Patriot Gauntlet Node Wi-Fi Storage Enclosure Review
Introduction & Specs
There are a couple of inconveniences of modern connected living that Patriot Memory is trying to address with a product called the Gauntlet Node. One is the problem of storage; the only computer or mobile device we have--and you know that we have quite a few--that isn’t constantly running out of local storage is our big desktop system. Whether it’s due to our packrat-like tendencies (hey, we might need our college geology notes someday, and then who will be laughing at whom?), our prolific shutterbugging, our library of music and movies, or the need to maintain secure backups of all of it, file storage is a nagging problem.
Then of course there’s the issue of actually accessing files. Setting up a home media server has long been the solution to that problem, but configuration and management can be a pain, not to mention expensive if you put together a dedicated PC for the task.
The Gauntlet Node is a wireless hard drive enclosure that offers a possible solution to both problems; it’s a self-contained portable media server that supports bulk storage (hard drives and SSDs) and can stream via WiFi to up to 8 devices simultaneously.
No wireless device would be worth a damn without adequate security features, and the Gauntlet Node thankfully has a few built in. You can leave the Node unsecured if you like (Pro tip: don’t), or you can opt for WEP, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK. Predictably, you can choose your preferred WPA encryption mode (TKIP, AES, or TKIPAES) and set a passphrase.
One of the most attractive features of the Gauntlet Node is that because the device creates its own hotspot and runs on a battery that promises up to 5.5 hours of life while streaming, you can set it up anywhere very quickly. Measuring just 3.39 x 5.47 x .96 inches (WxLxD), the Node is also roughly the size of a typical external hard drive and is easy to stash in a laptop bag, hand bag, or even a cargo pants pocket, if you don’t mind the bulge.
In the box, you’ll get the actual Gauntlet Node hard drive enclosure as well as a power adapter with a separate USB power cable, a USB 3.0-to-USB3.0 B cable, all the appropriate clips and screws, and a trio of installation and quick start guides.
Then of course there’s the issue of actually accessing files. Setting up a home media server has long been the solution to that problem, but configuration and management can be a pain, not to mention expensive if you put together a dedicated PC for the task.
The Gauntlet Node is a wireless hard drive enclosure that offers a possible solution to both problems; it’s a self-contained portable media server that supports bulk storage (hard drives and SSDs) and can stream via WiFi to up to 8 devices simultaneously.
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| Dimensions: Weight: Wifi Standards: Transfer Rate: Antenna Type: Internal Interface: WiFi Security: External Ports: Battery Type: HDD Form Factor: Max HDD Support: Max Connections: Warranty: |
3.39” (D) x 5.47” (W) x .96” (H) 182.5 grams Wifi 802.11 b/g/n Up to 150 Mbit transfer rate Embedded PCB antenna SATA II WPA Security 1 x USB 3.0 external data port (USB 2.0 backwards compatible) Lithium-ion polymer battery up to 5.5 hours continuous streaming Fits 2.5 inch HDD/SSD Up to 2TB Up to 8 devices 2 Years (Limited) |
You can use any 2.5-inch HDD or SSD of adequate thinness, and the maximum capacity the Gauntlet Node supports is 2TB for hard drives and 480GB for SSDs. The interior interface is SATA II, and the device features 802.11 b/g/n WiFi connectivity. Finally, you can expect maximum transfer rates of up to 150Mbps over this link.
No wireless device would be worth a damn without adequate security features, and the Gauntlet Node thankfully has a few built in. You can leave the Node unsecured if you like (Pro tip: don’t), or you can opt for WEP, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK. Predictably, you can choose your preferred WPA encryption mode (TKIP, AES, or TKIPAES) and set a passphrase.
;)
In the box, you’ll get the actual Gauntlet Node hard drive enclosure as well as a power adapter with a separate USB power cable, a USB 3.0-to-USB3.0 B cable, all the appropriate clips and screws, and a trio of installation and quick start guides.
