Storages

Buying network-attached storage (NAS) is not difficult if you choose the right product with the right characteristics. Many people wonder what it is and how it works. It represents a data storage system with a kind of disk array that connects to a local network and supports the functionality of the accepted protocols.

Which product to choose

How to make the right choice for your home is a popular question among buyers. First of all, it is worth deciding what purposes the technique will be used for and whether it is necessary at all. You need to know how much memory is required depending on the type of information and significance. Instead of such goods, you can use a low-power computer, which is assembled from separate components.

When choosing a product with several compartments for hard drives, you need to take into account the following details: is it possible to replace the drive, or as “hot swap” is called, the drive is mounted directly or using a slide. You should know what sizes the drive supports, whether there is a cooling system and whether the compartments are closed with a special door or lock.

The main types and technical indicators of network-attached storages (NAS)

There are many varieties. By the type of form factor, there are standard and rack-mountable ones. The latter are quite reliable, have high performance, and a high storage capacity indicator – at least four disks. They have two power supplies. Often used at home, at the office, in enterprises.

The classic ones are distinguished by a wider selection of varieties. The following groups can be distinguished: users for home and small office, group business, entrepreneurship, manufacturing. The number of slots depends on structure, functionality, and software.

For file storage, RAID parameters are used, which make it possible to treat multiple installed disks as a single unit. Usually, it is completed with 7 main and 3 additional types of arrays, each of which has a specific meaning. Basic: RAID 0-6, minor – RAID 10, 50, 60.

Information is copied if one of the hard drives fails, which allows you not to lose the files you need. When replacing a broken disk, the data will be automatically transferred to the new one. Some varieties can be wired ARM processors, which is suitable for use in home conditions, in offices, since there is little access to disks.

These types of network-attached storage (NAS) do not consume a lot of electricity. A special software platform monitors the administration, the availability of the necessary functions. Today many people use browsers to connect to the managed panel. They come in two types – branded and third-party. The first ones are written by representatives of DiskStation Manager from Synology. The second type is from manufacturers who are not involved in the packaging and further production of products, such as Microsoft.

 

How many ports, holes, and interfaces depends on the model. USB ports can reach anywhere from two to six or more. It is possible to connect individual functions: solid-state SSDs, hard drives, Wi-Fi, flash memory, printers, etc. There are up to four Ethernet ports. Certain types are equipped with HDD, FireWire. There are well-known manufacturers such as Buffalo, D-Link, Seagate, Synology, and others.

They come with an installed Wi-Fi router, if there is no such function, then you have to connect through a router. Thanks to this, it is possible to connect all equipment, such as a PC, tablet, television, and storage, into a single local network. If you connect to the Internet, it will allow you to use personal files from the global network. Many models have a built-in fan to keep the devices cool and to cool the hard drives. It is possible to have several power connectors, which allows you to connect to an uninterruptible power supply.

You should purchase goods from trusted manufacturers who provide a guarantee and a quality certificate for the goods. The pricing policy is quite different, depending on the characteristics and functions of the model. When buying and choosing network-attached storage (NAS), it is worth reading and listening to reviews, advice from experienced or already using such products.

Popular products

Synology DS420+

Synology DiskStation DS420 + is a network-attached storage system that provides seamless data sharing, video streaming, and photo indexing. Two onboard M.2 SSD slots and Synology SSD cache technology can help improve system I/O and application performance.

QNAP TS-231K

The TS-231K is powered by a 1.7GHz quad-core processor and has 2 hard drive bays to safely store important files and data, and easily share files with family and friends. The TS-231K features a compact white minimalist design that fits easily into any décor and takes up very little space. The TS-231K comes with lockable disc trays to prevent accidental ejection or disc ejection or loss of data. The TS-231K provides comprehensive local, remote, and cloud backup and secure snapshot technology to help you create a reliable backup and disaster recovery plan. In the event of a system crash or accidental file deletion, you can quickly restore the system to normal.

Netgear ReadyNAS RN426

The ReadyNAS 426 delivers all the modern business intelligence in one compact solution: file storage and sharing, automatic backup, recovery, and complete data protection in the office, offsite, or in the cloud. At the heart of the ReadyNAS, 426 is the next-generation Intel Atom C3000 quad-core processor with high throughput for enterprise networks, providing file sharing and data backup for companies with up to 40 employees.