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Networked Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated file storage system that allows multiple users and devices on the local area network (LAN) to access data from a centralized storage area on the network. Users can access the NAS using a standard ethernet connection through a router or network switch.
It is an easy-to-use storage system with high storage capacity and low cost. Network-attached storage systems are flexible and scalable, allowing you to add additional storage when needed.
In this article, we explain how this type of storage works and what are the advantages of adopting it in your company. Follow!
What is Network Attached Storage?
Network Attached Storage is a file-based storage architecture that makes stored data more accessible to networked devices, meaning multiple users or client devices retrieve data from a single storage system.
Because they rely on the network rather than hardware, NAS devices can be accessed by multiple computers, devices, and people. In addition to this flexibility, companies like to use this model to store their most used documents, as the files can be retrieved quickly.
What are the main features of a NAS?
NAS devices have several components built into their design to enable a variety of network-attached storage usage scenarios.
Storage
The primary use of a NAS device with a hard drive is to store files. Two to five hard drives are usually found in the most used NAS devices for corporate workgroups, small businesses and home offices. Adding more hard drives simplifies expanding the NAS’s storage capacity.
Security
NAS devices offer built-in file system security features or allow user databases to be used for authentication. Devices close to users reduce network traffic, another advantage of NAS. With granular security features, data backup and recovery is simple. The fact that the NAS provides platform-independent access is another benefit.
reliability
The NAS uses custom operating systems for network file access to enhance system performance and provide uninterrupted user access. These operating systems allow access to standard files and corresponding network protocols, allowing the technology to meet specific needs.
Most NAS devices have their own operating system. This indicates that users can protect their data by encrypting it using built-in data protection.
RAID
Data can be replicated from one disk to another in case of disaster or internal damage thanks to the storage technique known as RAID, mentioned in the section above. It’s still a useful function for NAS devices, although it’s not ideal as a standalone backup solution. For example, a NAS device with four bays can enable RAID and store identical files on two of the drives.
What are the main applications of a NAS?
Depending on the IT architecture, network-attached storage has a variety of uses. We will mention the main ones here.
Virtualization
When a company does not yet have a storage area network (SAN), this is a popular option for new or small virtualized setups. The performance, capacity and functionality of modern NAS systems have increased. Due to the enhanced features, NAS solutions are currently being used in applications that we never imagined in the recent past.
Business application environments
Even if a company doesn’t have the financial resources to maintain expensive server-based applications, there are open source alternatives available, many of which will service an office from the NAS. This is true for a variety of business areas, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), human resource management (HRM) and accounting.
private clouds
As is evident, NAS manufacturers are targeting cloud storage services such as Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive considering that storage is the NAS’s remit and it is not easy to make it accessible over the Internet. The ability to upload and download files using a browser-based user interface has been a significant component of commercial NAS-based products.
Additionally, NAS storage is significantly less expensive than traditional private cloud storage, and the user retains ownership of the data. However, this comes with additional security responsibilities if a user runs a company that stores other people’s data.
What are the benefits of using this storage model?
A NAS device has its connection across an entire network, where a large number of PCs can access it as long as they are on the same network. Below are highlighted the main advantages of using this type of storage.
Centralized file storage management
Consolidate and simplify file storage and sharing with centralized NAS storage. By configuring access protocols, you can ensure that all departments and teams have smooth access to important data.
Complete infrastructure control
With local NAS storage, you remain in full control of your digital assets, as opposed to cloud storage where you are dependent on the CSP and don’t know exactly where the data is stored.
Customize your private cloud
Customize the CPU, system memory, network and storage capacity of your NAS storage to create a private cloud according to your needs and budget.
Hybrid and multicloud storage
Leverage cloud connection services to combine the performance of local NAS storage with the scalability of the cloud to set up a hybrid, multicloud storage environment. Ease diverse workloads with a unified file storage solution.
Automate data management
With data services such as automated hot/cool classification, automate data transfers between hot tier storage hosted on SSDs, to cold tier storage using SAS/SATA so you can ensure efficient NAS storage with minimal intervention from your IT staff. IT and no human error.
How to choose the ideal server for your company?
Choosing the ideal server for NAS-type storage depends on several factors, such as the size of the company, the type of data to be stored, the number of users, the need for backups, among others. Here are some important considerations that can help you choose the right server for your NAS.
Storage capacity
Make sure the server has enough space to meet your current and future storage needs. Consider system expandability, including the ability to add hard drives and storage expansion.
processing speed
For optimal performance, choose a server with a fast processor and enough memory to handle heavy workloads.
connectivity
Make sure the server has enough network ports and high-speed connections like Gigabit Ethernet to handle heavy network traffic.
reliability
Choose a server from a trusted manufacturer that offers reliable support and maintenance. Also check the availability of backup and redundancy features to ensure the safety of your data.
In short, if you need a cost-effective, easy-to-configure, high-capacity data backup and storage solution that resides within your IT network, Network Attached Storage is the perfect solution. Just remember that not all NAS devices are created equal, and many of the additional features and expansion capabilities discussed in this article don’t come standard with entry-level devices.
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