ASCII.jp Let's use Drobo to back up your iPhone's photo and video data!

ASCII.jp Let's use Drobo to back up your iPhone's photo and video data!

Network attached storage "Drobo 5N2" from Drobo. In Japan, Princeton, which is familiar with computer peripherals, acts as an agent and provides sales and support.

Apple has launched a new iPhone 12 series that supports 5G. Many people are thinking about changing models from the old model on this occasion? At that time, data migration to new devices tends to become a problem. In particular, large amounts of data such as photos and videos taken are a source of trouble.

Apple's New iPhone 12 Pro

If the capacity is small, it can be easily transferred via Apple's cloud service "iCloud", but since 5GB is the upper limit for free users, there are many people who say, "It's not enough to transfer all the data!" Should be.

Therefore, I would like to recommend the use of NAS (Network Attached Storage), which can back up the data of various devices via the network. Especially with the popular Drobo NAS model, which is easy to handle even for beginners, setting up and linking with the iPhone is never difficult. Here, we will introduce its features, how to introduce it, and how to use it in detail.

NAS-type Drobo with expandable functions with apps

External storage such as USB memory and USB HDD (Direct Attached Storage = Direct Attached Storage) is the first candidate for large-capacity data backup recording media. DAS). However, while it is easy to handle, there are restrictions such as the shape of the terminal must be matched for connection. For example, a product that uses a general USB terminal cannot be connected to an iPhone with a Lightning terminal as it is. On the other hand, products with Lightning terminals cannot be directly connected to smartphones other than iPhones and PCs, and lack versatility.

ASCII.jp Using Drobo Back up your iPhone's photo and video data!

So NAS is the next candidate. This is an external storage that is used by connecting to a router or switching hub with a LAN cable, and can exchange data with multiple devices on the same network at the same time. With a NAS connected to a Wi-Fi router, data can be exchanged wirelessly without a physical connection to an iPhone or PC. It's especially useful if you want to share storage with family or colleagues at home or in the office.

Drobo has both a DAS model that connects directly to a PC with a USB cable and a NAS model that connects to a network. Among the NAS models, the one that is affordable and easy to introduce is the “Drobo 5N2” introduced this time.

Use the Drobo 5N2 by connecting it to the rear port of the main unit and a port such as a Wi-Fi router with a LAN cable.

Drobo 5N2 is a product called "NAS kit" that you prepare and set up your own HDD, unlike the finished product type that has a built-in HDD from the beginning. Although it requires some effort, it is possible to realize a large capacity of up to 64 TB by installing up to 5 HDDs of any capacity. Even so, it is not necessary to install all five units from the beginning, and you can start using it by installing at least two HDDs. In addition, when the capacity becomes insufficient, the capacity can be increased simply by adding a new HDD to the empty slot or replacing the installed HDD.

The Drobo 5N2 can be equipped with up to 5 HDDs. No tools are required to add or replace the HDD, and it can be easily attached and detached by hand even while the main unit is in operation.

In addition, the Drobo 5N2 has an app store "DroboApps" similar to the App Store on the iPhone, where you can install genuine apps and third-party apps to expand the functionality. . This is a feature unique to Drobo, which has users all over the world.

A screenshot of the DroboApps app store for the Drobo 5N2. You can extend the functions of Drobo with various apps

There is also an app called "DroboAccess" that can realize cloud storage like iCloud using Drobo. If you use it, you can access Drobo at home with iPhone from outside and transfer files, or upload photos and video data taken with iPhone to Drobo. Apart from that, there is also an application called "DroboPix" that can automatically transfer photos and videos taken with smartphones such as iPhone to Drobo. If you use these, you can smartly solve the problem of how to back up large amounts of data that bothers you when you change models.

An iPhone app is also available so that you can easily use the functions of "DroboAccess" and "DroboPix". Both are available for free

You may think, "It certainly looks convenient, but it may be difficult for beginners to set up," but the low technical hurdles are also a major feature of Drobo. From here, let's introduce how to actually introduce the Drobo 5N2, build your own cloud storage, and link it with your iPhone. You'll find it's easier than you think.