What is network-attached storage (NAS)? NAS is a data storage device that connects to a computer network and allows access to data from a central location for authorized network users and multiple network clients.
These devices are hard disks that are arranged into logical, redundant storage containers or RAID arrays. NAS devices are flexible and scalable, allowing users to constantly add additional storage as they grow. The devices consolidate storage in one place and support a multitude of cloud tasks, such as data archiving and backup.
With a NAS, data is always accessible, making it easy for employees to collaborate. Data stored on a NAS can be accessed remotely from any location using a network connection, allowing employees to work anywhere and anytime.
NAS systems are connected through networks or through WiFi ethernet ports. This allows multiple computers and mobile devices on the network to wirelessly access and and share files, run apps, stream audio and video, and add and remove data in one centralized device.
NAS operates on its own with its own operating system, and essentially has a small computer in it that makes storage smarter and more flexible. NAS devices typically do not have a dashboard and are configured and managed with a browser-based interface.
NAS is a popular storage method thanks to its accessibility, scalability, high performance, and low maintenance costs.
NAS enables users to easily and effectively collaborate and share data. NAS connects to a wireless router, making it easy for distributed employees to remotely access files from any device with a network connection.
NAS systems are designed for use in large enterprises, medium and small sized businesses, as well as home offices.
SAN (storage area network) and NAS are both network-based storage solutions.
A SAN is an array of disks which are attached to the server, creating a device that can be accessed similar to a hard drive. A SAN stores data at the block level, while NAS data is accessed as files. A SAN operates as a disk and exists in its own separate network of storage devices, while NAS operates as a file server.
NAS handles unstructured data, such as audio, video, websites, and text files. SANs are designed mainly for block storage inside databases, also known as structured data.
NAS is useful when multiple devices need to easily access the same set of files.
In large enterprises. NAS is used for:
Depending on your storage needs, NAS might be a better solution for you than cloud storage. For example:
A NAS is very useful when multiple devices need to easily and safely access the same set of files. These files can be documents, photos, music, or video files. Whenever users collaborate with each other with shared files, it is recommended to use a NAS.
NAS is faster than USB 2.0 but not as fast as USB 3.0.
Some of the advantages of using NAS are:
Some of the disadvantages of using NAS are:
NAS solutions are used for configuring and managing NAS appliances. These solutions allow administrators to allocate storage, manage space, and perform maintenance tasks. NAS management software can be used with a variety of NAS devices from different vendors.
When choosing a NAS solution, here are some features to look out for:
Network attached storage software helps manage and assess the state of the NAS infrastructure. Some of the benefits of using NAS solutions include:
NAS enables users to easily and effectively collaborate and share data. NAS connects to a wireless router, making it easy for distributed employees to remotely access files from any device with a network connection.
NAS systems are designed for use in large enterprises, medium and small sized businesses, as well as home offices.
SAN (storage area network) and NAS are both network-based storage solutions.
A SAN is an array of disks which are attached to the server, creating a device that can be accessed similar to a hard drive. A SAN stores data at the block level, while NAS data is accessed as files. A SAN operates as a disk and exists in its own separate network of storage devices, while NAS operates as a file server.
NAS handles unstructured data, such as audio, video, websites, and text files. SANs are designed mainly for block storage inside databases, also known as structured data.
NAS is useful when multiple devices need to easily access the same set of files.
In large enterprises. NAS is used for:
Depending on your storage needs, NAS might be a better solution for you than cloud storage. For example:
A NAS is very useful when multiple devices need to easily and safely access the same set of files. These files can be documents, photos, music, or video files. Whenever users collaborate with each other with shared files, it is recommended to use a NAS.
NAS is faster than USB 2.0 but not as fast as USB 3.0.
Some of the advantages of using NAS are:
Some of the disadvantages of using NAS are:
NAS solutions are used for configuring and managing NAS appliances. These solutions allow administrators to allocate storage, manage space, and perform maintenance tasks. NAS management software can be used with a variety of NAS devices from different vendors.
When choosing a NAS solution, here are some features to look out for:
Network attached storage software helps manage and assess the state of the NAS infrastructure. Some of the benefits of using NAS solutions include: