Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Before diving right into the rundown, maybe we should go over what exactly a NAS Storage Device is, and what to search for in the best NAS drives. NAS represents network attached storage and is fundamental for those using a network rather than a single computer. Think about a NAS device as an external hard drive for your whole network.
If you have more than one pc running on your computer network and don’t have a backup or record storage server set up, you may be a decent possibility for a Network Attached Storage device. Using a NAS storage framework in your business will give you the genuine feelings of serenity realizing that your information and documents are put away in a different area in case of a calamity.
Why Use a Network Attached Storage (NAS)?
- You can backup all of the network computers connected to your small business or home network.
- You can schedule automatic backups of your data.
- You can File sharing across your computer network is much easier.
- You will be able to access your content anytime and anywhere that there is an internet connection (with built-in remote access technology).
Best NAS devices of 2020
WD My Cloud NAS drive
Capacity: 4TB, 8TB, 12TB, 16TB | Interface: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 | Features: Remote file access, RAID features, My Cloud OS 3 software
QNAP NAS drive
Capacity: 2TB, 4TB, 8TB, 16TB | Interface: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 | Features: Remote file access, RAID features, QTS embedded Linux
Synology DiskStation NAS drive
Capacity: Maximum Internal Raw Capacity 32 TB (16 TB drive x 2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) | Interface: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 | Features: Remote file access, RAID features
Buffalo LinkStation NAS drive
Capacity: 2TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB | Interface: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 | Features: Dual bay, WebAccess apps, Apple Time Machine support
NAS product categories
NAS devices are grouped in three general categories depending on the number of drives, drive support, drive limit and scalability.
HIGH-END or ENTERPRISE NAS: The high end of the market is driven by enterprises that need to store tremendous amounts of file data, including virtual machine (VM). Enterprise NAS gives fast access and NAS clustering abilities. The clustering idea emerged as an approach to address downsides related to conventional NAS.
For instance, if a specific NAS device is designated to an organization’s primary storage, it makes the potential for a solitary purpose of disappointment. Methods for managing this incorporate spreading strategic applications and file data over multiple crates and carefully sticking to scheduled machine backups. Vendors offer clustered NAS systems to battle NAS spread. A distributed file system (DFS) runs simultaneously on multiple NAS devices to give access to all files in the bunch, paying little respect to the physical hub on which it dwells.
MIDMARKET NAS: The NAS midmarket obliges organizations that require a few hundred terabytes (TB) of data. Midmarket NAS devices can’t be grouped, be that as it may, which can prompt file system siloes if multiple NAS devices are required.
LOW-END or DESKTOP NAS: The low end of the market is focused on independent ventures and home clients that require local shared storage. This market is moving toward a cloud NAS model, spoke to results, for example, SoftNAS Cloud, Blue Chip’s Virtual NAS and software-defined storage (SDS) from inheritance storage vendors.
NAS product categories
NAS devices are grouped in three general categories depending on the number of drives, drive support, drive limit and scalability.
HIGH-END or ENTERPRISE NAS: The high end of the market is driven by enterprises that need to store tremendous amounts of file data, including virtual machine (VM). Enterprise NAS gives fast access and NAS clustering abilities. The clustering idea emerged as an approach to address downsides related to conventional NAS.
For instance, if a specific NAS device is designated to an organization’s primary storage, it makes the potential for a solitary purpose of disappointment. Methods for managing this incorporate spreading strategic applications and file data over multiple crates and carefully sticking to scheduled machine backups. Vendors offer clustered NAS systems to battle NAS spread. A distributed file system (DFS) runs simultaneously on multiple NAS devices to give access to all files in the bunch, paying little respect to the physical hub on which it dwells.
MIDMARKET NAS: The NAS midmarket obliges organizations that require a few hundred terabytes (TB) of data. Midmarket NAS devices can’t be grouped, be that as it may, which can prompt file system siloes if multiple NAS devices are required.
LOW-END or DESKTOP NAS: The low end of the market is focused on independent ventures and home clients that require local shared storage. This market is moving toward a cloud NAS model, spoke to results, for example, SoftNAS Cloud, Blue Chip’s Virtual NAS and software-defined storage (SDS) from inheritance storage vendors.
Things to Consider
Picking the correct NAS can be troublesome in light of the fact that there is an apparently endless array of choices. In case you’re acquainted with the necessities and prerequisites of network attached storage, you don’t have to understand this. In case you’re new to the procedure, in any case, the following focuses will assist you with making an intelligent, informed choice that will benefit your business.
1. Diskless Drives
Most NAS devices feature diskless drives. This implies the network attached storage devices don’t accompany any storage devices. Some low-end models include a small amount of memory, yet these might possibly be upgradeable. This implies you should buy hard drives separately, so make certain to figure out that the expense of your NAS.
2. Processing Power
NAS are like PCs from multiple points of view. One way they are comparable is their utilization of dedicated CPUs or PC processors. NAS processors are much the same as PC processors, however, they are commonly substantially less powerful. Since network storage doesn’t have to run an operating system or burden executable records, considerably less speed is required.
3. Random Access Memory
Random Access Memory, or RAM, is another element NAS partakes in a similar manner as PCs. RAM decides how rapidly the network attached storage can call up, or access, data stored in the disk drives. More RAM is constantly helpful, particularly in case you’re utilizing NAS to store and move huge records.
4. Bay Count
The bay count of a NAS alludes to what number of disk drives it can store. The greatest storage capacity for any network attached storage depends on two things: the number of bays and the capacity of the hard drive disks.
5. Redundant Array of Independent Disks
On the off chance that you work in assembling or asset the executives, you are likely acquainted with the possibility of redundant systems. Repetition gives a reinforcement on account of systems disappointment, like a generator during a power blackout. In spite of the fact that excess isn’t constantly advantageous in assembling, redundant disks, or RAID, ensure data stored on your network attached storage and accelerate your system.
A NAS device is a storage device connected to a network that permits storage and recovery of data from a focal location for authorized network clients and changed clients. NAS devices are flexible and scale-out, implying that as you need additional storage, you can add to what you have. NAS resembles having a private cloud in the workplace. It’s quicker, more affordable and gives every one of the benefits of a public cloud on-site, giving you unlimited oversight.
NAS frameworks are ideal for SMBs.
- Easy to work, a committed IT professional is frequently not required.
- Lower cost.
- Simple data reinforcement, so it’s constantly accessible when you need it.
- Great at concentrating data storage in a protected, solid way.
With a NAS, data is continually accessible, making it simple for workers to team up, respond to clients in an opportune fashion, and speedily follow up on deals or other issues in light of the fact that the information is in one spot. Since NAS resembles a private cloud, data might be gotten to remotely utilizing a network connection, which means representatives can work anyplace, whenever.
Scattered storage courses of action won’t work for SMBs.
- Out-of-synchronize data.
- Reliability and accessibility issues if storage goes down.
- Deferrals in responding to client assistance solicitations or deals questions.
What is Network Attached Storage (NAS)?
What is Network Attached Storage (NAS)?
A NAS device is a storage device connected to a network that permits storage and recovery of data from a focal location for authorized network clients and changed clients. NAS devices are flexible and scale-out, implying that as you need additional storage, you can add to what you have. NAS resembles having a private cloud in the workplace. It’s quicker, more affordable and gives every one of the benefits of a public cloud on-site, giving you unlimited oversight.
NAS frameworks are ideal for SMBs.
- Easy to work, a committed IT professional is frequently not required.
- Lower cost.
- Simple data reinforcement, so it’s constantly accessible when you need it.
- Great at concentrating data storage in a protected, solid way.
With a NAS, data is continually accessible, making it simple for workers to team up, respond to clients in an opportune fashion, and speedily follow up on deals or other issues in light of the fact that the information is in one spot. Since NAS resembles a private cloud, data might be gotten to remotely utilizing a network connection, which means representatives can work anyplace, whenever.
Scattered storage courses of action won’t work for SMBs.
- Out-of-synchronize data.
- Reliability and accessibility issues if storage goes down.
- Deferrals in responding to client assistance solicitations or deals questions.
Why is NAS Important for Small Businesses?
Data is a critical resource for organizations
Without access to their data, organizations may not give their clients a normal degree of administration. Poor client care, loss of offers or group collaboration issues are for the most part instances of what can happen when information isn’t accessible.
Every one of these issues contributes to an absence of effectiveness and potential loss of pay if clients can’t wait for a data outage to be adjusted. Additionally, with regards to data storage, small businesses end up looking with other storage-related needs, for example:
- Lower cost options.
- The simplicity of operation (numerous small businesses don’t have IT, staff).
- The simplicity of data reinforcement (and it’s constantly accessible when you need it).
- Development capability.
NAS devices are quickly getting famous with enterprise and small businesses in numerous ventures as a viable, adaptable, minimal effort storage solution.