NAS

Definition

Network-attached storage (NAS) is centralized network storage where client devices and other users can access data. Usually, NAS devices connect to a wireless router, allowing computers to access files. Remote workers can, for example, access files from any desktop or mobile device using NAS systems.

How NAS Work

• NAS systems use a NAS device to support storage services via network access.
• The NAS device has components that include the central process unit (CPU), operating system (e.g. Netgear ReadyNAS), physical storage (e.g. Disk drives), and a network interface.

How Can NAS be Used?

• Multimedia file management: NAS systems manage smart TV storage, security systems, and IoT devices and enable media streaming, personal cloud hosting, and website development.
• Distributed team collaboration: NAS can benefit remote workers as they can share data and collaborate more effectively.
• Hosting Server-Based applications: NAS supports hosting open-source applications like CRMs, HR management, email, accounting, video recording, payroll, data logging, and business analytics.

Advantages and Disadvantages of NAS

Pros

• Ease of access: Users can access data at any time of the day remotely, which is great for remote team collaboration.
• Easy to operate: NAS systems don’t require expertise since they have simple scripts.
• Low cost: They are relatively cheap compared to other network storage options.

Cons

• Slow performance: NAS systems may perform poorly as traffic increases.
• Limited scalability: They’re not scalable as in the case of other storage solutions.

NAS Components and How They Work

NAS comprises of four major components:

1. The central processing unit (CPU): This component is responsible for powering NAS, managing data storage, running the operating system and cloud integration. Unlike general-purpose CPUs in typical computers, NAS devices often use specialized CPUs for high performance and low power consumption.
2. Network Interface: Small NAS devices support direct computer connections, such as Wi-Fi and USB. However, business NAS systems require a physical network connection, such as a cabled Ethernet interface, to create a unique IP address for data sharing and file serving.
3. Storage: NAS devices offer physical storage in the form of disk drives, including HDDs, SSDs, or other non-volatile memory devices. Other storage solutions supported by NAS include logical storage organization such as RAID for redundancy and performance. These are often managed by the CPU and not the disks.
4. Operating system (OS): The OS organizes and manages the NAS hardware and provides storage to users and applications. Unlike simple NAS, which lacks a specific OS, advanced NAS systems run dedicated operating systems such as Netgear ReadyNAS, Zyxel FW, QNAP QTS, or TrueNAS Core.

Types of NAS Solutions

• Scale-out file-based storage (FBS): Scale-out NAS or scale-out FBS involves expanding storage capacity by adding hard disks to the system. The solution is cost-effective and increasingly popular. The scale-out FBS workloads are projected to grow steadily alongside public cloud file-based services.
• NAS gateways: These combine NAS and SAN solutions, overcoming the limitations of legacy NAS. Unlike traditional NAS, which requires remapping when adding disks, NAS gateways allow independent scaling of individual servers.

Various types of NAS systems as defined by user base include:

• Enterprise: High-end NAS devices support RAID configurations for increased performance and redundancy.
• Small business or consumer NAS: Designed for home users, these systems offer centralized file storage accessible via routers, PCs, and mobile devices. They can also function as file, print, backup, and multimedia servers.