Network-attached storage, or NAS, has become an increasingly popular data storage solution for home and business users alike. But what exactly is NAS, and what are some of the main uses for this handy storage technology?
What is NAS?
A NAS, or network-attached storage device, is a type of specialized file storage server that is connected directly to a local area network (LAN). This allows multiple devices on the network to access and share the storage space on the NAS.
Some key features of NAS include:
- Provides centralized data storage for all devices on the network
- Allows shared access to files from multiple devices simultaneously
- Offers large storage capacity and expandability
- Can be accessed remotely when connected to the internet
- Includes built-in RAID for protection against drive failure
- Provides additional features like media streaming, backups, etc.
NAS devices contain one or more internal hard disk drives that provide the actual storage capacity. The NAS is connected to the network, often via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connection. Once connected, it is assigned an IP address on the local network. Users can then access and manage the files on the NAS using this IP address.
Many NAS systems run a Linux-based operating system optimized for storage and file sharing. This allows you to configure and manage the device through a web-based interface or desktop application. More advanced NAS units can also run virtual machines, databases, media servers, web servers, and other networking applications.
Advantages of Using a NAS
Compared to other storage solutions like external hard drives, NAS offers some key advantages:
Centralized Storage
Instead of having important data scattered across individual devices, a NAS provides a single centralized location to store all files in one place. This makes it easy to organize and back up data.
Shared Access
NAS allows multiple users and devices on the network to access, share, and collaborate on stored files simultaneously. Permissions can be set up to control which users have access to which files.
Remote Access
If you connect your NAS to the internet, you can access your files from anywhere using a mobile app or web browser. This enables working remotely and sharing files outside of the local network.
Expandable Storage
Most NAS units provide bays to add additional hard drives as needed. This allows you to easily expand the storage capacity over time as your needs grow.
Continuous Operation
A NAS can operate 24/7, providing constant availability of your stored data. Files remain accessible even if individual client devices are powered off.
Security
NAS provides centralized security and permissions for all your data in one place. Features like user access controls, encryption, automated backups, and versioning help protect and recover data if needed.
Affordable Cost
For smaller organizations and home users, a NAS can provide enterprise-level data storage capabilities at a fraction of the cost of a full server room setup. The cost per terabyte for NAS storage is very economical.
Common Uses for NAS Devices
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what NAS is and why you might want to use it, let’s look at some of the most popular applications for NAS:
File Storage and Sharing
One of the primary uses for NAS is simply centralized file storage and sharing. This allows families, small businesses, and teams to easily store, backup, access, and collaborate on documents, photos, videos, and other files from multiple devices on the local network or remotely. Permissions can be configured to control access.
Media Server
Many NAS units include the ability to function as a home media server. This allows you to centralize and share your digital media library of videos, photos, music, and ebooks. Media can then be streamed to any compatible smart TV, media player, gaming console or mobile device on the network.
Automated Backup
NAS provides a great way to automatically backup your PCs, smartphones, and other devices on the local network. Backup tasks can be scheduled to run periodically to an archive folder on the NAS. This protects important data against hardware failures, theft, and loss.
Surveillance Storage
If you have a home or business surveillance camera system, the video footage from multiple cameras can be stored directly onto a NAS. This provides centralized, long-term storage of security footage which can be easily accessed and reviewed as needed.
Website Hosting
Many NAS platforms allow you to install web server software like Apache or Nginx. This enables you to host personal or small business websites directly from your NAS box rather than paying for third-party website hosting.
Torrent Downloading
A NAS provides a convenient always-on device for downloading torrent files. Rather than leaving your regular computer on, you can start torrents remotely on the NAS and have the downloaded files stored directly onto the NAS storage.
Email Server
NAS units can often be configured to host SMTP, POP3, IMAP and other email protocols. This allows you to run your own email server rather than relying on outside providers. Useful for small businesses and developers.
Database Storage
The large storage capacity, continuous operation, and fault tolerance of a NAS makes it well-suited for storing databases. This provides centralized storage and backup of critical business data.
Virtualization
Many enterprise-level NAS units allow you to run virtual machines (VMs) directly on the NAS hardware. This enables server virtualization applications like VMware, Hyper-V, etc. to utilize the NAS for VM storage and backups.
Desktop Backup
NAS provides an easy way to automatically backup your desktop and laptop PCs by storing copies of important files on the NAS at scheduled intervals or whenever files change. Protects your data from hardware failure or theft.
Mac Time Machine Backup
For Mac users, a NAS is a great destination for Time Machine backups. Simply point the Time Machine backup utility to a shared network folder on the NAS to start automatic versioned backups.
iSCSI
This allows a NAS to present storage space to devices on the network as through it were a local drive. This enables block-level shared storage between servers for applications like clustering, diskless clients, and virtualization.
FTP Server
A NAS can act as a centralized FTP server for Internet file transfers. Useful for allowing your team, clients, or remote employees to exchange large files easily over the internet.
Factors to Consider When Buying a NAS
If you’ve decided that a NAS is right for your storage needs, here are some key factors to consider while choosing the right NAS box:
Storage Capacity
One of the top considerations is the total storage capacity you will require both now and in the future. Many NAS units have 2, 4, 5 or more drive bays that can be populated over time. Plan for your expected data growth.
Drive Types Supported
NAS units may support different drive types – 2.5″ or 3.5″ HDDs, SDDs, a mix of both. The drive types supported will impact storage capacities, performance, cost, and upgradability.
Processor Performance
More powerful processors allow a NAS to handle more intensive tasks like virtualization, media transcoding, encryption, background tasks, and transferring data quickly.
RAM
More RAM improves the performance for cached reads/writes. Especially important if you plan to run VMs or databases on the NAS that do a lot of random access.
Network Connectivity
Look for gigabit ethernet ports to fully utilize network speeds. Some units also include USB 3.0, Thunderbolt or 10GbE ports for even faster throughput. Wireless connectivity options are also available.
Remote Access
If you need to access data on your NAS over the Internet, check for VPN support, mobile apps, remote file access protocols, link aggregation and port forwarding/DDNS features.
Security Features
Check what security and encryption protocols are supported, like SFTP, SSL, AES-NI encryption, firewall, access controls, VPN, etc. to properly protect your data.
Redundancy and RAID
If uptime and data protection are important, look for units supporting RAID data mirroring. Some also include redundancy for components like power supplies and network ports.
Boot Drives
Some NAS units use separate dedicated boot drives for the OS, allowing data drives to be fully utilized for storage capacity. This also improves OS upgradeability.
Scalability
Consider how many drives can be added down the road and what maximum capacities are supported. Some units allow drive upgrades as higher capacity drives become available.
Warranty and Support
Check whether the NAS comes with a 1, 2, or 3+ year warranty. Also research the manufacturer’s reputation for customer support in case any issues arise.
Operating System
Most NAS OSes are Linux-based, but there can be big differences in their usability and available features. Some allow installing alternative OSes or apps for added flexibility.
Used vs New
While new NAS units come with warranty support, used units are often available at significant discounts. But check compatibility as many older units max out at capacities that may now be insufficient.
Budget
NAS units are available across a wide range of budgets to suit home users all the way up to enterprises. Be realistic about the features and capacity you actually require.
Conclusion
Network-attached storage provides an excellent solution for centralized file storage and backup for home users and businesses alike. With capabilities like shared remote access, media streaming, backups, surveillance storage, web hosting and more, a NAS can serve a wide range of purposes in a small office or home environment.
When selecting a NAS, be sure to consider factors like storage capacity, processor performance, network connectivity and redundancy features based on your specific use case and budget. This will ensure you choose a unit that can reliably serve your storage needs both now and in the future. With their continuous operation, easy expandability and array of features, NAS devices have become a ubiquitous data storage workhorse for the modern, connected era.