What is a NAS?
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a storage device that is connected to a network and accessible to multiple devices and users. Unlike regular external hard drives that connect directly to a computer via USB, NAS devices connect to the local network and allow stored files and data to be accessed by other computers, smartphones, tablets etc on the same network.
Some key features of a NAS include:
– Centralized storage – Stores all files in one place and makes it accessible over the network
– Shared access – Allows multiple users and devices to access and share files on the NAS
– Remote access – Files can be accessed remotely over the internet when the NAS is internet-connected
– Redundancy – Most NAS systems support setting up RAID arrays for drives which provides protection against drive failures
– Backups – Automatic backup jobs can be scheduled to back up computers and devices to the NAS
Compared to external drives directly attached via USB, NAS provides centralized storage, remote access capability and data protection features making it a superior solution for storage and backup needs of homes and small businesses.
Benefits of Using a NAS
There are several key benefits of using a dedicated NAS device:
**Centralized Storage**
One of the biggest benefits of a NAS is that it provides centralized storage for all devices, users and applications. For example, in a home all media files, documents, photos that need to be accessed by laptops, tablets, phones, media players etc can reside on the NAS instead of each device having its own storage. For businesses, employee documents, databases, application data can all reside on the NAS instead of being scattered across individual computers. Centralized storage makes it easier to manage, backup and share files across many users and devices.
**Shared Access**
Since the NAS is connected to the network, all devices an users on the network can seamlessly access files stored on the NAS. Multiple users can share files and collaborate on documents stored on the NAS. Files can be accessed based on user access privileges and permissions set by the NAS administrator. This enables secure access to required files for each user.
**Remote Access**
By connecting the NAS to the internet, stored files can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world. This allows users to access work/personal files when away from home or office. Most consumer and business NAS systems have built-in apps or support third-party apps to enable effortless remote access.
**Backups**
NAS systems have built-in support for automated backup jobs.critical computer and device data can be continuously or periodically backed up onto the NAS for protection against data loss. The centralized nature of the NAS makes it easy to set up backups for multiple systems in a home or organization.
**RAID Support**
Most NAS systems support configuring multiple drives into RAID arrays. This provides protection against drive failure, so that data is not lost if one of the drives fail.
**Expandable Storage**
Storage capacity on the NAS can be expanded by adding more hard drives as storage needs grow over time.
**Data Protection**
NAS can provide an extra layer of protection against ransomware, viruses and similar threats when proper security precautions are taken. As data resides on the NAS and not directly on the computer, chances of critical data being impacted is lower.
**Multimedia Streaming**
Media stored on the NAS can be streamed to entertainment devices around the home like smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming boxes etc. This creates a centralized media library accessible from all devices.
What are the Typical Use Cases for a NAS?
Here are some of the most common use cases and scenarios where using a dedicated NAS can benefit home users and businesses:
**Home Media Server**
One of the popular uses of NAS is to set up a centralized home media server for storing and streaming media. Media files like movies, music, photos that need to be accessed from multiple devices like TVs, laptops, tablets, phones can reside on the NAS. Media files can be added to the NAS and accessed from anywhere within the home network. Plex, Emby, Kodi are some apps that can turn the NAS into a home media server.
**Backing up computers and phones**
NAS is great for automatically backing up your computers, smartphones and tablets. Backup software like Apple Time Machine can be used to schedule automatic backups from Macs and Windows has a built-in backup utility. Phone backups can be automated over WiFi using apps.
**Storing home documents and photos**
All personal documents, spreadsheets, photos generated across family devices can be stored in organized shared folders on the NAS and accessed as needed from phones, tablets and laptops at home.
**Surveillance recording storage**
If you have home surveillance cameras, instead of using onboard storage on each camera, the video feed can be continuously recorded onto the NAS. This allows storing surveillance footage from multiple cameras centralized in one place for multiple days or weeks.
**Small business file server**
Businesses can use NAS as a centralized location for storing and sharing documents, company files, resources among employees. Features like access control, permissions, quotas can be implemented based on employee access needs.
**Website hosting**
Users with NAS systems that are continuously connected to the internet from home can host small personal websites or ecommerce stores on their NAS. The NAS can host the website files/database and serve the website. Useful for small low-traffic websites.
**Remote work collaboration**
In remote working scenarios, employees across different locations can store, access and collaborate on company files stored on a NAS in the office or hosted in a datacenter. The NAS facilitates secure remote access and collaboration.
**Personal cloud storage**
A NAS can provide expanded storage space like having a personal cloud at home, providing the ability to securely access large personal media libraries and documents remotely over the internet.
**Back up NAS to another NAS**
For critical data that needs an extra layer of protection, one NAS can be set up to automatically back up files to a second NAS using built-in backup utilities or third party tools.
What Should You Look for When Buying a NAS?
Here are some key considerations when choosing a NAS:
**Storage capacity**
One of the top factors is the amount of storage space you need. This depends on the amount of data (media files, documents, photos etc) you need to store now andprojected growth over time. Many NAS systems support adding additional drives later for expansion.
**Number of drive bays**
Related to storage capacity is the number and type of drive bays. More bays allow adding more drives for expansion. For home users, a 2, 4 or 5 bay NAS may suffice while businesses may need 12 or more bays.
**Processor**
NAS devices are essentially compact servers, so the CPU processor affects the overall performance. Faster processors are needed to support more users, heavy workloads and applications.
**RAM**
More RAM improves multi-tasking performance for multiple users and running apps on the NAS. Minimum of 2GB is recommended for optimal performance.
**RAID Types**
RAID provides protection against data loss if a drive fails. Basic NAS devices may support RAID 0,1. More advanced ones support RAID 5, 6, 10 etc based on number of drives.
**Network interfaces**
Gigabit ethernet at least is standard now for wired network connectivity. Wireless connectivity options like WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 may be present in home NAS devices.
**Business features**
For business use, features like data backup, automation, access controls and permissions, quotas, VPN etc need to be considered.
**Ease of Use**
A user-friendly OS and interface makes it easy to manage the NAS, add users, configure settings etc. Some popular NAS operating systems are Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, Asustor ADM
**Remote access**
To access the NAS remotely over the internet, features like a web portal, mobile apps or support for third-party tools like VPN need to be present.
**Data protection**
Protection against data loss is critical, so NAS that supports RAID, snapshots, versioning, backup to external drives etc should be considered.
** warranty and support**
Given the critical nature of data, a longer warranty (3 yrs+) and responsive customer support are desirable to cover any hardware or software issues.
**Budget**
NAS systems scale across a wide range from a few hundred dollars for 4 bay home NAS devices to $1000s for high capacity business-grade units. Feature set, capacity, performance scale with cost.
What are the Main NAS Brands?
Some well-known NAS brands popular among consumers and businesses include:
**Synology**
One of the top selling consumer and SMB NAS brands, known for user-friendly DSM OS. Wide range from home to enterprise models. Strong on backup, sharing and productivity apps.
**QNAP**
Leading brand across consumer and enterprise segments. Feature-rich OS. Wide hardware options including all flash units. Integrates well with IP surveillance systems.
**Asustor**
NAS devices popular for home media servers. ADM OS focused on multimedia apps. Responsive customer service. Value for money.
**WD My Cloud**
Basic easy-to-use single bay NAS devices good for home users. Streamlined interface and apps. Integrates well with other WD products.
**Netgear**
Moderately-priced NAS devices from the popular home/office networking brand. Runs the ReadyNAS OS. Solid mid-range offerings.
**Buffalo Technology**
Japan-based company offering NAS devices across consumer and enterprise range. Known for affordable LinkStation products among home users.
**Seagate IronWolf**
NAS line from storage leader Seagate. Focus on IronWolf NAS hard drives but also offer NAS devices like IronWolf Pro. Reliable performance.
What is a DIY NAS?
A DIY (Do It Yourself) NAS refers to building your own NAS device at home using standard computer components. The main elements of a DIY NAS are:
– **Computer case/enclosure** – Houses all the components. Should support multiple hard drive bays.
– **Server-grade motherboard** – Quality motherboard is the base on which all components attach. Has features like ECC RAM support that are useful.
– **CPU processor** – Mid-range processors from Intel/AMD are suitable for most home builds. For more demanding uses, a Xeon server-grade processor can be used.
– **Memory** – 8GB or higher RAM is recommended for good performance. Some boards support ECC RAM.
– **Power Supply** – A quality PSU that can provide steady power to all components.
– **Hard Drives** – For mass storage, use NAS-optimised hard drives like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf. RAID array can be set up.
– **Operating System** – Linux distros like OpenMediaVault, FreeNAS are popular. Can also run Ubuntu, Windows Server.
– **Case fan** – Important for cooling, include large high-CFM fans for optimal airflow.
By choosing the right components, reasonably powerful DIY NAS can be built for home and small business use for 100s of dollars less than off-the-shelf models. However, requires more technical skill.
Benefits of a DIY NAS
– **Cost** – Significant cost savings building your own basic NAS with off the shelf components.
– **Customization** – Can choose components based on specific storage, performance needs.
– **Upgradability** – Individual components can be upgraded easily down the road.
– **Performance** – Can build NAS with more powerful CPU, RAM and drives for demanding uses.
– **Data security** – Physical access to drives provides more data control and security.
Drawbacks of a DIY NAS
– **Complexity** – Requires technical expertise to select compatible components and set up properly.
– **Time commitment** – Sourcing components and assembling the NAS takes considerable time and effort.
– **No support** – Troubleshooting issues can be tricky without technical support teams of consumer NAS vendors.
– **Power draw** – A DIY NAS with server-grade components can consume more power. Needs planning.
– **Resale value** – A completed DIY NAS has a lower resale value than branded appliances.
How to Set Up a DIY NAS?
Here is an overview of the key steps to assemble your own NAS box:
1. **Plan storage needs** – Decide how much storage space you need currently and for future expansion. This will determine the number of drive bays and hard drives.
2. **Select hardware components** – Choose the motherboard, processor, RAM, power supply unit, case/enclosure based on budget, performance needs and expected workloads.
3. **Assemble components** – Carefully assemble the motherboard, CPU, RAM, PSU, drives, case fans and other components. Ensure proper cabling and power connections.
4. **Install OS** – Once hardware is assembled, install a NAS optimized operating system like OpenMediaVault, FreeNAS on a small boot drive.
5. **Configure storage** – On the OS, configure the main NAS storage drives into pools, datasets and volumes as per your storage plan. Enable RAID if using multiple drives.
6. **Add network share** – Create network shares for each volume that will host the different data. Map these shares to client PCs.
7. **Install apps** – Install and configure NAS apps like Plex, Transmission etc depending on the use case. Tweak settings for best performance.
8. **Set up remote access** – If required, set up remote access through port forwarding on router, VPN or online access apps.
9. **Manage backups** – Configure backup jobs to external drives for critically important data. Test restores periodically.
Once assembled and configured as per requirements, the DIY NAS can serve as centralized storage for all your home or business data needs.
Conclusion
NAS devices offer a versatile storage solution with benefits like centralized file access, remote data access, shared storage, backups and RAID protection. For home users, it creates a central repository for family media, files, photos and backups. Businesses gain secure enterprise-grade file storage and backup. With a wide spectrum of budget and performance options, NAS systems are suitable for personal and business use cases. DIY NAS provides an alternate path for tech enthusiasts who prefer custom-built systems. By considering factors like use case requirements, capacity, connectivity, ease of use and budget, consumers can find the right NAS model or build one on their own. With digital data growing massively across homes and organizations, NAS provides a robust platform for always-on storage, backup and access.
| NAS Type | Best Suited For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level NAS | Personal / Home office use | Limited bays, basic features |
| Mid-range NAS | smb, shared storage | More bays, business features |
| Enterprise NAS | Mission critical business data | High capacity, performance, availability |
| DIY NAS | Tech enthusiasts, specific needs | Custom built, more complexity |