What is a NAS?
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a storage device that connects directly to a network to provide file-based data storage and retrieval services to other devices on the network. Unlike a regular external hard drive that connects to a single computer, a NAS can connect to multiple computers and devices simultaneously over a network.
Some key benefits of using a NAS include:
- Centralized storage – Stores data in one central location that can be accessed by multiple users.
- Shared access – Allows multiple users and devices to access and share files simultaneously.
- Flexibility – Most NAS support various RAID configurations for redundancy and performance.
- Scalability – Storage capacity can be easily expanded by adding more hard drives.
- Data protection – Provides a location to backup and protect data.
The history of NAS dates back to the late 1990s when the first NAS units were introduced https://molify.com/network-attached-storage-nas-explained/. Early NAS devices were designed to simply provide storage for backup and file sharing. Over the years, NAS devices have evolved to include more advanced features and functionality for home and business use.
What is a 4-bay NAS?
A 4-bay NAS, or Network Attached Storage, is a specialized device that contains 4 drive bays for installing hard drives or SSDs. The “4-bay” in the name refers to the number of drive bays available in the NAS chassis or enclosure.
In contrast to a standard single drive NAS, a 4-bay NAS allows you to install multiple drives and configure them in RAID arrays for increased storage capacity, speed, and redundancy. For example, 4 x 8TB hard drives setup in a RAID 5 array would provide 24TB of usable storage space.
The 4 drive bays allow for more flexible storage configurations compared to 2-bay NAS models. With 4 drives, you can create larger and faster RAID arrays like RAID 10 for optimal performance, or utilize RAID 6 for better data protection.
Additionally, having 4 drive bays means the NAS can continue operating if one drive fails, giving you time to replace the faulty drive. Overall, 4-bay NAS provides more storage potential, better performance, and increased redundancy versus 2-bay models.
Benefits of a 4-bay NAS
A 4-bay NAS provides several key benefits compared to a 2-bay NAS model. The most notable benefits are:
Increased storage capacity – With four drive bays instead of two, a 4-bay NAS allows you to install higher capacity drives and expand up to much larger pooled storage. For example, four 10TB drives would provide 40TB of raw storage in a 4-bay NAS versus 20TB maximum in a 2-bay. This increased capacity allows more data consolidation.
(Source: https://nascompares.com/answer/what-is-the-benefit-of-a-4-bay-nas-vs-2-bay/)
Redundancy – A 4-bay NAS can provide redundancy and fault tolerance using RAID configurations like RAID 5 or RAID 6. This protects your data against drive failures. With only two bays, RAID 1 mirroring is the only redundancy option.
Performance – A 4-bay NAS can utilize technologies like link aggregation and SSD read/write caching to deliver much faster file transfer speeds and lower latency. More drive bays also spread the I/O load over more drives.
(Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/uj9eve/any_reason_for_a_home_user_to_get_a_4_bay_versus/)
Key features of 4-bay NAS
4-bay NAS devices offer several key features that make them appealing for both home and business use. Some of the most notable features include:
RAID configurations: 4-bay NAS allows for various RAID configurations like RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This provides redundancy and protects against data loss in case of drive failure. Many 4-bay NAS support hot swapping failed drives without downtime.1
Processor: 4-bay NAS often use Intel Celeron or similar processors, providing good performance for running multiple applications and connectivity. Quad-core CPUs are common for multitasking and high throughput.
RAM: Most 4-bay NAS come with 2-4GB RAM which can be expanded in some models. More RAM improves performance for caching files and running additional services.
Hot swapping: As mentioned above, most 4-bay NAS support hot swapping of failed hard drives without disconnecting power or stopping the system.
Link aggregation: Some 4-bay NAS offer link aggregation or bonding multiple ethernet ports for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
Popular 4-bay NAS models
There are a number of reputable brands that offer 4-bay NAS devices, with some of the most popular options coming from Synology, QNAP, Asustor, WD, and TerraMaster.
Synology’s 4-bay NAS lineup includes models like the DS420+, DS920+, and RS820+ which are geared towards home users, small businesses, and enterprise usage respectively. Key features include the Synology DiskStation Manager OS, Intel or AMD processors, up to 32GB RAM, M.2 NVMe cache support, and the ability to run Synology’s suite of apps.
QNAP is another major brand in the 4-bay NAS space with devices like the TS-453D, TVS-472XT, and TS-h973AX aimed at SOHO, prosumer, and enterprise needs. QNAP NAS can leverage ZFS, run virtual machines, act as surveillance storage, and more depending on the specific model capabilities.
Asustor, WD, and TerraMaster also offer 4-bay NAS devices that compete well on price while still providing solid performance and abundant features. Overall there are many excellent options to choose from across these top vendors.
4-bay NAS vs 2-bay NAS
When it comes to network attached storage, one of the key considerations is whether to choose a 4-bay NAS or a 2-bay NAS. The main differences come down to storage capacity, performance, and price.
In terms of storage capacity, a 4-bay NAS allows you to install more hard drives, typically up to 4 drives. This means you can have a lot more total storage space – often between 8TB to 32TB. A 2-bay NAS maxes out at around 16TB. So if you have a lot of data to store, a 4-bay NAS provides more room to grow over time. According to this video comparison, the storage capacity difference is a key reason to choose 4-bay over 2-bay.
The 4-bay NAS also provides better performance thanks to the ability to utilize RAID configurations. With a 4-bay NAS, you can use RAID 5 or RAID 10 to increase read/write speeds as well as redundancy. The extra drive bays mean better opportunities for caching as well. In general, a 4-bay NAS will outperform a 2-bay model for tasks like media streaming, backups, file transfers, and running virtual machines or docker containers.
Of course, the extra drive bays and hardware come at a price premium. A 4-bay NAS costs significantly more than a 2-bay model with the same processor and RAM specs. However, the extra upfront investment brings long-term advantages in storage capacity and performance.
Ideal uses for a 4-bay NAS
4-bay NAS units are ideal for a variety of common home and small business usage scenarios thanks to their robust storage capabilities and performance:
Media storage – With support for up to 4 hard drives, a 4-bay NAS provides ample storage for large media libraries, including photos, music, and video. Many 4-bay NAS units support RAID configurations for redundancy.
Backups – The abundant storage capacity of a 4-bay NAS makes it well-suited for hosting backup images of other devices on a home network. Backups can be automated to run on a schedule.
Surveillance – With 4 or more surveillance cameras generating high bitrate video streams, the additional bays of a 4-bay NAS help provide adequate networked storage. Surveillance features like AI-powered object detection may also be supported.
Personal cloud – A 4-bay NAS is a great option for hosting files to be accessed from anywhere, while keeping data securely stored at home rather than relying on third-party services. Some units allow syncing between devices.
Setting up and configuring a 4-bay NAS
Setting up a 4-bay NAS involves a few key steps like installing the hard drives, configuring the RAID setup, connecting to your network, and setting access permissions.
First, you’ll need to install compatible hard drives in the drive bays. Many 4-bay consumer NAS units support 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA hard drives up to a certain capacity, like 16TB. Refer to specifications for your model. The hard drives provide the storage capacity for your NAS.
Next, you’ll configure the RAID setup which determines how the drives work together for redundancy and performance. Common options include RAID 0 for stripping data across drives for speed, RAID 1 for mirroring data on two drives, and RAID 5 using parity to protect against a single drive failure. Choose based on your priorities for capacity, speed, and protection against drive failures. See Synology NAS Setup & Configuration Guide for RAID guidance.
After installing drives and configuring RAID, connect your NAS to your local network and the internet by plugging into your router via Ethernet. Alternatively, you can connect wirelessly over WiFi if your NAS has built-in wireless connectivity.
Finally, set up access permissions by creating user accounts and shared folders. You’ll typically log into your NAS using a web-based administration interface and can grant users access to specific folders. Enable security features like auto-blocking after a set number of failed login attempts. Refer to your NAS documentation for model-specific steps.
Security considerations for 4-bay NAS
As with any network attached storage device, security should be a top priority for a 4-bay NAS. Here are some key security considerations when using a 4-bay NAS:
Access controls
Implementing proper access controls is critical for securing a 4-bay NAS. Most NAS operating systems allow you to create user accounts with specific permissions. It’s important to grant users only the access they require and restrict access to sensitive data. Using access control lists (ACLs) provides granular control over permissions.
Encryption
Encrypted storage protects data in the event the NAS is stolen or drives are removed. Many 4-bay NAS devices support AES-256 bit encryption at the folder or volume level. Some also offer encrypted networking protocols like SFTP, FTPS, and SSL/TLS.
Monitoring
Monitoring tools like system logs allow tracking access and changes to the NAS. Many 4-bay NAS solutions integrate with SIEM platforms to forward logs for correlation and alerting. File change monitoring software can also detect tampering.
Backups
Like any storage system, backups are essential for recovering from data loss or disasters. A 4-bay NAS can be backed up to cloud storage or a secondary NAS using built-in tools or backup software. Offsite backups protect against site failures.
Future outlook for 4-bay NAS
The future looks bright for 4-bay NAS devices. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see improvements in speed, capacity, and features.
In terms of speed, new 4-bay NAS models will leverage faster network connections like 2.5GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE. This will enable faster transfer speeds when moving data to and from the NAS. Multi-gigabit Ethernet will become standard in many consumer and prosumer models [1].
Drive capacities will continue to increase, enabling larger overall storage in 4-bay enclosures. 16TB and 18TB HDDs are already available, and 20TB+ drives are on the horizon. This allows a single 4-bay NAS to store 80TB+ without expansion units. NVMe flash drives will also become more common for caching and tiered storage [2].
Software and OS features will evolve to enhance security, backup, productivity, and automation capabilities. For example, built-in ransomware protection, comprehensive backup tools, AI-enabled management, virtualization, and more [3].
Overall, 4-bay NAS products will continue advancing to offer faster performance, higher capacities, and smarter software features.