The N2A2 offers support for a number of services, including FTP and AFP servers, network printing, iTunes music server, DLNA media server and torrent file sharing.
File Server:
Like most NAS devices, the N2A2 features a built-in FTP server. Using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP), you can download or upload files from a remote location. To use the FTP service, enable it through the web menu and specify the port it should listen on. If you haven't already, you will also need to go in and give users permission to access folders via FTP.
The N2A2 also features support for the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP). Unless you have older Macs running Mac OS 9 or earlier, you're better off using Windows File Sharing (SMB/CIFS).
Network Printer:
The N2A2 can also function as a network print server that can be used by both Macs and PCs on the network. To do this, you will need to plug a printer into one of the USB ports and enable the service through the web menu.
iTunes Music Server:
Before new tracks are recognized, the library will need to be updated. The N2A2 can perform this task automatically, or you can do it manually through the web menu. Once updated, they will show up in your iTunes software.
DLNA Media Server:
While the N2A2's iTunes server can stream music, its DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) media server allows you to share other digital content, such as photographs and movies, with devices on your network as well as the internet. To use the media server, enable it on the N2A2 and select the folders where the multimedia files are stored.
The N2A2 is one of the first NAS devices to feature LG's MediaPlu DLNA media server. Available in the 3603 firmware, MediaPlu offers faster speeds as well as support for the MKV and FLAC formats and subtitle files. On top of that, it provides access to iPhones and Android phones using LG's MobileApp.
The N2A2 is DLNA protocol certified and is compliant with the standard for a Digital Media Server (DMS). To see how well LG's new MediaPlu server worked, I tried watching a few movies through Windows Media Player in Windows 7 as well as my WD TV Live media player. In both cases, the N2A2 worked flawlessly.
I also tried LG's MobileApp on my LG Optimus S Android phone. The app had no problems streaming audio over wireless. However, when trying to play back videos it would return a "Can not Execute!" error. I tried a variety of formats, including those supported natively in Android, and the result was the same each time.
Torrent:
Last but not least, the N2A2 features a built in Torrent download service. To access the Torrent program administration window, click on the Torrent icon on the top of the web menu. From here you can manage your downloads or start a new one by uploading a Torrent file or entering an URL to one. When the download is complete, the file is automatically placed in the Torrent folder located within the service share.
