BlackArmor NAS Network Storage Server

[AlanM]

The update is available for download here.

Please also see Document ID: 217171 for more information about it.

[CyberMaxX]

Nice to see some of the major issues & complaints being addressed by the firmware.
Also nice to see some Documentation about those changes being made available for all to read.

With that said...

We still don't see anything for the issues with Active Directory Integration that have been reported or any resolution to the Device becoming the Domain Master Browser in a windows environment and failing at that, thus causing issues with any Window Client Workstations associated to the same domain as the NAS Device and the ability of their Network Neighborhood to display other devices present on the network.

Can we get some kind of Progress report on those issues?

Cheers

[Chuck Tribolet]

This thread is stickied twice.

Chuck

[forcetwelve]

this update seems to have fixed the permissions issues i was encountering in snow leopard on a mac.

just for my peace of mind, can someone tell me if this was something that has been addressed in the update?

[Ricks_Net]

Does this new firmware address any of the backup speed issues some were encountering with the NAS-220.   (Issues separate from the well documented D-Link router problems.)

Thanks,

Rick

[Steve Bass]

Even with this firmware upgrade, there's no getting around that the BA440 is very slow. File transfers max out at 7 MB/s.

Some users blame the router (I've got an old Linksys BEFSR41), but I say that's immaterial. Seagate just screwed up the design and can't -- or more likely won't -- fix it.

Lots of people seem to like www.synology.com products, an alternative I'm trying.

--Steve

[Steve Bass]

Even with this firmware upgrade, there's no getting around that the BA440 is very slow. File transfers max out at 7 MB/s.

Some users blame the router (I've got an old Linksys BEFSR41), but I say that's immaterial. Seagate just screwed up the design and can't -- or more likely won't -- fix it.

Lots of people seem to like www.synology.com products, an alternative I'm trying.

--Steve

[csy2002]

Hi,

Has anyone managed to set up Time Machine without with the show unsupported devices turned on?

I've tried but the NAS still doesn't show up in Time Machine with unsupported devices turned off.  With unsupported devices turned on I can connect to the NAS but it won't create the sparebundle.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Chris

[Chuck Tribolet]

Steve, your BEFSR41 is 100 mbit/second Ethernet.  If you are getting 7 mByte/second, that's 8*7 = 56mbit/second without overhead, and more like 70 mbit/second with overhead.  You are doing just fine, esp. with a consumer-grade router.

Chuck.

[Steve Bass]

Edited:

The file transfer speed is just as bad with the Actiontec router: 5.3 to 6MB/s.

_____________________

Holy moly, Chuck, I never knew that my router was so slow. Thanks for pointing it out!

I'm going to install an Actiontec RI408 8 Port Ethernet Router ("Integrated wired netwoing with 8 port 10/100Mbps Ethernet switch more). The specs say the speed is "LAN Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing."

I'll let you know here how that affects the BA440.

Again, thanks.

--Steve

[Chuck Tribolet]

That's not surprising.  Your new router has the specs as the old one: 100 megabits pers second.

The BlackArmor has 1000 mega bit ports.  How close it can get to that with the new firmware remains to be seen.

Chuck

[CyberMaxX]

Steve -

As chuck pointed out - it's the way you have your network setup that's producing the SLOW speeds.

In order to see higher speeds you need to upgrade the network path between your NAS and your Devices.

The NAS already comes equipped with a 1000 mega bit ethernet port  it needs to be plugged into a switch that also supports 1000 mega bits (There usually labled 10/100/1000) and any devices that you wish to have connected to the NAS to see a higher speed through put must also have a 1000 mega bit ethernet ports and connected to the same 1000 mega bit switch.

As Chuck pointed out in his math  if you are seeing 7MB (which is MegaBytes - note: it takes 8 Bits to make 1 Byte) then 7*8 = 56(MB MegaBytes) and as he stated along with the network overhead it's probably around 70-80MB and that's about optimum for a home grade network where the equipment is running on  a 100 mega bit switch/routers with most likely 100mb ethernet cards along with home grade ethernet cables.

Hope this post helps to clear things up for you.

Cheers

[Steve Bass]

CyberMax and Chuck,

Thanks for clarifying and educating.

My current network setup: 2 PCs, 1 notebook, NAS, and a media playing device.

Here's what I think I understand:

1. Three things limit the speed: My router (100 megabits pers second), my Ethernet card (100Mbps), and the Cat5 cabling.

2. For faster file transfers, I need a Gigabyte Ethernet card, Cat6 (or Cat5e) cabling, and a Gigabyte switch (not a Gigabit switch).(They're cheap -- a D-Link is about $30.)

Question: Do the switch and router interact -- or does the switch replace the router? Or do I really need a Switch/router combo?

--Steve

[Chuck Tribolet]

Giga  BYTE switches are NOT cheap.  Giga BIT switches, which is all you need with the BA family today, are not

terribly expensive (my last Gigabit switch, + Wireless G switch + router was about $125 a year and a half ago).

Anything over GigaBIT isn't going to help BA performance. 

You need GigaBIT on the whole path.  Adapter card on the PC, switch/router in the path, and the BA (which is gigBIT).  If you have a router above the switch, it's not involved in traffic between BA and computer.  If the cables

are relatively short, Cat5 may well suffice.  I'd replace the hardware (which you KNOW you need to replace) and see what happens before pulling new cables.

Chuck

[CyberMaxX]

Steve Bass -

Also wanted to jump in and point out - there are Known issues in regards to the Blackarmor NAS being compatible with D-Link equipment so keep this in mind if you decide to upgrade your network.

With that said -

Some more clarification for you:

Don't expect say your Wireless Laptop to connect faster to the NAS because the NAS is now connected to a Gigabit switch. Or say your Home Theater Device because it may still be connected via a 100mb Ehternet connection.

Cheers

Edit: My Cheezy Diagram of a small home network -                                                                       
                                                               
                      Wide Area Network                                                      /L/
                (ip.address.provider.assigned)                                        /L/         Local Area Network
                                                                                                       /A/           (192.168.xxx.xxx)
                         Your ISP Jack                                                       /W/
((The Internets))+=======+[Cable/DSL Modem]+=====+[Wireless Router]+===========+[Gigabit Switch]===Game_Console
                                                                                                    /E/     O                                 ||           ||      ||
                                                                                                   /R/      +                                  ||           ||      ||
                                                                                                  / I /      o o                                Home   NAS Computer
                                                                                                 /F/      o   OWireless_Laptop    Theater
                                                                                                          o                                      PC
                                                                                                         OWireless_PDA                                                         

[citricacid]

Hello, I have no DLInk switch, instead a Zyxel GS108b.

When tranferring files via Filezilla ftp from the NAS 220 to my PC, I get rates at about 91 MB/s. When using Windows File Copy (SMB), I get 20 MB/s. In comparison, a PC to PC Windows File Copy over the same switch in Windows 7 is about 70 MB/s.

I think it is the SMB implementation of the NAS 220 which lacks performance.

And also, mounting the NAS via FTP in Windows Explorer doesn't work any more since firmware 1091.

I think Seagate should very quickly provide a fix regarding this.

[blackarmour]

Any news about fixing the SAMBA service (NAS intermittently dropping off network / failing during multiple / large file copy)?  I have had 3 NAS replacements over 6 weeks.  The current replacement is only working because it is the original firmware, and I have no intention of upgrading it!

[Soil_Man1]

Will this firmware update auto install or must it be done manually? I just checked my NAS 110 and it has version 1000.0331 system update says no update is available. Is there any chance updating to the new firmware will crash the NAS and cause loss of files? Thia is my only backup and would crud my pants if I kill it.

---

[Kabadiyski]

Unfortunately there is a new sever issue with media folders with the new firmware which ugently needs attention. In each media folder exposed by the Media service now the system creates a .tb folder with picture icons. While the idea of separating media catalog items from the media files is certainly good, the permissions set on the .tb folder are root r--x--t making it inpossible even fot the NAS Admin user to delete this folder and its content. This makes it also inpossible to delete any of the parent folders containing the .tb folder.

Please provide a service to remove the media system folders or a way to access the NAS server via telnet and change the root password!

Best Regards,

Mario Kabadiyski

[Sector]

Ok ... it's been several months since the last firmware update and plenty of bugs have been posted. Any news on when the next update is to be released?

I thought it was stated that every couple of months.

[oldjohn]

I'd really like to do this update and I have downloaded the image file for a manual update. The procedure provided says to open your browser (no problem there and "launch the BlackArmor Web User Interface (UI)". This is where I am lost. How is this done? I've tried starting the discovery program, clicking "view drive details" then clicking "manage". I then enter userid and password but the window this brings up doesn't look like the "status page". Ther is no firmware update link on the left side, only-

ACCESS

folder share

permissions

change password

downloader

recycle bin

global access

QUESTION - Is this the correct page and if not, how do I get the "Web UI" status page?

HELP! I'm lost.....

[CyberMaxX]

oldjohn -

When you start your browser enter  http://your.nas.ip.address  for the URL to access the NAS's admin page via a web browser.

For instance my NAS has an IP address assigned as 192.168.100.5   so I would enter  http://192.168.100.5 on the URL line.

Cheers

[oldjohn]

Many thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. Unfortunately it gives me the same page as I mentioned

earlier.

John

[CyberMaxX]

oldjohn -

Make sure your working with the "System" page.

Look near the top of the Administrations Web UI page for the word "System"  Click on the word itself.

This will then load the "Systems Page" Where on the left side you should  now see once the page refresh occurs:

The page header In BOLD System

followed by a list of items pertinent to setting up or checking the System:

System Status

General Setup

Email Setup

Admin Password

Firmware Update

Advanced

S.M.A.R.T Manager

UPS Manager

Backup Client License

Shut Down / Reboot

Click on the words "Firmware Update" to bring up the "Firmware Update Page"

Cheers

[Rhinode]

I can confirm this:

The SMB implementation is the reason for the slow speeds!

I just bought a new NAS220(updated to latest firmware) and was a bit disappointed by the speed.

When I use standard copy via SMB i can write only with 3-4MB/s      (with 100MBit switch)

I tried to connect directely to my PC (which has a gigabit networkcard) and got just  a slight improvement with 5MB/s

Now I tried writing over FTP and I get about 7 MB/s  (still the 100MBit switch).

Tomorrow I will try FTP with a Gigabit-switch,

hope that helps...

[philg]

My NAS110 reports firmware 1000.0361

This "latest" firmware update is 1000.1211

SO WHY DOESN'T MY NAS UPDATE ITSELF AUTOMATICALLY???

It just says "No update is available." - which is patently not true!

I'll do a manual update when I get around to it, but what's the point of providing automatic updating of formware if it isn't automatic!!

Phil G

[Chuck Tribolet]

Because Seagate has never turned on the automatic firmware update stuff.

It's sure been a long time since the last firmware update.  I'm not holding my breath.

[philg]

In OCTOBER LAST YEAR, someone mentioned that

"Unfortunately there is a new sever issue with media folders with the new firmware which ugently needs attention. In each media folder exposed by the Media service now the system creates a .tb folder with picture icons. While the idea of separating media catalog items from the media files is certainly good, the permissions set on the .tb folder are root r--x--t making it inpossible even fot the NAS Admin user to delete this folder and its content. This makes it also inpossible to delete any of the parent folders containing the .tb folder."

Now that I have upgraded MY NAS to the latest firmware, I now have the same issue

WHERE IS THE FIX???

Phil G

[philg]

Well, I've been doing some testing on this, and it's smarter than I gave it credit for!

If you have a folder with images in, then you DO get a .tb subfolder wth the thumbnails (which you cannot delete). BUT If you delete images from the PARENt folder, then (fairly quickly) the thumbnails magically disappear!

If you delete ALL the images in the parent folder, then even the .tb folder disappears too!

So things are not quite as bad as they seem

Phil G

[h2o2u]

OldJohn,

Did you get to the Admin page? Typing in an IP address didn't work for me either, as it does for accessing my provider's router and my router/switch. I accessed the Admin page through Windows Explorer in Windows 7, where it sees NAS as a device, click on it for Login page. My Network Places in XP also gets me to the Admin page.

[oldjohn]

Many thanks! That worked for me too. It's hard to believe I couldn't get that from

the "tech support" folks.

Again, my gratitude and thanks.

John

[danielevans]

Interestingly on my BA110 with the new 1221 fw..

my Snow Leopard Mac, has now started backing up to my main data volume, not one that I created specifically to have the time machine data separate, which used to work perfectly, until now...

DataVolume		59%	1.47 TB
TimeMachine		0%	325.24 GB

I think seagate rushed this new firmware out... (again)

[danielevans]

Interestingly on my BA110 with the new 1221 fw..

my Snow Leopard Mac, has now started backing up to my main data volume, not one that I created specifically to have the time machine data separate, which used to work perfectly, until now...

DataVolume		59%	1.47 TB
TimeMachine		0%	325.24 GB

I think seagate rushed this new firmware out... (again)

[danielevans]

Great info on latest f/w with TimeMachine here:  http://forums.seagate.com/t5/BlackArmor-NAS-Network-Storage/Blackarmor-220-still-not-working-with-Ti...

[huntermic]

Version: BA NAS 400 series – 4000.1281Release Notes:

There are new features and bugs fixes for the entire line up as well as some new features thatwill only be for the BA NAS 400 series product.

New Features:

1. Support for MAC OS Lion’s Apple Time Machine

2.Server Configuration Tool:○ Simplify multiple unit deployment- VAR / System Integrators- ROBO business

3. New Kernel which provides increased performance and security

● New Linux Kernel - version 2.6.31.8 with LSP version 5.1.3

● Increased Security by upgraded to php version 4.4.9 Increased performance:

● Significant increases in performance

iSCSI read - 100% increase

iSCSI write - 35% increase

SAMBA read - 15% increase

SAMBA write - 10% increase

Bug Fix:New shares created with this firmware will be able to delete hidden / system files (.tb files)

[SBMongoos]

Since I have the 220 how can I determine which of these update applies.  I'm more motivated to update if some of this updates apply to my NAS.  If only smaller upate I'm likely not to bother so I won't risk running into problems.

Based on what I'm reading (above) the following:

1. Support for MAC OS Lion’s Apple Time Machine

2.Server Configuration Tool:○ Simplify multiple unit deployment- VAR / System Integrators- ROBO business

3. New Kernel which provides increased performance and security

● New Linux Kernel - version 2.6.31.8 with LSP version 5.1.3

● Increased Security by upgraded to php version 4.4.9 Increased performance:

● Significant increases in performance

iSCSI read - 100% increase

iSCSI write - 35% increase

SAMBA read - 15% increase

SAMBA write - 10% increase

ONLY apply to the 440.

[getexsm]

why did they even remove the Firmware ? was it that bad ?

 my 440NAS (6tb) is running with it right now, a slight speed increase but still some error.

[jlsusa]

whats bad is the 400 dont work with OSX lion and seagate dont seem to be doing anything about this

john

[jlsusa]

have put some stuff on facbook

on the seagate support on facebook the final advice was to ring the network support for help once the upgrade was applied.

WHAT UPGRADE

are they that stupid !!!

john

[csy2002]

Perhaps they are refering to the latest version of Firmware which resolves the problems with OSX Lion.
Those problems were caused by Apple btw.

[jlsusa]

not sure i agree

yes apple changed some code in the beta of lion , so it was there for all to see

other vendors have resolved this

Seagate have resolved on the 200 series , but the hardware upgrade they delivered for the 400 was pulled by

Seagate as it was RUBBISH

sorry but this is a Seagate issue.  The 440 is the top of the range and is SOLD as being compatible with osx 10.4 and up and with time machine. Their is no health warning which says these devices will not work on LION.

SO they are not being truthful and give no indications of delivery time. This is not a small piece of kit

john

john

[csy2002]

For your reference:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2390376,00.asp#fbid=Bb5vUC-rfin

To quote from the article:

" the current Netatalk maintainer, NetAFP.com decided to make this important release closed source, only releasing it to customers who are paying for commercial support (looks like you're lucky if you own a Netgear or Drobo NAS!)."

John, this product has stunk from the off.  In my desperate search to get this thing working I have read just about every problem from AD integration to questionable Gigabit links.  This thing does everything that it says on the tin, eventually and then very badly.

My advice to you, put it back in the box and get ANYTHING but a Seagate.  After two years of this crud

[ Edited to comply with forum guidelines ]

 I am selling it and never ever wasting my hard earned money on another Seagate product.

[jlsusa]

apprecaite the advice

trouble is my 200 unit is fine

I can junk the 440 , take out drives and put in another NAS but cannot believe seagate are paying such little interest. So I have put it on Facebook and will try and make them suffer like me a customer has suffered.

john

[wb]

What happened to the 4000.1381 firmware update for the NAS440 - is there a reason it was pulled?

[asheenlevrai]

Hi,

Apparently now the latest version is 4000.1211

http://knowledge.seagate.com/articles/en_US/FAQ/217171en?language=en_US

they apparently also removed the 4000.1311 firmware.

EDIT: apparently, 4000.1311 can still be found here

http://www.seagate.com/support/external-hard-drives/network-storage/blackarmor-nas-440/ba-firmware-m...

-a-

[Des_Piser]

4000.1381 can still be found here

http://www.seagate.com/files/www-content/support-content/external-products/blackarmor-nas/_shared/do...

Aren't they a shambles?

[Chuck Tribolet]

That's another 100 megaBIT router.  Same problem.

Chuck

[Caraxnl]

When is a new firmware coming?

[rayIL]

I just got the NAS 440 and there is a lot of mis-information on board and on the net. It came with firmware 1101, but I found 1311 and applied it, but then I see they took this down and moved back to 12xx. I then see 1381 is on forum. Can't seagate please clear this up. Even there update page does NOT list the firmware version.

It's hard to believe that it has not been updated since last year. I see a lot of posts all bad mouthing this equipment, I am starting to wonder if I should even try to use it. Should I pack it back up and go with another manufacture? Seagate always seems to be great on the drive side, is NAS outside their expertise?

Can someone please comment

[AlanM]

Check this out, please.

[SBMongoos]

So can anyone, for once, what is all included in this update or is it only the Global Access.  If that's it I'm not going to bother.  But if they've improved performance or other worthwhile tweaks I'd consider it. For once it would be nice for Seagate to list what is in their f/w updates.  It gives people a clue!! 

Also, it's been so long since I updated last, when you udpate the f/w does it blow away your settings or does it keep everything as was?