NAS, which stands for Network Attached Storage, has a few different meanings depending on the context. At its core, NAS refers to a storage device that is connected to a network and accessible to multiple users at once. But there are some nuances around the different types and uses of NAS that this article will explore.
NAS as a Storage Technology
In technical terms, NAS is a storage technology that provides file-based access to data over a network. This differs from block-based storage technologies like SAN (Storage Area Network) which provide access at the disk block level. The key advantage of NAS is that it allows multiple users to access and share files simultaneously over a network.
Some of the key characteristics of NAS technology include:
- Uses standard network protocols like SMB, NFS, CIFS, or AFP to enable file sharing across the network
- Storage devices appear to users as a file server where they can read, write, delete, and modify files
- Supports both wired and wireless network connections
- Scalable capacity since additional NAS devices can be added to expand storage
- Centralized backups and storage for improved efficiency
NAS enables easier file sharing compared to directly attached storage, provides faster access compared to external storage devices, and is more cost effective for storage consolidation than other networked options. Overall, it serves as a robust storage technology suitable for personal, SOHO, and enterprise use cases.
NAS Devices
NAS devices refer to the actual hardware appliances that enable NAS storage technology. These are specialized network storage servers and devices designed specifically for serving files over a network. Some examples of NAS devices include:
- QNAP NAS
- Synology NAS
- Asustor NAS
- Western Digital My Cloud
- Drobo NAS
- Apple AirPort Time Capsule (for Mac users)
NAS devices contain hard drive bays to provide storage capacity, along with a built-in operating system, network ports, and management software. Many consumer NAS devices are designed for easy setup and use for home media storage and backups, while enterprise NAS devices have more advanced features like replication, redundancy, and integration with IT infrastructure.
NAS Storage for Home Use
One of the most popular uses for NAS is as a centralized home data storage and backup solution. Typical reasons home users would invest in a NAS include:
- Centralized personal storage – Store all your family photos, videos, music, documents in one place instead of multiple external drives.
- Streaming media – Many NAS systems can serve as multimedia hubs to stream videos, music and photos to multiple devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, phones etc.
- Backups – Automate backups for all devices on your home network to securely protect important data.
- File sharing – Easily share files and folders with family members instead of using external drives.
- Remote access – Access your stored files remotely when away from home using apps or web browser.
Home NAS devices like Synology, QNAP, and WD My Cloud excel at these personal and home office storage tasks for individuals and families due to their ease of setup, app integration, remote access capabilities and affordable pricing.
NAS Storage for Businesses
Along with home users, small businesses make up a major segment of the NAS market. Affordable SMB NAS devices from vendors like QNAP, Synology and TerraMaster provide essential network storage and backup capabilities tailored for small business environments. Typical business uses of NAS include:
- File serving – Centralize company files in one place for easy sharing and collaboration.
- Backups – Protect critical business data with automated backups.
- Virtualization – Store virtual machines and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) on NAS.
- Surveillance – Manage surveillance footage from security cameras.
- Email – Store archival email storage for compliance.
- Database hosting – Store and manage databases.
Advanced NAS systems from vendors like Netgear ReadyNAS, Dell EMC Isilon, and Buffalo TeraStation allow even higher capacity and include enterprise capabilities like all-flash arrays, deduplication, compression, cloud integration, and disaster recovery protections.
NAS vs DAS
One point that often causes confusion is the difference between NAS and DAS (Direct Attached Storage). The key distinction is that DAS refers to external storage devices that connect directly to a computer, server, or other device rather than connecting through a network. For example:
- External USB hard drive
- Thunderbolt drive array
- eSATA drive enclosure
In contrast, NAS storage connects through an Ethernet network or WiFi network to enable multiple authorized users and devices to access the data simultaneously. While DAS provides a fast, simple way to add storage capacity to a single device, NAS allows centralized storage and backups accessible across an entire network.
NAS vs SAN
Another point of confusion is the difference between Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Networks (SAN). While both provide networked storage, there are some key differences:
| NAS | SAN |
| File-level storage | Block-level storage |
| Lower cost | Higher cost |
| Easier to deploy and manage | More complex installation and management |
| Ideal for file serving and shared storage | Optimized for high performance needs like databases |
While SANs provide block-level access ideal for servers and applications, NAS excels at general file storage and backup accessible to many users and is easier to deploy for most small business budgets.
Types of NAS Systems
There are a few different NAS system architectures, each with their own pros and cons:
Standalone NAS
Standalone, appliance-style NAS devices contain storage drives and built-in operating systems or firmware designed specifically for NAS functionality. All data processing occurs on the NAS unit itself instead of relying on external hardware.
Advantages:
- Self-contained, integrated solution
- Easy to setup and manage
- Many consumer and SMB models available
Disadvantages:
- Limited scalability in terms of storage and performance
- More difficult to customize or upgrade hardware components
DIY NAS
For expert users, a DIY (do it yourself) NAS is possible by installing NAS software such as FreeNAS onto standard server or desktop hardware.
Advantages:
- Highly customizable using preferred hardware
- Scalable by upgrading components
- Potential cost savings by using non-proprietary hardware
Disadvantages:
- Manual setup is complex for novice users
- No vendor support for hardware issues
- Higher knowledge requirement for installation and maintenance
NAS/SAN Convergence
High-end enterprise NAS devices may also incorporate SAN capabilities for block-level storage on the same platform. This convergence allows the same solution to handle both file and block storage needs.
Key NAS Vendors
There are a wide variety of vendors offering NAS solutions catering to different users. Some of the top vendors include:
| Vendor | Key Products |
|---|---|
| QNAP | TS-x53B, TS-x51, TS-x31P NAS series |
| Synology | DS220+, DS720+, DS1520+, DS1621+ NAS |
| Asustor | AS6602T, AS5304T, AS1104T NAS |
| Western Digital | My Cloud Home and Pro, WD Red HDDs |
| Netgear | ReadyNAS RN2300, RN6333X NAS |
| TerraMaster | F2-221, F4-210 NAS |
For home and small business use, QNAP, Synology, Asustor, WD and TerraMaster provide easy to use solutions. Enterprise options from Dell, HPE, NetApp, IBM, Hitachi and others offer higher performance, capacity and redundancy for demanding business needs.
Conclusion
In summary, NAS refers to specialized file storage devices and technology that allow multiple users to access and share data over a network. The unique advantages of NAS make it suitable for home users, small businesses, and enterprises that need to consolidate storage and backups in a shared environment. With capabilities that scale from simple file sharing to robust enterprise storage, understanding the different meanings and applications of NAS can help find the right solution for a given use case.