Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated network device that provides affordable, easy access to data by utilizing computer networks for data storage. NAS is more affordable compared to the traditional central file server and thus allows homes and businesses to store and retrieve large amounts of data. Although file servers boast a successful track record, most homes, small businesses, and workgroups cannot justify dedicating the money and resources to a general-purpose computer to simple data storage tasks. Enter NAS.
The speed in which NAS devices access the network will greatly depend upon whether the user builds the device themselves or buys a pre-built system. A 1 gigabit Ethernet connection is the usual speed for an NAS but this can be increased up to 10 gigabit or fiber optics for even faster speeds by simply adding a PCI Express network card(s). NAS storage capacities will also vary based upon the user’s needs as well as whether the system is purchased pre-built or a do-it-yourself system. By adding hardware drive controller cards and port replication, there is theoretically no limit on storage size. For example, a user could achieve 72TB of storage by using a motherboard with six SATA ports with replication allowing for a total of thirty drives being attached, and setup in a RAID 50 configuration using 3TB drives.
NAS devices do have fault tolerance built into them. RAID 10 is considered the best setup as it allows for more drives to fail and still allow the system to work and not result in data loss. RAID 50 is also considered fairly stable if setup correctly on an NAS device. As with other features, the user will need to decide which fault tolerance is the best match for their data storage needs. NAS devices do have management features available for the user to select from depending upon which software they choose to buy. Some of the features available are the ability to provide data transfer encryption, the ability to manage user permissions, as well as the ability to save power by switching the NAS off during times it is not in use.
For a family where everyone has their own computer, storing family photos and videos on an NAS device provides several advantages. First is redundancy, since most home computers only have a single drive and therefore failure of this drive means loss of data. Second is centralized backup, if a user’s computer needs to be rebuilt or fails there will not be loss of data since the NAS can simply push files and restore the computer. Last is cost effectiveness, installing a RAID 1 configuration in each home computer can result in higher costs as opposed to using an NAS device. These are just a few of the advantages an NAS can bring to the user but there are many more available and can be tailored to match the needs of the end user.