What is Drobo?
Drobo is a brand of external storage devices for computers. They're known for being highly user-friendly and their unique ability to combine drives of different sizes into one pool of storage using a technology called BeyondRAID. With Drobo, you get the benefit of data protection, easy expandability, and minimal configuration efforts.
Can Drobo automatically repair itself if a drive fails?
Yes, Drobo can automatically repair itself if one of the drivers fails. This is thanks to its BeyondRAID technology, which distributes data across the drives so that if one fails, your data is still safe. You can simply replace the failed drive with a new one, and Drobo will rebuild the data on the new drive without losing any data.
Does Drobo support solid-state drives alongside traditional hard drives?
Yes, you can use both solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) within the same Drobo unit. This flexibility allows you to improve your storage for both speed and capacity, taking advantage of the faster access times of SSDs for often accessed files and the larger storage capacity of HDDs for bulk data.
How do I know when it's time to expand my Drobo's storage?
Your Drobo dashboard software will notify you when it's time to expand your storage. If the space is filled to a certain threshold, your Drobo will light up an indicator LED next to the drive bay that needs attention, signaling you to add a drive in the empty slot or replace an existing drive with a higher capacity one.
Can I connect my Drobo to a network for shared access?
Some Drobo models are specifically designed for network attach via Ethernet, allowing multiple users to access the storage simultaneously over a local network. These network-attached storage (NAS) Drobo's are ideal for small offices or home networks where shared access to files is beneficial.
Does Drobo have any features to protect against data corruption?
Yes, in addition to BeyondRAID for drive failure protection, Drobo incorporates added layers of data protection against corruption. This includes battery backup to protect data in the cache if power is suddenly lost, ensuring that data in transit to the drives is not lost or corrupted.
What file systems can I use with Drobo?
Drobo supports various file systems, depending on the model and the connected operating system. Commonly supported file systems include NTFS (New Technology File System) for Windows and ext3/ext4 for Linux® environments. This makes Drobo highly versatile and compatible with most computer systems.
Can I use Drobo for streaming media to devices on my network?
Yes, when connected over a network, Drobo can serve as a powerful media server. By storing your movies, music, and photos on Drobo and using media server software compatible with your Drobo model, you can stream content directly to computers, smart TVs, and other devices on your network.
What happens if I need more space than a single Drobo can provide?
If you need more space than your current Drobo can provide, you have a few options. You can replace existing drives with larger ones to increase capacity, or you can add another Drobo unit and daisy-chain it to your existing one, if your model supports it, significantly expanding your storage potential.
How does Drobo make managing storage easier for someone without technical knowledge?
Drobo devices are designed with simplicity in mind. BeyondRAID technology automates many of the complexities of traditional RAID configurations, like expanding storage or recovering from a drive failure. The Drobo dashboard software provides an intuitive interface to check and manage your Drobo's health and settings, making it accessible even for users with minimal technical background.
Can I encrypt data on my Drobo for added security?
Encrypting data on your Drobo can enhance security by ensuring only authorized users can access the stored information. While Drobo devices themselves may not offer built-in encryption, you can use third-party software to encrypt files before storing them on the Drobo. This adds a layer of protection, protecting your data from unauthorized access. Be sure to choose reliable encryption software and keep your encryption keys secure to keep the integrity and confidentiality of your data.
Does Drobo offer a way to back up my data externally?
While Drobo itself acts as a robust backup solution, backing up data stored on Drobo to an external service or device is good practice. Many Drobo devices can integrate with third-party cloud services or direct attachment to another storage device for backing up, offering an added layer of data protection.
How quickly can Drobo transfer data?
The data transfer speed of a Drobo device depends on the model and type of connection used (e.g., USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, Gigabit Ethernet). Some of the latest models support high-speed connections that can significantly reduce the time to transfer large amounts of data, making them suitable for tasks that require quick access to large files.
Can I remotely access my Drobo?
Yes, you can access your Drobo remotely, by setting up remote access features. This typically involves configuring your Drobo device with a static IP address and enabling remote access through your router's settings. You might also use a VPN for secure access or other services that ease remote connections. Ensure your Drobo's firmware is up-to-date and that you have strong security measures, like robust passwords, to protect your data while accessing it remotely.
Is Drobo compatible with virtualization environments for professional use?
Yes, Drobo devices can be used in virtualization environments, such as those managed with VMware or Hyper-V. This compatibility allows professionals and businesses to leverage Drobo storage for virtual machines, providing a flexible and scalable storage solution that can grow with their virtualization needs.
Can Drobo be configured for dual-disk redundancy?
Yes, certain Drobo models offer dual-disk redundancy, which enhances data protection by allowing the system to survive up to two simultaneous drive failures without data loss. This setting is particularly useful for those who store critical data and need an added layer of security beyond the standard single-drive redundancy offered by most storage devices.
Is it possible to schedule backups with Drobo?
Yes, Drobo allows you to schedule backups using either Drobo's own software solutions. This flexibility ensures that users can automate their backup processes, providing peace of mind that their data is securely copied without manual intervention.
Can Drobo be used directly with smart TVs or consoles for media access?
While Drobo storage devices themselves do not connect directly to smart TVs or game consoles, they can be accessed through a network. If connected to a media server or computer that acts as a media sharing hub, Drobo's can store media files like movies, music, and photos that smart TVs and consoles access over a home network.
