FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Cloud Attached Storage™?
Cloud Attached Storage combines cloud services and online backup with a selection of network attached storage (NAS) appliances, ideal for home users, independent professionals and small businesses.
What is the difference between the CloudPlug and a NAS appliance?
The CloudPlug turns any external USB or eSATA hard drive into NAS, yet it offers much more by including built-in cloud services. CTERA’s cloud services include online backup, centralized monitoring, and remote management. Additional services are planned.
Do I need to install anything on my computer or network equipment to work with the CTERA CloudPlug or C200?
No. You manage the CloudPlug and C200 using a Web-based interface that you access through your Web browser. Files on the CloudPlug and C200 appear as standard network folders, and can be easily accessed from any Windows, Mac or Linux PC on the network.
Where is my data stored using CTERA's solutions?
Data is stored locally on the hard drive that is attached to the CloudPlug or on the C200 drives, then backed up to CTERA’s cloud storage network. If your purchase was part of an ISP/MSP offering, your backup data may be hosted at the service provider’s storage operations center, allowing it to be nearer to you for even better performance.
How easy is it to restore my data from online backup?
Extremely easy. Your online backup snapshots will appear as shared drives on your local network, and you can use drag & drop to copy snapshots to a local drive. Alternatively, you can access the CTERA Portal using a web browser to restore specific files and folders.
What does CTERA do to protect the privacy of my data?
Your data is encrypted during transit from local storage to online backup and is also stored online in an encrypted format. You can choose to use a passkey known only to you, which would mean that no-one would be able to access your backups. The CTERA protocol runs over SSL (Secure Socket Layer). In addition, Cloud Attached Storage devices encrypt your data using highly secure 256-bit AES encryption and robust SHA-1 digests to make sure they are not modified. These security measures are similar to those used by major banks, so you can rest assured that your data is safe.
How fast is online backup with CTERA?
The speed of your Internet connection (especially the upstream speed) is a major factor, however, CTERA’s Cloud Attached Storage solutions optimize data to maximize the speed of transfer by using differential backup (backing up only the data that changed since the previous backup), block-level de-duplication of shared content between multiple users, and data compression.
Can I connect more than one hard drive to the CloudPlug?
Yes. You can connect both a USB and eSATA hard drives at the same time. You can also connect additional USB drives by using a USB 2.0 hub.
What additional equipment will I need to use the CTERA CloudPlug?
You will need an Ethernet connection to a router for LAN and Internet connectivity, any type of external USB or eSATA hard drive for shared storage, and an electrical outlet. Nothing else is needed.
What additional equipment will I need to use the CTERA C200?
You will need an Ethernet connection to a router for LAN and Internet connectivity, one or more internal SATA or external USB hard drive for shared storage, and an electrical outlet. Nothing else is needed.
How much does the CTERA online backup service cost?
CTERA online backup is priced as follows:
- 10GB for $9.95/month
- 25GB for $19.95/month
- 50GB for $29.95/month
- 100GB for $49.95/month
- 200GB for $99.95/month
For a limited time, reduced price bundles that include a Cloud Attached Storage appliance and online backup services are available:
- CTERA CloudPlug + 10GB Online Backup Service (1Yr): $199
- CTERA C200 + 10GB Online Backup Service (1Yr): $499
