO TeraStation 5420 is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and get teams up and running quickly. Start by placing the NAS on a stable surface near your network equipment and power source. Connect the unit to your router or switch using the included Ethernet cables, then plug in the power supply. Once the device powers up, you’ll access the web-based management interface from a computer on the same network. Follow the guided setup wizard to configure your storage volume, choose a RAID mode, and create shared folders tailored to departments or projects. After creating user accounts and permissions, enable any backups or replication tasks you require for data protection. If you plan to back up to external storage, connect a USB 3.0 drive and configure the backup job in the administration console. When finished, map the available shares on your Windows PCs or connect from Macs using SMB or AFP/NFS as needed. For ongoing administration, consider enabling remote access for IT staff and scheduling routine checks for drive health and firmware updates. The result is a sturdy, scalable storage solution that stays accessible even as your network grows.

Key steps in plain language:

Step 1: Position the TeraStation 5420 and connect power and network cables. Step 2: Power it on and open the web-based management interface from a connected computer. Step 3: Run the setup wizard to configure storage, RAID, shares, and users. Step 4: Create and assign access permissions to departments or teams. Step 5: Enable backup jobs and, if needed, configure remote access for off-site management. Step 6: Add any external USB backups or expand storage via additional volumes if required. Step 7: Monitor health and performance through the dashboard and keep firmware up to date for security and reliability.

With a few simple steps, you can transform this 4-bay NAS into a centralized hub for file sharing, collaboration, media libraries, and secure backups. The architecture is designed to scale with your business, so you can start with 16TB and add more capacity as your data footprint expands, all while maintaining strong data protection and fast access for your team.

Frequently asked questions

• Does the Buffalo TeraStation 5420 come with drives pre-installed? Yes. The unit ships with four 4TB drives installed, delivering a total of 16TB of usable storage right out of the box.
• What RAID levels are supported? The TeraStation 5420 supports common RAID configurations (0, 1, 5, 6, 10), allowing you to tailor performance and redundancy to your specific needs. Hot-swappable bays simplify drive replacements without taking the system offline.
• Is Time Machine supported for macOS backups? Yes. Time Machine compatibility is supported to provide seamless Mac backup and recovery, along with cross-platform sharing for Windows and Linux clients.
• Can I link this NAS to multiple devices or use it in a larger network? Absolutely. With dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can enable link aggregation for higher throughput or configure failover to maximize uptime across a busy office network. In addition, SMB, NFS, and AFP protocols enable easy sharing with mixed environments.
• What kind of management is available? The TeraStation 5420 includes a web-based management console for setup, user and share administration, backup scheduling, and remote monitoring. This simplifies ongoing maintenance for IT staff and ensures consistent performance for end users.