Buffalo TeraStation 5420RN 16TB Rackmount 4-Bay NAS Server

Overview

The Buffalo TS5420RN1604 is a rackmount network attached storage (NAS) server designed to provide 16 TB of reliable on-premise storage in a compact four-bay chassis. Equipped with four 4 TB drives, it offers immediate capacity for data protection and sharing. Powered by an Annapurna Labs AL524 quad-core processor and 8 GB of DDR4 memory, this NAS handles file transfers, multi-user access, and scheduled backups efficiently, even during peak usage.

Its hot-swap drive trays allow for seamless drive replacement or upgrades without interrupting service, making it suitable for environments where uptime is critical. The device supports multiple RAID configurations to balance performance and data redundancy, while its network interfaces include dual 1 GbE ports and a 10 GbE RJ45 port for high-speed connectivity.

Key features

• Hot-swap drive trays enable drive replacement or expansion without downtime, ensuring continuous access to data.
• Multiple RAID modes (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD) provide flexible options for balancing speed and data protection.
• Hardware-based 256-bit encryption safeguards stored data, with optional two-factor authentication enhancing login security.
• Integration with popular cloud services like Dropbox, Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, and OneDrive supports hybrid cloud backup and off-site replication.
• Dual 1 GbE ports and a 10 GbE RJ45 port offer adaptable network connectivity to meet varying bandwidth demands.
• Tool-free management interface simplifies setup and ongoing administration, reducing IT workload.
• Link aggregation and failover features maintain network availability and prevent service interruptions.

Key specs

• Storage capacity: 16 TB (four 4 TB drives pre-installed)
• Processor: Annapurna Labs AL524 quad-core
• Memory: 8 GB DDR4
• Drive bays: 4 hot-swappable
• Network interfaces: 2 x 1 GbE ports, 1 x 10 GbE RJ45 port
• RAID support: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD
• Encryption: Hardware-based 256-bit AES

Connectivity and compatibility

This NAS server supports a range of network environments with its combination of two 1 GbE ports and a 10 GbE RJ45 port, allowing it to fit into both standard office networks and high-throughput setups such as media production or virtualization. The device’s compatibility with major cloud storage providers enables seamless hybrid backup strategies, keeping primary data local for fast access while maintaining secure off-site copies for disaster recovery.

Ideal uses and environments

The TeraStation 5420RN is well suited for small to mid-size businesses that require a dependable file server or centralized storage for creative projects, surveillance footage, or virtual machine snapshots. Its rackmount design fits neatly into server rooms or branch office racks, and the hot-swap capability ensures minimal disruption during maintenance. IT teams will appreciate the straightforward management and robust security features, making it a strong choice for environments where data integrity and availability are priorities.