Benefits of Network Attached Storage
Network attached storage, or NAS, has become an increasingly popular data storage solution for businesses and home users alike. NAS devices provide centralized data storage and management for all devices on your local network.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a NAS system:
Centralized Storage and Access
All the data on your NAS is stored in a central location, rather than on individual devices. This makes it easy to organize and manage your files from one place. Users can access, share and backup files on the NAS from any authorized device on the network.
File Sharing and Collaboration
NAS makes sharing and accessing files between users seamless. Most NAS devices allow you to set up user accounts and permissions, so you can control who can view or edit which files or folders. NAS enables easy collaboration - multiple users can work on the same files at once.
Scalability
It's easy to add storage capacity to a NAS by just installing larger hard drives or adding more hard drives. Many NAS devices come with bays and ports to allow expanding storage as your needs grow. You can also upgrade RAM to improve the performance.
Data Protection and Backup
NAS provides centralized, hardware-based data protection and backup capabilities. Key features include:
- RAID arrays to protect against drive failure
- Automated backup software for all connected devices
- Snapshot and versioning support for data recovery
- Encryption to secure sensitive data
Remote Access
Users can access files stored on a NAS from anywhere over the internet, enabling productivity when away from the office. This allows you to:
- Work remotely as if you were in the office
- Securely share files with others outside your network
- Synchronize data between multiple sites
With its centralized storage, scalability and built-in data protection, NAS provides an efficient and reliable data management and storage solution.
Centralized Storage and Access
One of the major benefits of network attached storage (NAS) devices is that they provide centralized data storage and management. Rather than storing files locally on individual devices, a NAS consolidates storage in a single place.
Centralized File System
A NAS contains one or more hard drives that are configured into a centralized file system. This serves as a central repository for file storage that all devices on the network can access.
Centrally storing your data on the NAS file system has several advantages:
- No more managing separate data silos on individual devices
- Files are kept organized in one place for simplicity
- Consolidates storage capacity into a scalable solution
Global Access
Once files are stored on the NAS, they can be accessed from all authorized devices on the local network. This provides a global namespace - the NAS folders and files can be accessed the same way from any device, regardless of where data is physically stored.
Some of the benefits of global data access include:
- Access files from any computer or device on the network
- Locate files easily without knowing what device they are stored on
- Eliminate storage capacity limitations of individual devices
User Access Control
NAS appliances allow creating user accounts and setting permissions. Administrators can control who can access, view, edit, delete or create files on the NAS.
Typical access control capabilities include:
- Create, manage and delete user accounts
- Set up shared folders accessible to certain user groups
- Allow only read or read-write permissions
- Set quotas for storage usage by user
Overall, centralized file storage and access control makes data management straightforward and secure on a NAS appliance. Companies and home users can enjoy the benefits of consolidated storage, global namespace and authorized access.
File Sharing and Collaboration with NAS
Network attached storage (NAS) makes it very easy to share files and collaborate with others. Since all data is stored centrally on the NAS, it can be accessed by multiple users to enable seamless file sharing and collaboration.
File Sharing
NAS allows creating shared folders that can be accessed by designated users across the network. Permissions can be set to determine who can view, edit, add or delete files in the share.
Key file sharing capabilities include:
- Creating public or private shares for specific users or groups
- Setting read/write or read-only permissions
- Accessing shares from any authorized device on the network
- Link sharing to provide access without login credentials
Simultaneous Collaboration
With NAS, multiple users can collaborate on files at the same time. While one user has a file open, others can still view or edit the file simultaneously.
Examples of multi-user collaboration include:
- Co-authoring documents like spreadsheets or text files
- Working together on graphic designs, videos or CAD files
- Jointly updating and managing databases and ERP files
- Team message boards to leave comments or notes
Version Control
NAS devices often provide versioning control and restore capabilities. This allows rolling back files to previous versions in case mistakes are made during collaboration.
Key version control features include:
- Tracking changes and edits over time
- Comparing file versions
- Restoring previous versions
- Viewing revision history
Overall, NAS appliances make cross-team file sharing and collaboration efficient and seamless. Companies can improve productivity and teamwork with the file access, collaboration and version control features.
Data Protection and Backup with NAS
Protecting your data is critical - one disk failure or accidental deletion could destroy important files forever. Network attached storage (NAS) offers built-in data protection and backup capabilities to keep your data safe.
RAID Data Protection
Many NAS devices support RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations. This allows combining multiple drives into a logical unit for protection against drive failure.
Common NAS RAID levels include:
- RAID 1 - Disk mirroring
- RAID 5 - Distributed parity stripes
- RAID 6 - Dual parity for additional fault tolerance
For example, a 4-disk NAS in RAID 5 could withstand one drive failure without data loss. The parity stripes allow rebuilding the array after replacing the failed drive.
Automated Backups
NAS appliances can backup connected computers and devices automatically as per a schedule. This provides an extra layer of protection against file deletions or corruption.
Typical NAS backup capabilities include:
- Full and incremental backup schedules
- OS and application-consistent snapshots
- Versioning to retain previous copies
- Compression to optimize storage space
With scheduled backups, NAS can help recover deleted emails or rollback a database to before a mistake using stored snapshots.
Off-site Replication
For maximum data protection, NAS supports replicating backups to another NAS at a different location. This guards against data loss from events like fires or floods.
Key off-site replication features include:
- Secure encrypted data transfer over WAN
- Retention policies to maintain backup versions
- Scheduling for periodic replication
In summary, NAS provides invaluable data protection and backup capabilities tailored to guard against both hardware failure and human error.
Choosing the Right NAS Device
With so many network attached storage (NAS) devices on the market, it can be tricky to select the right one for your needs. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for a NAS:
Storage Capacity
Determine how much storage space you need both now and in the future. Many NAS units have bays to add more hard drives later. Consider options like:
- 2 bay NAS if you need fewer than 10TB
- 4 bay NAS provides up to 40TB typically
- 8+ bay for enterprise-level capacities
Number of Users
The number of concurrent users accessing the NAS impacts performance. More users necessitate more RAM for caching files.
- 2-5 users need at least 2GB RAM
- Up to 50 users may require 8GB or more
Budget
NAS devices range from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. Determine how much you can spend on the NAS unit itself and additional hard drives.
Ease of Use
Some NAS operating systems are easier to use than others. Evaluate the interface and management software options. Consider who will manage the device - advanced IT or home users.
Data Protection
If data protection is crucial, look for features like RAID support, automated backup and redundancy options.
Processor Performance
Faster and newer generation processors enable higher speeds when transferring files or running applications on the NAS.
Connectivity
Most NAS units have 1GbE ethernet ports, but 10GbE or Thunderbolt 3 may be needed for high bandwidth applications.
Remote Access
Determine if you need to access the NAS over the internet when away from home or work.
Doing your research will help identify the right NAS model, features and capacity tier for your specific requirements and budget.
