Understanding Network-Attached Storage


What is NAS?

An NAS device is a network-connected storage device that allows authorized network users and diverse clients to store and retrieve data from a central place. Because NAS systems are versatile and scale-out, you may add them to your existing storage as you need it.

It's faster, less expensive, and gives you complete control over all the benefits of a public cloud on your premises. These systems are perfect for SMBs, and they are simple to operate, lower cost, easy data backup, and good at centralizing data safely.

With an NAS, data is continually accessible, which makes it easy to collaborate and respond promptly. Because NAS functions similarly to a private cloud, data may be accessed remotely via a network connection, allowing employees to work from any location at any time.

How does NAS work?

NAS systems have a processor and an operating system, which allows them to run applications and provide the intelligence required for files to be shared effortlessly by authorized users.

The benefit of an NAS device is that it can be accessed by various persons, computers, mobile devices, and even remotely if correctly configured.

While NAS read/write performance isn't as quick as DAS external storage, NAS devices are more advanced. While NAS read/write rates aren't as fast as DAS external storage, NAS devices are more sophisticated.

The fundamental function of an NAS device with hard disc drives is to store your files. Two to five hard drives are included in the most popular NAS devices for home offices, small businesses, and enterprise workgroups.

In addition, NAS devices often use a unique NAS category of 3.5-inch hard drives that can withstand the demands of a constantly functioning device. The NAS device is connected to your computers via and Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.

Because it takes computer intelligence and power to manage the filesystem, read and write operations, execute applications, process multimedia files, handle many users, and interact with the cloud if needed, NAS devices contain a CPU of some form.

While it may not appear to the typical user that an operating system manages the storage device, NAS systems are required to have an operating system to handle duties that a computer for DAS devices would otherwise handle.

Pros and Cons of NAS

Some of the benefits of using NAS are −

  • It connects through your wireless router rather than your computer, which means that several devices can access the same files at the same time.

  • It provides greater customization options.

  • NAS servers, though more expensive than cloud choices, might be a cost-effective alternative to larger servers.

  • NAS discs are controlled by a centralized system that provides a single point of contact. This is a fact that can dramatically accelerate processes.

The drawbacks of using NAS are listed below −

  • NAS drives use the Linux file system. Professional data recovery software is required in the event of a machine failure or power outage.

  • They are extremely reliant on the amount of bandwidth available. Under the wrong set of circumstances, the entire system can bog down.

  • It lacks physical security against theft or damage, a difficulty that the cloud does not have.

If you decide that an NAS device is right for you, consider your storage capacity, capacity growth possibilities, OS popularity, application packs available, and how powerful the processor has to be.

Updated on: 17-Aug-2021

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