Best NAS (Network Attached Storage) [2020]

Commercial properties and large office spaces often need to maintain an extensive database and network, while managing security concerns. The WD 8TB My Cloud EX2 WDBVBZ0080JCH-NESN was designed to meet these needs with industry-leading capacity and customization.

This NAS box features a My Cloud EX2 Ultra, with 1 GB of memory that allows network users to enjoy super-fast transfer speeds with smooth HD streaming. It can also be configured to automatically sync files between devices, with the ability to easily share folders and files with desktops, laptops and mobile devices with wireless connectivity.

It does all of this with enhanced data security features in place. This includes things like volume encryption and password protection. The WD 8TB My Cloud EX2 WDBVBZ0080JCH-NESN can also support multiple RAID configurations.

This NAS box also comes with Milestone ARCUS monitoring software included in the feature suite. This allows you to use an intuitive interface to view live feeds, as well as review recorded video and export visual data of an incident.

TerraMaster F2-210 2-bay NAS

  • Each bay supports hard drive up to 16TB for a total of 32TB.
  • Hard drives are not included, but red WD or Seagate IronWolf hard drives are recommended.
  • 1 GB of RAM included, but not expandable.

The TerraMaster F2-210 was arguably designed for home use, although it could certainly play a vital role in a small office that needs to handle multimedia data. It has a 8GHz quad-core ARM v1,4 processor that allows it to read and write at speeds of up to 114MB per second.

It is compatible with 3,5 ″ and 2,5 ″ SATA hard drives and also supports Emby and Plex media servers. It also supports Docker, as well as Cloud Drive sync, with multiple backups, remote access, and even a handy mobile app.

This gives this NAS box the ability to network with PCs, mobile devices, smart TVs, and even things like peripheral game consoles. At the same time, the TerraMaster F2-210 is very quiet, so you won't have to deal with the sound of whining fans when you need it.

Synology has earned a reputation as one of the strongest names in the data storage and network hardware industry. Synology 4 bay NAS DiskStation DS418 has a very large overall storage capacity with features designed to give you complete control over your data in a private cloud network.

It has the software and tools to maximize productivity and collaboration between all network users. It also has robust backup solutions to secure critical data and assign access to sensitive files. This NAS box supports a multitude of network file sharing protocols. This includes AFP, CIFS, NFS, FTP. Its DiskStation centralizes data from an entire office network allowing you to sync it across multiple devices, as well as secure file sharing with mobile devices for superior interactive collaboration.

The Synology 418-bay DiskStation DS4 NAS also features state-of-the-art 4K Ultra HD video transcoding powered by a state-of-the-art 64-bit quad-core processor. It can transfer data at a speed of up to 10-bit 4K H.265, which allows users to do things like video transcoding on the fly.

How we chose

Data storage and server functionality have evolved rapidly over the past decade to put things like a NAS box on the radar of small businesses, removing office workers and commercial properties. Although there are even units designed for home use. Especially for people who appreciate abundant storage and management features for rich media experience.

With some NAS boxes, the specifications clearly indicate home use rather than professional office use. Although there are a few that reside in the gray area in between.

We started by monitoring processor characteristics, read and write speeds, and the amount of RAM. These elements help to understand how a NAS enclosure can shine for business, small business or home use. From there, we also looked for other clues to better filter and refine the search.

This included things like file synchronization, the ability to transcode video efficiently, preferably at 4K resolution. At the same time, the security system features and camera licenses included in the purchase certainly helped identify the best NAS boxes for business use and commercial security. Many of these units also include things like advanced data encryption, password protection, and even physical security measures.

In a home use NAS enclosure, we also tried to take into account the noise level and the built-in software features. Many network attached storage devices installed in homes essentially act as the beating heart of a home entertainment system. Things like quiet operation, an easy-to-use interface, and apps to customize the way you use video, audio, and even connect game consoles to online environments.

It should also be noted that there are a few units that do not include hard drives during the initial purchase. It can be a pro or a con depending on how you plan to use the NAS box. On the bright side, they tend to have very nice price tags, as well as the ability to choose whatever custom hard drive you want. These NAS enclosures tend to be preferable for homes and small businesses or offices that have specific needs.

There are also NAS enclosures that only come with a small number of drives, but they are expandable. These tend to be packed with features that appeal to small businesses and corporate environments that have an eye on future growth. They give you the flexibility to add new drives and other features as your business and data management needs grow.

Synology 2-bay NAS DiskStation DS218 +

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Specifications:

  • Sequential performance of over 113MB / s
  • Read and write at 112MB / s write
  • Dual core processor
  • AES-NI Encryption Engine
  • 2 GB DDR3L memory
  • Expandable up to 6 GB
  • Btrfs file system
  • System-wide snapshot capability with up to 1 snapshots per shared folder
  • Live transcoding of up to two simultaneous H. 265 / H. 264 4K video streaming
  • Two camera licenses are installed by default
  • Additional licenses can be purchased (CLP1, CLP4 or CLP8)

Synology DiskStation DS218 + 2-bay NAS features a dual-core processor with Synology DiskStation, which is designed for small businesses that need efficient data storage and replication solution. Still, it might also be a perfect fit for a home that needs an efficient solution for demanding processing workloads. Synology DS218 + uses Btrfs file system, for the kind of advanced storage technology to meet the management needs of small business.

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Especially someone who has a hobby or vocation in visual media as they also have 4K Ultra HD video transcoding. Synology DS265 DiskStation's H.264 / H.4 218K real-time video transcoding provides a hassle-free experience for managing and archiving high-quality video playback to multiple network devices.

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This NAS box offers full support for network file sharing protocols. This includes AFP, CIFS, NFS, FTP, to name a few. Synology DS218 DiskStation enables an entire office network to centralize files and seamlessly collaborate on projects.

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Synology DS218 includes a surveillance station that provides intelligent video monitoring and management tools, including the ability to manage multiple IP cameras via live streaming, as well as integration of I / O modules.

This NAS box also includes the “Synology Package Center” which is a suite of over 90 apps that you can use to use your Synology NAS DS218 as an all-in-one server, along with other special features such as cloud sync host or media hub.

What we liked

Live transcoding of up to two simultaneous H. 265 / Hr. 264 4K enables efficient video streaming and processing. At the same time, the Synology Package Center suite of applications facilitates customization and the intuitive interface even helps employees recover all accidentally lost data, without having to turn to IT staff.

You must also appreciate the Surveillance Station functionality. Depending on the specifics of your building, this could be a major savings option. Mainly for safeguarding a commercial property, with high value technology on site.

Global enviroment

It is a well-designed NAS enclosure with the scalability to grow with your business. Everything most would call a very reasonable price. Keep in mind that these upgrades are an additional cost. Still, the intuitive interface will save your IT staff hours of work, helping extensions pay on their own.

WD 2TB My Cloud EX8 Ultra Network Connected Storage - NAS - WDBVBZ0080JCH-NESN

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Specifications:

  • Come with 8TB
  • 1,3 GHz dual-core processor
  • 1 Go of memory
  • Milestone Arcus monitoring software
  • Unlimited camera licenses available
  • Accepts multiple RAID configurations
  • Auto save options
  • Automatic file synchronization
  • Enhanced data security features

Businesses and commercial properties often find themselves tasked with maintaining a large data network, while juggling internal and external security concerns. Just a few decades ago, these things were considered apples and oranges.

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The WD 8TB My Cloud EX2 WDBVBZ0080JCH-NESN was designed to help users organize their media collection in a single NAS enclosure, then access it from anywhere. All with enhanced data security features in place. This includes things like volume encryption and password protection.

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Its My Cloud EX2 Ultra, with 1 GB of memory, allows network users to enjoy blazing fast transfer speeds with smooth HD streaming. It's also configured to automatically sync files between devices, with the ability to easily share folders and files with desktops, laptops with wireless connectivity, and even mobile devices. It also comes with several customizable backup options that you can tailor to your network needs.

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The WD 8TB My Cloud EX2 WDBVBZ0080JCH-NESN also comes with Milestone ARCUS monitoring software with an easy to use interface. It allows you to easily view live feeds and review recorded videos, as well as export visual data of an incident. It also comes with a free Milestone Mobile app that lets you access the video from your smartphone, PC, smartphone or other wireless device.

What we liked

The ability to handle multiple RAID configurations and enhanced data security, along with lightning-fast 1 GB of memory allows you to truly customize this NAS enclosure to your network. The fact that it includes Milestone ARCUS monitoring software with a free mobile app also allows you to multitask on the WD 8TB My Cloud EX2 WDBVBZ0080JCH-NESN for site security and seamless interaction. Including the ability to quickly transfer footage of an incident to law enforcement.

Global enviroment

The overall versatility of the WD 8TB My Cloud EX2 WDBVBZ0080JCH-NESN allows you to customize it on your site. The carefully crafted Milestone ARCUS is also a nice touch that makes it more beneficial for a commercial property. While this particular iteration comes with 8TB, it is expandable and available with up to 20TB.

BUFFALO TeraStation 3210DN 4TB Desktop NAS with Hard Drives Included

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Specifications:

  • Constructed with a durable and sturdy metal frame
  • 2 bays with hard drives included
  • Expandable to 8TB
  • Come with preconfigured RAID
  • Compatible with Dropbox, Dropbox Business, Amazon S3 and Microsoft Azure
  • ISCSI backup target and Rsync backup
  • Optimized for 10 to 30 simultaneous users
  • Anti-theft features with power-on authentication
  • State-of-the-art 256-bit AES encryption
  • Remote access to cloud backup

The BUFFALO TeraStation 3210DN to serve small and medium businesses. It comes with pre-configured RAID with an interface that is intuitive enough that the average network user can navigate most basic functions, without the need to recruit excessive IT support.

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This particular iteration has two bays with the hard drives included with the initial purchase. All surrounded by a very durable and robust metal frame. There are also a series of anti-theft measures to prevent someone from physically grabbing the NAS box in the hope of gaining access to the information. This includes things like a boot authentication tool, advanced password protection, and failover data encryption.

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The data stored in the drives is further protected by state-of-the-art AES 265 encryption along with other special features such as virus protection. The interface also includes access controls to determine which network users have access to which volumes or files.

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This is a handy feature to protect proprietary information that should only be shared at the executive level or by internal specialists.

Buffalo also backs this NAS box with a three year warranty.

What we liked

The BUFFALO TeraStation 3210DN's anti-theft features like the boot authentication tool and advanced password protection. Along with the AES 256-bit encryption, it ensures that even if the NAS box is physically stolen that access to sensitive data is nearly impossible to access by an unauthorized network user.

Global enviroment

This NAS box is truly catered to small to mid-size businesses. It doesn't specifically have security system features built-in but could certainly be customized to do so. The fact that it's optimized for 10 to 30 concurrent users, means it's not ideal for a large site, expansive data center, or commercial property.

QNAP TS-451 + -2G-US 4-Bay NAS

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Specs:

  • Intel Celeron Quad-Core 2 GHz
  • 2GB DDR3L RAM up to a maximum of 8 GB
  • SATA 6Gb / s, 2 Giga LAN
  • Media transcoding
  • virtualization station
  • Station monitoring
  • Multimedia files streamed via DLNA, Airplay, Chromecast and Bluetooth
  • Multi-zone multimedia control
  • scale up to 12 drives with QNAP UX-800P expansion enclosures

The QNAP TS-451 + -2G-US is powered by a 64-bit Intel Celeron quad-core 2.0GHz processor. It also has 2 GB of energy-efficient DDR3L RAM, which can be upgraded up to 8 GB. It also has dual gigabit LAN ports.

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It's also capable of automatically increasing the processor's rate from 2.0 GHz to 2.42 GHz for tasks that are more CPU-intensive.

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This particular NAS box also supports state-of-the-art AES 256-bit volume, as well as folder encryption with a staggeringly fast transfer, speeds up to 205 MB / s.

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The media transcoding can stream HD videos on-the-fly or offline. There's also an HDMI port and LAN connections available. It includes its own Virtualization Station and surveillance station.

What We Liked

The QNAP TS-451 + -2G-US's ability to run multiple platform applications including windows, Linux, UNIX, and even Android-based virtual machines via the virtualization station makes it versatile for all network users. Especially those who need to work with or export high-quality video. The fact that you can boost the processor rate from 2.0 GHz to 2.42 GHz is also a nice touch.

Global enviroment

This is a well-designed NAS box designed for medium to small businesses or for a modest multi-media company that needs to stream video and transfer files. Especially for those users who operate on different platforms and devices, who need to share files with other network users.

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QNAP TS-451 + -2G-US 4-Bay NAS

  • Multimedia files streamed via DLNA, Airplay, Chromecast and Bluetooth
  • Processor rate can be boosted from 2.0 GHz to 2.42 GHz
  • 2 GB of DDR3L RAM, upgradeable to 8 GB.

TerraMaster F2-210 2-Bay NAS

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Specs:

  • ARM v8 quad-core 1.4GHz CPU
  • 1 GB RAM
  • Read and write speeds of more than 114 MB / s
  • Emby and Plex media server support
  • Docker support, Cloud drive sync
  • Compatible with 3.5 ″ and 2.5 ″ SATA HDD
  • Each bay supports the HDD up to 16TB to a total of 32TB

The TerraMaster F2-210 NAS box was designed largely for home use, small office use, or home entertainment. It has an ARM v8 quad-core 1.4GHz CPU and can read and write at speeds up to 114 MB per second.

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It is compatible with 3.5 ″ and 2.5 ″ SATA HDD and Supports Emby as well as Plex media servers. It was designed to always be ready to handle on-demand streaming from a PC, mobile device, smart TV, or even a peripheral gaming console. The TerraMaster F2-210 was engineered for very quiet operation, which lets your audio system shine through.

The TerraMaster F2-210 also supports Docker, as well as Cloud Drive sync, with multiple backups, remote access, and even a convenient mobile app.

What We Liked

Even though this NAS box doesn't come with hard drives installed, it gives you the chance to customize it to your needs. Which is great for gamers, game testers, as well as homes and organizations that want a rich multimedia experience.
The Cloud backup is also a nice touch, and depending on how you want to use it, you can still access your favorite media files when you are physically away from the network. At the same time, you shouldn't underestimate the value of the Btrf file system with snapshot features.

Global enviroment

A unit that has this incredibly low of a price point usually comes with a few minor complaints. The 1 GB of RAM is not upgradeable, so if this pushes your acceptable limits, you might want to keep looking. The fact that it also comes without the hard drives installed can be a little bit of a double-edged sword depending on your personal preferences.

Ultimately, this isn't the ideal NAS box for a corporate setting. Yet it can shine when configured to your home's multi-media network. It could also be a good choice for an art department.

TerraMaster F2-210 2-Bay NAS

  • Each bay supports the HDD up to 16TB to a total of 32TB.
  • Hard drives not included but WD red hard drives or Seagate IronWolf are recommended.
  • 1 GB of RAM included, but not upgradeable.

Synology 4 bay NAS DiskStation DS418 (Diskless)

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Specs:

  • 1.4 GHz Quad-core
  • Over 226 MB per second sequential reading
  • 170 MB per second writing
  • 4K video transcoding
  • 2GB DDR4 memory
  • 40TB raw single volume capacity
  • Dual 1GbE LAN ports
  • Easy network access via mobile apps
  • 2-year limited warranty
  • Operating Temperature from 40 to 104-degrees Fahrenheit

Synology is one of the strongest names in data storage and network hardware. Their DS418 offers an enormous amount of storage capacity with the ability to maintain total command of your data in a private cloud network.

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The Synology DS418 has the features, software, and tools to help boost work productivity for network users via enhanced collaboration tools. At the same time, it has robust backup solutions that help you to maintain secure control over critical data.

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You also can't look past the 4K Ultra HD video transcoding which is powered by cutting edge 64-bit quad-core processor. This allows it to transfer data at speed up to 10-bit 4K H.265, as well as enabling video transcoding on the fly.

The Synology DS418 supports a wide range of network file sharing protocols. This includes AFP, CIFS, NFS, FTP, just to name a few. Their proprietary DiskStation centralizes the data from an entire office network which lets you sync them across multiple devices, as well as secure file sharing with mobile devices for superior interactive collaboration.

The Synology DS418 can also provide you with state-of-the-art site security solutions via their Surveillance Station. It's engineered for intelligent monitoring with video management tools including the ability to manage multiple IP cameras with active live streaming, as well as the integration of I / O modules.

What We Liked

The ability to use this NAS box to produce a private, secure cloud with file synching for all network users certainly makes the Synology DS418 a great option for office spaces where multiple individuals need to collaborate on a single project.

The 4K video transcoding also represents the cutting edge or multimedia file sharing, streaming, and resolution. Not to mention the Surveillance Stations' ability to help with physical site security.

Global enviroment

The Synology DS418's file sharing and synching features make it a great fit for office spaces that need to produce creative media such as an ad agency. Though it works just as well in any business environment where accurate, up-to-date file sharing plays a vital role in operations.

Asustor AS1002T v2 | Network Attached Storage + Free exFAT License

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Specs:

  • 1.6GHz Dual-Core processor
  • 512MB DDR3 RAM
  • 109 MB per second read
  • 108 MB per second write speed
  • 4 free IP camera licenses
  • Asustor Backup Plan
  • Asustor EZ-Connect for mobile access
  • File syncing in real-time for private cloud space
  • Over 200 free unique apps for customized use
  • 3-year warranty

The Asustor AS10 Version-2 represents an upgraded version of their NAS box. This iteration has a new dual-core 1.6 GHz CPU, that has been optimized for performance. It has a read speed of 110 MB per second with a write speed capable of exceeding 98 MB per second. System performance is also boosted by an ADM OS, app. It was also designed for superior speed during photo album browsing, file uploading and downloading.

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The Asustor AS210 Version-2 NAS box provides multi-user network access and seamless cross-platform connection. It's compatible with Windows, Mac OS X or Unix-like operating systems, as well as wireless devices such as smartphones. notebooks, or tablets.

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Asustor also offers a proprietary “LooksGood” database software capable of 1080p. It's designed to let you quickly browse through all your multimedia content for a truly dedicated multimedia database. This feature also allows you to do things like schedule digital TV recordings and manage them efficiently. It's paired with Asustor's “Use Aivideos” software which allows you to browse through the video collection without having to wait for a download to complete!

What We Liked

The 4 included camera licenses are a nice touch, especially if you want to multitask this NAS box for something like an office or home security. The entertainment programming features are also handy for homes that want to use the Asustor as the beating heart of a home theater set up.

Global enviroment

As a value-priced NAS box, there are a few minor complaints that lean this NAS box strongly toward home or small office use, as opposed to large scale corporate data management. The 512MB DDR3 RAM is not expandable, and the 1080p resolution is still a solid step below 4K video transcoding.

When you think of it in the vein of a home multi-media server and data storage system, its characteristics start to shine. This includes features for managing and transferring data, including images and music. When paired with a high-quality home theater and the audio system it lets you keep all your cherished images, video and audio at your fingertips.

Buyers Guide

NAS stands for Network Attached Storage which is a file-level storage architecture that makes it easy and convenient for users to access data that is stored on devices connected throughout that network. It provides users with things like built-in security, data transfer protocols, and things like tolerance capabilities, all via lightweight operating system software.

A NAS Box has several benefits including a scale-out capacity that allows you to add more drives without having to shut the network down. It also removes the responsibility of file serving from the devices connected to the network, which essentially helps boost overall network performance. It can also be set up to handle file redundancy with fault tolerances to ensure data integrity.

It does all this with an easy to use interface, and simple setup procedures, while allowing access to all authorized network users. When shopping for a NAS box there are a few things you might want to keep an eye out for.

The Number Of Drive Bays

The more drives you can install in a NAS box the more overall data storage capacity it will have. Just bear in mind that a DAS box that is set up in a RAID configuration will have a redundancy drive paired with every storage drive. If you set the NAS box up in a RAID 5 configuration the redundancy will come from recording parity information rather than from mirroring.

Ethernet Connections

Most NAS boxes use Gigabit Ethernet connections which are theoretically capable of data transfer speeds of up to one gigabit per second. However, there are some high-end units that are capable of an impressive 10 Gigabit Ethernet connection.

This represents the cutting edge in the next wave of data transfer speeds and might not necessarily be something that you need right now. It's also worth noting that there are some NAS boxes that NAS can be set up to include PCIe expansion card slots which can be used to upgrade ethernet connection speed.

You should also take note of the number of ethernet ports that are available. A NAS box that has two or more ethernet ports might also be capable of link aggregation. Also known as Link Aggregation Control Protocol or LACP it allows the NAS box to balance the data between multiple Ethernet ports to improve network performance across multiple computers or other network devices.

CPU Brand And The Ability To Handle Encrypted Data

Of course, a NAS box is more than just a collection of hard drives. It's essentially its own type of full-fledged computer with its own CPU. For most users, the CPU brand itself isn't a major factor, though there are some users and IT personnel who have brand loyalty or preferences.

The CPU starts to matter more when it comes to things like viewing transcoded video or encrypting data for transfer.

RAM

Just like a personal computer the more RAM a NAS box has the more task capacity it has. This gives it the ability to handle multiple simultaneous connections while encrypting data and performing other critical network tasks.

You might find a NAS box that you like but the onboard RAM it comes with might not meet your expectations. In a scenario like this, you want to look for a unit that allows you to expand the RAM. Even if the NAS box meets your current requirements, the ability to upgrade the RAM may come in very handy in the future.

General Power Consumption

A NAS box is designed to run continuously which means it will constantly be drawing power. Even when it's in low-power or hibernation mode. You will want to look for terms like “Maximum Continuous Power” as well as power consumption stats for idle usage. It might not seem like it's a big deal at first, but over time a NAS box that has a high-power consumption can start to impact your utility costs.

Hardware Encryption

If data security is important to you, which it likely is, then you are also going to want to keep an eye out a NAS box that has hardware encryption features. This includes volume encryption as well as file encryption. Without them, it means the CPU will have to handle encryption, which could potentially impact overall performance.

Transcoding For Audio And Video

Hardware transcoding is especially important if your network frequently transfers a lot of audio or video files. These features efficiently convert high-resolution files to versions that will be optimized for the end-user.

RAID Level Support

A NAS box that has multiple drives will often use some type of “RAID” scheme, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. This essentially makes the discs appear and operate as if they were a single volume. The RAID level of support for a particular NAS can influence how it integrates with your existing or planned network.

For example, Synology Hybrid Raid or SHR and Drobo's “Beyond RAID” offer striping as well as redundancy to maximize the total amount of potential storage. Different models might use different file systems such as ext4 and the new Btrfs, which can increase support for things like low-level data integrity monitoring and system snapshots.

Taken in a certain light these features are as much marketing terms as they are technical jargon. Yet Ext4 tends to run a little faster than Btrfs, which tends to focus more on things like data preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is NAS A “Cloud?”

A: Technically a NAS box is not a cloud. IT environments like a cloud is essentially an abstract pool of shareable, scalable resources that can be accessed by a large number of users across a network. However, a NAS box can be integrated to become a very effective storage feature in a cloud-based environment.

Q: How Is NAS Different From SAN Or DAS?

A: A SAN or “Storage Area Network” which splits things like hard disks, virtual storage nodes, and other large block storage volumes into smaller volumes. Each of these smaller block volumes can then be assigned their own set of specific protocols. While SAN might provide more user flexibility, it can also make the blocks more difficult to navigate. Especially if different volumes employ significantly different protocols.

In a certain light, DAS or “Direct-Attached Storage” is a forerunner of NAS data storage that is directly attached to a single device such as a computer. It doesn't have to be connected to the network, which can potentially limit the ability to access that data from another device since each device is managed separately. The evolution to NAS means that the NAS box essentially manages the data from all connected devices which can then be accessed throughout the network.

Q: What Is SDS And Can It Be Used With NAS?

A: SDS, or “Software-Defined Storage” is essentially an independently operated type of hardware management software. This means it's technically possible to install SDS on a NAS box to tailor it to specific functions such as clustering multiple servers.

Q: Can I Use An Old Hard Drive Or Only A NAS-Specific Hard Drive?

A: There are some NAS boxes that don't include any hard drives in the initial purchase. While this is a money-saving way to expand into network-attached storage devices, it also means you need to add drives via another purchase.

For some individuals, there is a strong temptation to repurpose old hard drives by adding them to a new or existing NAS box. While you might be able to execute this on a technical level, there are some drawbacks. When you combine mismatched drives with different capacities or their own unique characteristics you inevitably end up with unusable disk space in your RAID configuration.

At the same time, older drivers are also more prone to faults and potential failure, which could lead to critical data loss. It's also worth noting, that most older peripheral hard drives are not designed with features that will minimize vibration and the rigor of continuous operation. There are simply better ways to save money in your IT budget.

Conclusion

Network-attached storage devices are increasingly popular with small businesses, offices that use multiple platforms and even commercial properties with security needs. Yet the rapid evolution of data storage and management technology has also allowed things like a NAS box to land firmly on the radar of homes that use a high volume of rich multimedia.

The first step in finding the NAS box that is right for you often starts by looking at the nuts and bolts of things like storage capacity, processor speed, and connectivity. From that point, you can start refining through special features that suit your needs best.

Let's say you have a commercial property or a business that needs physical site security. Then you will likely prioritize a unit that includes security and surveillance options, as well as streaming features, with open camera licenses included in the purchase. This allows your NAS box to handle physical security while you also take advantage of its data storage and management functions.

This is especially handy if your business has a lot of R&D on site. Especially since many of these NAS boxes also come with cutting edge data encryption and network user management features.

On the other end of the spectrum, a Creative Department in an office, or a home screening room might care little for security features. In a scenario like this, things like video transcoding, and customizable multimedia apps, with wireless connections might be high on the priority list.

The field of NAS box options on the market today is broad, and at first glance, you might feel spoiled for choice. Yet once you dial in your needs in the here-and-now as well as your need in the future, you may just find one of the units on your list is a perfect fit for your network environment.

Product Boxes: Last updated on 2020-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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