Buffalo TS51220RH SAN/NAS Storage System

Experience enterprise-grade storage with the Buffalo TS51220RH, a robust 12-bay SAN/NAS storage system designed to meet the needs of growing businesses. This Terastation model combines high-capacity storage, flexible data protection, and seamless multi-protocol access to support everyday collaboration, media workflows, backups, and virtualization workloads. In the showcased configuration, it provides a total of 16 TB of reliable storage, delivering ample space for shared folders, project archives, and critical databases while maintaining fast, easy access for teams across locations. Built for 24/7 operation, the TS51220RH is engineered to boost productivity, simplify administration, and safeguard your data with proven reliability and efficient energy use.

• 12-bay NAS/SAN storage with 16TB total capacity in the tested configuration, offering generous room for team projects, shared folders, and media libraries. This versatile multi-drive chassis combines the convenience of a Network Attached Storage with the performance and flexibility of a Storage Area Network, enabling both file-level and block-level access for a wide range of applications.
• Flexible data protection and RAID options with support for multiple RAID levels (including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10) and JBOD, helping you optimize for performance, capacity, and redundancy. Hot-swappable drives simplify maintenance, minimize downtime, and keep your workloads online while upgrades or repairs are performed.
• Reliable networking and multi-protocol access featuring dual Ethernet ports for improved throughput and failover. The TS51220RH supports common file-sharing and block-access protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, and iSCSI, giving you the flexibility to integrate with Windows, macOS, Linux, virtualization hosts, and cloud-ready workflows.
• User-friendly management and remote access with Buffalo’s intuitive NAS OS. Centralized administration, simple shares and user permissions, and proactive health monitoring help IT teams manage storage effortlessly. Remote access and mobile-friendly tools enable on-the-go management and quick issue resolution.
• Comprehensive backup, replication, and cloud-ready features that streamline business continuity. Schedule local backups, replicate to another Terastation or compatible device, and leverage cloud integration options to safeguard data offsite while keeping restores fast and reliable.

Technical Details of Buffalo TS51220RH SAN/NAS Storage System

• Model: TS51220RH
• Bays: 12 hot-swappable SATA bays
• Total capacity: 16 TB (configured setup; capacity varies by drive selection and expansion)
• Drive interface: SATA
• Form factor: 2U rackmount
• Operating system: Buffalo NAS OS for web-based management and monitoring
• Networking: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports for network access and failover
• Protocols: SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, and iSCSI for flexible access modes
• Raid levels: RAID 0, 1, 4/5, 6, 10 and JBOD (configurable per deployment)
• Connectivity: USB 3.0 ports for external backups and quick data transfers
• Power and reliability: Built to support steady, 24/7 operation with energy-conscious design

How to Install Buffalo TS51220RH

• Step 1: Prepare and rack. Unbox the TS51220RH and install it into a compatible 19-inch rack. Ensure adequate ventilation and a stable power source. If you already have drives, verify they are properly seated in each bay; if you are starting from scratch, plan your drive configuration before powering on.
• Step 2: Connect and power. Attach the Ethernet cables to the network ports and connect the unit to a reliable power supply. Power on the system and wait for the initial boot sequence to complete. Use a connected computer on the same network to begin setup.
• Step 3: Access the setup wizard. Open a web browser and locate the TS51220RH using the device discovery utility or by entering its default address or hostname. Launch the web-based setup wizard to initialize drives, configure RAID, and establish the first storage volumes.
• Step 4: Configure storage and users. Create RAID volumes according to your redundancy and capacity needs, then set up shared folders and user access permissions. Apply appropriate security settings and enable notifications so administrators receive alerts about health, capacity, or access events.
• Step 5: Enable backups and remote access. Define backup schedules (local, remote, or cloud-based), configure iSCSI targets if required for virtualization hosts, and set up any cloud-sync or remote replication features. Validate restoration procedures to ensure data can be recovered quickly in an event of loss or corruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is the TS51220RH a combined SAN and NAS solution? A: Yes. It provides file-level NAS access for shared folders and block-level SAN access via iSCSI, enabling versatile storage for file servers, virtualization, and intensive workloads.
• Q: What is the maximum storage capacity? A: In the provided configuration, the system is listed with 16 TB total capacity across 12 bays. Total capacity can vary based on drive size and any expansion setups.
• Q: Can I expand storage beyond the included capacity? A: Storage can be expanded by adding higher-capacity drives within the 12 bays, creating additional volumes, or integrating compatible expansion options and cloud-based backups as part of a broader data strategy.
• Q: What operating system is used? A: The TS51220RH runs Buffalo NAS OS, a web-based platform that simplifies management, monitoring, and administration of shares, users, and services.
• Q: Is this system suitable for 24/7 business workloads? A: Yes. The TS51220RH is designed for continuous operation in small to mid-sized business environments, with reliability features aimed at minimizing downtime and supporting critical data workflows.
• Q: What kinds of backups and recovery options are supported? A: The system supports local backups to attached storage, remote replication to other Buffalo Terastation devices or compatible targets, and cloud-based backup or synchronization options to help protect data offsite and facilitate quick restores.