Network-attached storage (NAS) devices are specialized servers designed for data storage and backup. With built-in RAID support, user-friendly admin features, and apps, NAS makes an excellent solution for photo backup.
What is NAS?
NAS stands for network-attached storage. It is a dedicated file storage device that connects to your network, often via an Ethernet cable or WiFi. This allows all authorized devices on that network to access and store files on the NAS.
Unlike regular external hard drives that connect directly to a single computer via USB, NAS is accessible to multiple computers and devices simultaneously. This makes it well-suited for use as a central repository for data backup, media storage, file sharing, etc.
In addition to storage space, NAS devices come with their own operating system and additional features such as built-in RAID support, backup software, apps and more. This gives them functionality beyond just “dumb” hard drives. Many NAS systems are highly configurable allowing advanced administrators great control, while also providing easy-to-use file management access for regular users.
Benefits of using NAS for photo backup
There are several key advantages that make NAS a great choice for photo backup:
Centralized Storage – NAS consolidates storage and backup in one place on your local network instead of having files saved across multiple computers, external drives and cloud services. Photos and videos can be easily organized and accessed from multiple devices on the network.
Automated Backups – Most NAS systems have built-in backup software that can do real-time or scheduled backups from networked devices to the NAS. This removes the manual tedium of having to plug in an external drive and remember to copy over any new files.
Continuous Protection – Since the NAS is always on and connected to the network, backups happen automatically as soon as new files are created. This ensures photos are protected as you work, avoiding the risk of losing recently shot images.
RAID Support – Most NAS devices support RAID storage configurations. This allows using multiple hard drives for increased performance, capacity or redundancy. RAID helps protect against drive failures and recover easily from them.
Remote Accessibility – Users away from home can still connect to the NAS and access photos over the internet. This makes the photos available on all your devices wherever you go.
Media Server Capabilities – Many NAS systems can double up as DLNA media servers. This lets you stream photos, music and videos on the NAS to various media players and devices around the home.
Expandable Storage – Add more hard drives as needed to increase capacity over time. NAS makes storage relatively seamless to scale as your needs grow.
Why RAID capability makes NAS suitable for photo backup
One of the most important features that makes NAS well-suited for photo backup is the built-in support for RAID.
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. It allows using multiple hard disks together in different configurations to achieve increased storage, speed or redundancy.
Here are some of the key RAID modes essential for photo backup on a NAS:
RAID 1 (Mirroring) – Maintains 2 identical copies of all data on 2 drives. If one fails, data remains intact on the other. Great for reliability.
RAID 5 – Distributed parity stripes data and parity information across all drives. Can withstand one disk failure without data loss. Optimizes storage capacity.
RAID 6 – Like RAID 5 but with double distributed parity. Can survive up to two disk failures. Provides strong data protection.
RAID 10 (1+0) – Combination of RAID 1 mirroring and RAID 0 striping. Offers speed and redundancy for critical data. Ideal for photos and videos.
These RAID modes provide protection against drive failures. The NAS operating system handles the RAID config behind the scenes without user intervention. In case of a failed drive, the NAS will continue functioning normally while the failed drive is hot-swapped for a new one. This allows seamless recovery and continuation of normal backup operations.
RAID gives you peace of mind that your irreplaceable photo collection has an extra layer of protection from drive failure.
How much storage space do you need for photo backup?
The amount of storage space needed depends on:
- Number of photos and videos being backed up
- Resolution of the files
- How long you intend to retain backup copies
Here are some storage size estimates based on these factors:
| Photo resolution | Storage needed |
|---|---|
| 20 MP (5 MB per photo) | 1 TB for 200,000 photos |
| 12 MP (3 MB per photo) | 1 TB for 330,000 photos |
Typical storage needs:
- Light shooters – 2 to 4 TB
- Enthusiast photographers – 4 to 8 TB
- Pro photographers – 12 TB or higher
Factors like longevity of backups (months vs years) and video resolution will also impact size requirements. Plan on getting a NAS with adequate bays to accommodate your current storage needs, with room to expand in future.
Wired vs Wireless NAS – Which is better?
NAS devices typically connect to your home network using either wired Ethernet cables or wirelessly via WiFi. Here’s how the two options compare for photo backup usage:
Wired Ethernet NAS
- Provides fastest and most reliable data transfer speeds
- Ideal for backups from desktop without built-in WiFi
- Not constrained by WiFi range limitations
- Less susceptible to interference issues
Wireless WiFi NAS
- Convenient to place anywhere without cabling
- Backs up laptops and mobile devices wirelessly
- Can maintain backup tasks even when on the go
- WiFi speeds often sufficient for backups
For most home users, a wireless NAS provides maximum placement flexibility and ability to backup phones/tablets. However wired Ethernet connection is preferred for highest speeds and stability when doing massive data transfers or system backups.
Many NAS devices provide both wired and wireless connectivity for maximum utility.
Is cloud backup also needed along with NAS?
While NAS provides excellent local backup capability, having an additional cloud backup provides offsite protection from risks like fires, floods and theft. Here are some ways to leverage cloud along with a NAS:
- Use NAS as primary backup, cloud archive as 2nd offsite backup
- Sync most recent photos to cloud for accessibility, store all archives on NAS
- Store low-res versions on cloud, full-res masters on NAS
- Use cloud storage like Google Photos to share albums online
The NAS holds the complete set of high quality photo backups while critical folders are also synced to cloud storage for redundancy.
Some NAS devices also support direct backup to cloud services like Amazon AWS S3, Backblaze B2, etc.
Can you use NAS to backup multiple computers?
Absolutely, one of the biggest benefits of networked NAS is the ability to backup multiple devices in a household to a central location. Here are some ways to leverage this:
- Automatically backup photos from all phones/tablets to NAS
- Sync Lightroom catalogs from all computers to NAS for safe storage
- Enable timed backup tasks to NAS on all computers
- Back up different devices to separate shares on the NAS
NAS backup software is designed to handle backups from many sources concurrently. The NAS operating system handles the network communication and coordination required for multi-device centralized backup.
With enough storage space, a NAS can readily become the single repository for all photo backups in a household.
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Keywords
The core search terms you want your content to rank for. Embed these naturally in your copy:
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Related long tail keywords
More specific phrases targeted users may search for:
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LAT (location, author, time) tags
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Header tags
Outline the structure of your content for SEO:
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Optimizing these keyword tags in a natural context helps search engines understand your content and improves discoverability.
Conclusion
NAS provides a compact, relatively affordable and user-friendly solution for comprehensive photo backup and storage compared to traditional external drives. Key strengths including centralized consolidation of photos, continuous automated backup, built-in RAID for redundancy and remote accessibility make NAS well-suited for photo storage needs of all levels. While cloud storage can augment offsite protection, a NAS remains the ideal hub for your master photo library.