Digital progress has changed our lives and data has become one of our most valuable resources. In this world of digital transformation, Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems play a crucial role. These specialized devices and software solutions allow us to store, organize, share and provide services over networks.
But how do you choose the right NAS system? In this blog post, we will look at the basics of the different NAS systems. We'll explore their use cases, the different options available and the pros and cons of pre-built NAS systems compared to DIY alternatives.
What is Network Attached Storage?
NAS, or Network Attached Storage, is a clever hardware-based solution for centrally storing and accessing data in a network. Depending on the application, these powerful systems are equipped with suitable processors, sufficient memory and several hard disks. They offer a web user interface via which they can be configured. NAS systems can function as file and database servers, media servers, backup solutions and much more.
What are NAS systems good for?
NAS systems are the versatile tools of the digital world. They make it possible to store, organize and share data via networks. They play a crucial role in a variety of use cases, whether in home networks or complex corporate environments. Here are some examples:
Nextcloud: an open-source software that can run natively, as an app or in a Docker environment on NAS systems, enabling synchronization of files, calendars, contacts and more across different devices.
Network File System (NFS): A network protocol that enables seamless file sharing between computers on a network, particularly common on Unix and Linux systems.
SMB (Server Message Block): A protocol responsible for transferring data between a client and a server in local networks.
Application server (VM, LXC, Docker): NAS systems can also serve as hosts for enterprise applications such as mail servers, web servers, databases and virtual machines.
Versioning of data: NAS systems often provide versioning capabilities, allowing users to access previous versions of files and undo changes.
Other possible applications: From multimedia streaming to backup and recovery to video surveillance, NAS systems are extremely versatile.
Which NAS systems are available?
Synology and QNAP
The world of NAS systems offers a wealth of options. Well-known brands such as QNAP and Synology are characterized by a wide range of NAS systems and user-friendly software.
In addition to Synology and QNAP, there is a long list of NAS manufacturers. Among the best known are:
- Western Digital
- Buffalo
- Seagate
- Netgear
- Asustor
- Drobo
- Thecus
- Zyxel
While established brands like QNAP and Synology undoubtedly offer top-notch NAS systems, there is a world of NAS building that is full of possibilities and potential. DIY NAS systems have grown in popularity in recent years as they allow users full control over hardware and software. When you build a NAS system, you can tailor it to your specific needs and preferences while keeping costs under control. This option is not only appealing to tech enthusiasts and IT professionals, but also to anyone looking for a customized, cost-effective data storage solution.
Among the options for DIY NAS systems, there are some outstanding choices that can bring your creative design skills to life:
Openmediavault
This is an impressive open source software that allows users to create their own NAS system on commodity hardware. Openmediavault provides a user-friendly interface to configure your NAS and allows you to customize performance and storage capacity as needed. With a variety of plug-ins and extensions available, you can customize your NAS system to meet almost any requirement imaginable.
Unraid
Unraid is a paid solution that shines with advanced features. It offers data redundancy, which means your data is safer than ever before. Unraid also enables support for Docker containers, which makes deploying applications and services on your NAS system a breeze. These features make Unraid a powerful choice for more demanding users.
TrueNAS Scale
If you are looking for an open source alternative to commercial NAS systems, you should consider TrueNAS Scale. With an impressive list of features, TrueNAS Scale is suitable for both businesses and home users. Based on the proven Debian operating system, you get access to proven open source technologies and a powerful NAS solution that adapts to your needs.
TrueNAS Core
Truenas Core is a high-quality open source solution for NAS systems based on the proven FreeBSD operating system. This powerful combination offers a wide range of features and applications. Truenas Core is also suitable for businesses and home users and allows you to customize your NAS environment according to your individual requirements. With the stability and flexibility of FreeBSD as a base, you can be sure that the storage and management of your data is in good hands.
Whether you want to back up your data, stream multimedia content or host sophisticated applications, do-it-yourself NAS systems offer flexibility and control. It's time to make the world of NAS systems your own and create a solution that fits your needs perfectly.
Why can a NAS be important in IT infrastructures?
In an era of big data and growing digital requirements, a NAS system plays a central role in IT infrastructures. It is more than just a storage device - it is a strategic component that can significantly increase the efficiency and performance of an IT infrastructure. Whether for small businesses or large corporations, NAS systems meet the growing demands for data management, backup and accessibility.
What can't be covered by a NAS?
Although NAS systems are extremely powerful and versatile tools, there are some areas where they reach their limits. Here is a list of important aspects that cannot always be fully covered by a NAS:
Limited computing power compared to dedicated servers:
NAS systems are primarily designed for storing and sharing data. While they have enough computing power to handle many tasks, they are not as powerful as dedicated servers. This means they may not be the best choice for compute-intensive applications such as complex database processing or high-end virtualization environments.
Limited support for complex applications:
NAS systems are great for the basic tasks of data storage, backup and sharing. However, they are not the ideal platform for highly specialized or particularly complex applications. In such cases, dedicated servers or specialized hardware are required to provide the necessary performance and functionality.
Performance depends on the quality of the hardware:
The performance of a NAS system depends to a large extent on the quality of the hardware installed. The choice of hard disks, processor and memory can have a significant impact on the performance of the system. A NAS with inferior hardware can affect performance and reliability, especially when it comes to tasks such as data backup, streaming or virtualization.
It is important to consider these limitations and ensure that a NAS system is suitable for the intended tasks. For more demanding applications and workloads, it may be necessary to resort to dedicated servers or specialized solutions to ensure the required performance and scalability. In such cases, the hardware should be selected carefully to ensure that it meets the specific requirements.
Which NAS system should I choose?
Choosing the right NAS system is a crucial phase that depends on various factors and should be carefully considered. To make the best possible choice, you should carefully consider your individual requirements, budget and technical capabilities. Essentially, there are two main categories of NAS systems to choose from:
Ready-made NAS systems, such as QNAP and Synology:
Advantages:
User-friendly interfaces: These ready-made solutions often offer intuitive user interfaces that simplify configuration and management. Even users without extensive IT knowledge can work with them quickly.
Preconfigured software and apps: Ready-made NAS systems are usually already equipped with a variety of pre-installed applications and services. This enables quick commissioning and use.
Warranty and support: You usually receive a manufacturer's warranty and access to customer support. If you have any problems, you can contact the manufacturer for support.
Disadvantages:
Higher acquisition costs: Ready-made NAS systems generally have higher acquisition costs compared to do-it-yourself options. This can be a factor for users with a limited budget.
Limited customization options: Although they are user-friendly, pre-built NAS systems offer limited customization options. They are designed to cover a wide range of users, but may not meet all specific requirements.
DIY and open source solutions, such as Openmediavault, Unraid or Truenas Scale:
Advantages:
Full control over hardware and software: DIY NAS systems offer you the freedom to select and customize the hardware components and software according to your own ideas. This allows you to create a system that meets your exact requirements.
Scalability and adaptability: These solutions are extremely flexible and scalable. You can expand your NAS system over time and adapt it to changing needs.
More cost-effective option: DIY NAS systems usually offer a more cost-effective solution, especially if you already have some of the hardware components you need.
Disadvantages:
Requires technical knowledge for configuration: Building a NAS system yourself requires technical knowledge and the ability to configure hardware and software. This can be a hurdle for users who are not experienced in this area.
No pre-configured solutions: Unlike pre-built NAS systems, DIY and open source solutions need to be configured from scratch. This requires time and technical know-how.
The decision between these two options depends on your individual needs and priorities. If ease of use and quick setup are your priorities, pre-built NAS systems are a good choice. However, if you prefer full control, customizability and cost savings and are willing to deal with configuration, DIY and open source solutions are the right choice. It's important to carefully evaluate your requirements and resources to make the optimal decision.
Our Tip:
Openmediavault - Maximum control over the host system:
When it comes to having full control over your NAS host system, there is one clear choice: Openmediavault. This impressive open source NAS system sets itself apart from the competition by giving you the ability to customize and optimize your system down to the smallest detail. With Openmediavault, you can design the hardware, software and configuration to suit your individual requirements.
Whether you are a tech enthusiast who wants to fine-tune every element of your NAS system or a professional who needs to meet specific requirements, Openmediavault allows you to realize your vision without compromise. This is the solution for those seeking absolute control over their NAS host system. Welcome to the world of Openmediavault, where your settings and customizations have no limits.
Conclusion:
NAS systems are the digital all-rounders that can be of great use in different environments. Whether you opt for a pre-built solution or DIY, the right NAS solution can help you store, back up and share data efficiently. When choosing, your individual requirements should be the focus and it is important to carefully analyze which system best suits your IT infrastructure.
Are you looking for a reliable solution and need support? Are you perhaps still undecided as to which system could be the right one for your company? Then get in touch with us at any time! We look forward to your contact request.
Sources: truenas.com, unraid.net, openmediavault.org, synology.com, qnap.com