Best Practices for Recovering NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 Data from RAID Arrays

Has your NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 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?

Best Practices for Recovering NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 Data from RAID Arrays

Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 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 XCubeSAN XS5216. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Best Practices for Recovering NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 Data from RAID Arrays

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 Qsan 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.

Can the use of specific data compression or deduplication techniques impact the performance and data integrity on NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 devices?

The use of specific data compression or deduplication techniques can impact the performance and data integrity on NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 devices.

Data compression techniques aim to reduce the size of data, which can result in improved storage efficiency and reduced bandwidth requirements. However, the compression process requires additional CPU resources, which can impact the device's overall performance. If the device's CPU is not powerful enough or already heavily utilized, enabling compression may lead to slower data transfer speeds and increased latency.

Deduplication techniques eliminate redundant data by storing only unique data blocks. This can significantly reduce storage capacity requirements and improve efficiency. However, the deduplication process also requires additional CPU resources and can impact performance. Additionally, if the deduplication algorithm is not implemented correctly, it can potentially lead to data integrity issues.

It is important to carefully evaluate the capabilities and limitations of the specific data compression and deduplication techniques supported by the Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 devices. Consider factors such as the device's CPU power, available memory, and workload requirements before enabling these features. It may be necessary to perform thorough testing and monitoring to ensure that the chosen techniques do not negatively impact performance or compromise data integrity.

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

Although the NAS XCubeSAN XS5216 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

  4. 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Qsan

How to recover data from a Qsan

XCubeSAN XS5216 has 16 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

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:

  1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

  2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

  3. 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 network-attached storage keeps SANOS 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS XCubeSAN XS5216, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Jayson Flann
    Jayson Flann 5.09.2023 21:45 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 device be performed if there are issues with the firmware or device settings?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 5.09.2023 22:59 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 device can be performed even if there are issues with the firmware or device settings. In such cases, the data recovery process may involve accessing the storage drives directly and bypassing the device's firmware or settings. This can be done by connecting the drives to a different system or using specialized data recovery tools and techniques. It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service provider who has experience with NAS devices and can assist in recovering the data from the Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Vladimir Artiukh

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.

Oleg Afonin

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • How does the NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 provide internet access to users?

    The NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 does not directly provide internet access to users. It is a network-attached storage (NAS) system designed to store and manage data within a local network.

    To provide internet access to users, additional networking equipment such as routers, switches, and modems are required. These networking devices connect the local network where the NAS is located to the internet. The NAS can then be accessed by users within the local network, and if properly configured, can also be accessed remotely over the internet using appropriate security measures such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) or port forwarding.

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 that make it suitable for internet access?

    The NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 is primarily a storage system rather than a device for internet access. However, it can be integrated into an internet-connected network to provide storage and data management capabilities. Some key features and capabilities of the XCubeSAN XS5216 that make it suitable for internet access are:

    1. High-speed connectivity: The XCubeSAN XS5216 supports multiple high-speed network interfaces such as 10GbE and 25GbE, allowing for fast data transfer rates over the internet.
    2. Scalability: The XS5216 offers scalable storage capacity, allowing businesses to easily expand their storage as their data needs grow. This scalability makes it suitable for handling large amounts of data accessed through the internet.
    3. Data protection: The XCubeSAN XS5216 provides various data protection features like RAID configurations, snapshot technology, and thin provisioning. These features ensure data integrity and availability when accessed over the internet.
    4. Remote management: The XS5216 can be remotely managed using a web-based interface or management software. This capability enables administrators to access and manage the storage system from anywhere with an internet connection.
    5. Security features: The XCubeSAN XS5216 includes security features such as access control, encryption, and authentication mechanisms. These features help protect the stored data when accessed over the internet, ensuring data privacy and preventing unauthorized access.
    6. Replication and backup: The XS5216 supports data replication and backup functionalities, allowing businesses to create copies of their data and store them in remote locations or cloud services. This ensures data redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities when accessing data over the internet.

    While the XCubeSAN XS5216 can be integrated into an internet-connected network, it is important to note that additional network infrastructure and security measures may be required to ensure secure and reliable internet access to the storage system.

  • How does the NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 ensure secure and reliable internet connectivity for users?

    The NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 ensures secure and reliable internet connectivity for users through several mechanisms:

    1. Redundant Network Interfaces: The XS5216 comes with multiple network interfaces, allowing for redundancy and failover. If one network interface fails, the system can automatically switch to another interface, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
    2. Link Aggregation: The NAS supports link aggregation, which combines multiple network connections into a single logical connection. This increases the overall bandwidth and provides load balancing, improving the reliability and performance of internet connectivity.
    3. VLAN Support: The XS5216 supports Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), which enable network segmentation and isolation. By separating different network traffic into VLANs, users can enhance security and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
    4. Built-in Firewall: The NAS includes a built-in firewall that enables administrators to define and enforce access control policies. It can filter incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting the system from malicious attacks and unauthorized access attempts.
    5. VPN Support: The XS5216 supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity, allowing users to securely access the NAS over the internet. VPN protocols encrypt the data transmitted between the user and the NAS, ensuring privacy and security.
    6. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS): The NAS supports SSL and TLS protocols for secure communication between clients and the system. These protocols encrypt the data during transmission, safeguarding it from interception or tampering.
    7. User Authentication and Access Control: The XS5216 provides user authentication mechanisms such as LDAP, Active Directory, and local user accounts. Administrators can control access to data and services based on user permissions, ensuring only authorized users can access the system.
    8. Data Encryption: The NAS supports data encryption at rest, ensuring that the stored data remains secure even if physical access to the drives is obtained. This protects sensitive data from unauthorized access in case of theft or loss.

    By incorporating these features, the NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS5216 ensures secure and reliable internet connectivity for users, protecting their data and maintaining uninterrupted access to the system.