What is DLNA and how does it work?

DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance. It is a set of guidelines and standards that enable sharing and streaming of media content between different devices within a network. DLNA allows various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, to communicate and share media files seamlessly.DLNA works by establishing a local area network (LAN) and creating a media server-client relationship. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:Media Server: A device, such as a computer or network-attached storage (NAS), acts as a media server. It stores and manages media files like photos, videos, and music.Media Renderer: Devices like smart TVs, game consoles, or speakers act as media renderers. They can receive and play media content.Media Controller: A device, such as a smartphone or tablet, acts as a media controller. It discovers available media servers and controls the playback of media on renderers.Discovery: The media controller scans the network for DLNA-certified devices (servers and renderers) and creates a list of available devices.Content Sharing: Once the media controller identifies the media server, it can browse and select specific media files to share or stream.Transcoding (if required): If the media format is not supported by the renderer, the media server may transcode the file into a compatible format on-the-fly.Playback: The media controller instructs the selected renderer to play the media file.Control: The media controller can pause, stop, skip, or adjust the playback volume remotely.DLNA uses standard protocols like UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to facilitate device discovery, media file browsing, and content streaming. It simplifies the process of accessing and enjoying media content across different devices within a home network.

How does the NAS QNAP TL-D400S utilize DLNA protocol for media streaming?

The QNAP TL-D400S is a storage expansion device that is designed to work with NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems. It does not directly utilize the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) protocol for media streaming. However, the QNAP NAS systems that the TL-D400S is compatible with, such as the QNAP TS-453D or TS-653D, do support DLNA streaming. These NAS systems have built-in DLNA server applications that allow you to stream media content to DLNA-certified devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, or media players.To utilize DLNA streaming with a QNAP NAS, you need to set up the DLNA server on the NAS and configure it according to your preferences. This typically involves selecting the folders or files you want to make available for streaming, specifying media library settings, and enabling DLNA services.Once the DLNA server is set up, you can access the media content stored on the QNAP NAS through a DLNA client on your DLNA-certified device. The DLNA client will discover and display the available media content, allowing you to browse and stream videos, music, or photos directly to your device over the network.It's important to note that while the TL-D400S itself does not directly support DLNA streaming, it expands the storage capacity of a compatible QNAP NAS, allowing you to store more media content that can be accessed and streamed through DLNA.

Can you explain the benefits and limitations of using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device?

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows for the sharing of media files across different devices on a home network. When using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device, there are several benefits and limitations to consider:Benefits of using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device:Media streaming: DLNA enables seamless streaming of media files, such as videos, music, and photos, from the QNAP NAS to DLNA-enabled devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media players. This allows for easy access and playback of media content on various devices throughout your home.Centralized media storage: By using DLNA on the QNAP NAS, you can store all your media files in one centralized location, making it easier to manage and organize your media library. This eliminates the need to store media files on individual devices, saving storage space and reducing duplication.Multi-device compatibility: DLNA is a widely supported standard, so you can connect and stream media from the QNAP NAS to a wide range of DLNA-certified devices, regardless of the manufacturer. This ensures compatibility and flexibility in accessing your media content on different devices.Limitations of using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device:Limited format support: DLNA supports a range of media formats, but it may not support all file types. Some devices may have limitations on the codecs or file formats they can handle, which could result in compatibility issues or the inability to play certain media files.Network limitations: DLNA relies on a local home network for streaming media. If the network bandwidth is limited or congested, it may affect the streaming quality and cause buffering or playback issues. Additionally, if the network connection is not stable, it may interrupt the streaming experience.Lack of transcoding: The QNAP TL-D400S NAS device may not have built-in transcoding capabilities. Transcoding is the process of converting media files into a compatible format for the target device. If the target device does not support the original media format, it may not be able to play the media file without transcoding, resulting in playback issues.Security concerns: DLNA does not provide robust security features, and the QNAP TL-D400S NAS device may be vulnerable to unauthorized access or data breaches if not properly secured. It is essential to configure security settings, such as strong passwords and firewall rules, to protect your media content and NAS device.Overall, DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device offers convenient media streaming and centralized storage benefits, but it is important to consider the limitations, such as format support, network constraints, lack of transcoding, and security concerns, before relying solely on DLNA for media sharing.

Features to Consider When Recovering Data from NAS QNAP TL-D400S at Home

Name: How to recover data from a QNAP
Uploaded: 2025-10-16T08:53:56+03:00
Description: How to recover data from a QNAP

Has your NAS QNAP TL-D400S suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Features to Consider When Recovering Data from NAS QNAP TL-D400S at Home

Data Recovery Tool

QNAP TL-D400S NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an TL-D400S. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Contents

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
Key Information About the NAS QNAP TL-D400S
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

RAID Recovery™ 2.8

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

Download

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like QNAP often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

Are there any known limitations or performance issues related to specific RAID levels in NAS QNAP TL-D400S devices?

There are no specific limitations or performance issues related to RAID levels in the QNAP TL-D400S devices. The TL-D400S is a JBOD expansion unit, which means it does not have built-in RAID functionality. Instead, it relies on the RAID capabilities of the connected QNAP NAS device.

The performance and limitations of RAID levels in a QNAP NAS device will depend on the specific model and its hardware specifications. QNAP NAS devices typically support various RAID levels such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, and others. Each RAID level has its own advantages and limitations in terms of performance, data redundancy, and capacity utilization.

It is important to consult the documentation and specifications of your specific QNAP NAS model to understand the performance and limitations of different RAID levels supported by the device. Additionally, factors such as the number and type of hard drives used, the network infrastructure, and the workload on the NAS can also impact the overall performance.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TL-D400S can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.
Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

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How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP TL-D400S. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

TL-D400S has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

RAID 6;
RAID 5;
RAID 10;
RAID 0;
RAID 1;
JBOD;

NAS supports:

ZFS;
EXT4;
EXT3;
exFAT;
FAT32 (External Disk Only);
NTFS (External Disk Only);
HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

Overwriting during the recovery process;
Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.
Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP TL-D400S network-attached storage keeps QTS (QuTS hero) operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product	Operating system	RAID controller support	Supported file systems	Virtual RAID controller support	Data recovery from damaged RAID	File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery	Windows, Linux, MacOS	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS	Yes	Yes	Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery	Windows	Yes, over 10 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	No	Yes	Yes
R-Studio	Windows, Mac, Linux	Yes, over 20 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery	Windows, Mac, Linux	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery	Windows	Yes, over 20 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	No	Yes	Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery	Windows	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #

If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS TL-D400S, feel free to leave a comment!

Reply
Sean Elmore 18.09.2023 02:48 #

Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP TL-D400S device that has been affected by a ransomware attack?

Reply
- Hetman Software 18.09.2023 02:59 #
  Recovering data from a NAS device that has been affected by a ransomware attack can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to attempt data recovery:
  Isolate the affected NAS device: Disconnect it from the network immediately to prevent further spread of the ransomware.
  Report the incident: Contact your local law enforcement agency and provide them with all the necessary information about the attack.
  Identify the ransomware: Determine the specific ransomware variant that has infected your NAS device. This information can help in finding decryption tools or solutions.
  Restore from backup: If you have regular backups of your data stored on a separate and unaffected device, restore your data from those backups. Ensure that the backups were taken before the ransomware attack occurred.
  Consult with professionals: Contact a professional data recovery service that specializes in ransomware attacks. They may have experience dealing with the specific ransomware variant and could provide assistance in recovering your data.
  Check for decryption tools: Some security companies and organizations release decryption tools for certain ransomware variants. Check online resources like the No More Ransom project (nomoreransom.org) to see if a decryption tool is available for the ransomware that infected your NAS device.
  Seek assistance from QNAP support: Reach out to QNAP's customer support for guidance and assistance. They may have specific recommendations or solutions for recovering data from a ransomware-affected NAS device.
  Remember, prevention is key. Regularly update your NAS device's firmware, use strong and unique passwords, enable security features like firewall and antivirus, and educate yourself and your users about phishing and other cyber threats to minimize the risk of future attacks.
  Reply

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Updated:
16.10.2025 8:53

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Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

Questions and answers

What is DLNA and how does it work?
DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance. It is a set of guidelines and standards that enable sharing and streaming of media content between different devices within a network. DLNA allows various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, to communicate and share media files seamlessly.
DLNA works by establishing a local area network (LAN) and creating a media server-client relationship. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:
1. Media Server: A device, such as a computer or network-attached storage (NAS), acts as a media server. It stores and manages media files like photos, videos, and music.
2. Media Renderer: Devices like smart TVs, game consoles, or speakers act as media renderers. They can receive and play media content.
3. Media Controller: A device, such as a smartphone or tablet, acts as a media controller. It discovers available media servers and controls the playback of media on renderers.
4. Discovery: The media controller scans the network for DLNA-certified devices (servers and renderers) and creates a list of available devices.
5. Content Sharing: Once the media controller identifies the media server, it can browse and select specific media files to share or stream.
6. Transcoding (if required): If the media format is not supported by the renderer, the media server may transcode the file into a compatible format on-the-fly.
7. Playback: The media controller instructs the selected renderer to play the media file.
8. Control: The media controller can pause, stop, skip, or adjust the playback volume remotely.
DLNA uses standard protocols like UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to facilitate device discovery, media file browsing, and content streaming. It simplifies the process of accessing and enjoying media content across different devices within a home network.
How does the NAS QNAP TL-D400S utilize DLNA protocol for media streaming?

The QNAP TL-D400S is a storage expansion device that is designed to work with NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems. It does not directly utilize the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) protocol for media streaming.
However, the QNAP NAS systems that the TL-D400S is compatible with, such as the QNAP TS-453D or TS-653D, do support DLNA streaming. These NAS systems have built-in DLNA server applications that allow you to stream media content to DLNA-certified devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, or media players.
To utilize DLNA streaming with a QNAP NAS, you need to set up the DLNA server on the NAS and configure it according to your preferences. This typically involves selecting the folders or files you want to make available for streaming, specifying media library settings, and enabling DLNA services.
Once the DLNA server is set up, you can access the media content stored on the QNAP NAS through a DLNA client on your DLNA-certified device. The DLNA client will discover and display the available media content, allowing you to browse and stream videos, music, or photos directly to your device over the network.
It's important to note that while the TL-D400S itself does not directly support DLNA streaming, it expands the storage capacity of a compatible QNAP NAS, allowing you to store more media content that can be accessed and streamed through DLNA.
Can you explain the benefits and limitations of using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device?
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows for the sharing of media files across different devices on a home network. When using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device, there are several benefits and limitations to consider:
Benefits of using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device:
1. Media streaming: DLNA enables seamless streaming of media files, such as videos, music, and photos, from the QNAP NAS to DLNA-enabled devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media players. This allows for easy access and playback of media content on various devices throughout your home.
2. Centralized media storage: By using DLNA on the QNAP NAS, you can store all your media files in one centralized location, making it easier to manage and organize your media library. This eliminates the need to store media files on individual devices, saving storage space and reducing duplication.
3. Multi-device compatibility: DLNA is a widely supported standard, so you can connect and stream media from the QNAP NAS to a wide range of DLNA-certified devices, regardless of the manufacturer. This ensures compatibility and flexibility in accessing your media content on different devices.
Limitations of using DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device:
1. Limited format support: DLNA supports a range of media formats, but it may not support all file types. Some devices may have limitations on the codecs or file formats they can handle, which could result in compatibility issues or the inability to play certain media files.
2. Network limitations: DLNA relies on a local home network for streaming media. If the network bandwidth is limited or congested, it may affect the streaming quality and cause buffering or playback issues. Additionally, if the network connection is not stable, it may interrupt the streaming experience.
3. Lack of transcoding: The QNAP TL-D400S NAS device may not have built-in transcoding capabilities. Transcoding is the process of converting media files into a compatible format for the target device. If the target device does not support the original media format, it may not be able to play the media file without transcoding, resulting in playback issues.
4. Security concerns: DLNA does not provide robust security features, and the QNAP TL-D400S NAS device may be vulnerable to unauthorized access or data breaches if not properly secured. It is essential to configure security settings, such as strong passwords and firewall rules, to protect your media content and NAS device.
Overall, DLNA on a QNAP TL-D400S NAS device offers convenient media streaming and centralized storage benefits, but it is important to consider the limitations, such as format support, network constraints, lack of transcoding, and security concerns, before relying solely on DLNA for media sharing.