Guides for Choosing NAS (Network-attached Storage)

Storage needs vary from one user to another. Generally, the most critical NAS features depend on how you plan to use the device. The various parts that make up its system define NAS performance. Let’s walk through the different components and features of the NAS system and how they contribute to NAS performance.

Drive Bays

NAS storage capacity depends on how many drive bays a NAS system can hold. The more drive bays your NAS has, the bigger the storage capacity you’ll have for your users, and the better protection your data can get from disk failure.

Most NAS devices support RAID technology. RAID makes redundancy possible to protect your data. But with only one drive, you get no additional performance or data protection. With two drives, you have the primary function of simple mirroring or RAID 1, with the other disk holding a mirror image of the main drive. This scenario prevents data loss if the primary drive fails.

Some NAS devices only have one disk bay, and others offer 16 slots. In general, having more drive bays provides you with more options in choosing the RAID configuration for your desired level of data protection.

You can quickly calculate your storage needs by getting the total number of the following: the hard drives and external drives you want to back up, shared storage you wish to provide your users, and your projected growth requirements for shared storage.

Purchasing NAS with larger drives and more drive bays will give you more storage space and data protection. However, be careful in going too big and wasting money on unused storage space for an extended period.

Processor, Controllers, and Memory

NAS’s primary functions are data storage and file access, and the processor, controllers, and memory to support these functions.

Smaller NAS systems only provide basic functionality that might bog down when too many users access them. At the same time, larger NAS systems provide you with numerous storage controllers that deliver the fastest performance and superior data protection capability.

Processor: The processor runs the computing intelligence and power to manage the file system, serve multiple users, integrate with the cloud if desired, also read and write operations, run applications, process multimedia files (such as video).

It fuels the performance of the system operation, services, and applications. Your choice of processor plays a significant role, particularly when you have more users working on the network.

A wide range of processors is available to do the tasks you want NAS to perform. An Intel Atom or Pentium processor can do the job if you only intend NAS for file and media storage. But if your need is more advanced like streaming, Plex use, and multi-user optimization, you may want to purchase an Intel Core i3 chip or an equivalent for better performance.

Controllers: The NAS controllers perform various functions for the system, such as connecting users, interacting with servers and workspaces, and allocating storage space as data is written or changed. As your data grows, you need to add controller processing power for better performance.

Memory: Like any computer, the more RAM a NAS device has, the better it can accomplish its tasks. More RAM helps when the device handles multiple simultaneous connections, encrypts data, and does other duties. You should match 1GB RAM to every terabyte (TB) of storage as a general rule. Look for a NAS model that you can expand with more RAM and upgrade later when the need arises.

Network and Connections

Even though a NAS works wireless, for the most part, Ethernet ports ensure that the NAS connects to the internet at all times. You choose between GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE. A basic NAS most often comes with a 1GigE Gigabit Ethernet connection. With this capacity, it can only serve a few users.

The higher the number of an ethernet port, the faster the throughput. If you need to transfer images, you need an HDMI port. Many systems have expansion capabilities if you want to upgrade to a 10GigE network card in the future.

Another option is a Thunderbolt connection. Thunderbolt ports allow laptops and workstations to be connected straight to the NAS and get higher bandwidth of up to 40GigE (5 GBs). You can edit large files straight on the NAS using this port.

Some NAS models come with built-in Wi-Fi functionality. With this function, you can create an access point that other devices can connect, eliminating the need for Ethernet cables and routers.

Caching and Hybrid Drive Features

Most higher-end NAS systems make it possible to match standard 5.25″ hard drives with higher-performing, smaller form factor SSD like mSATA or M.2 drives. By combining these different drives, your NAS can have a better file serving performance and larger capacity.

These capabilities will come in handy as your user base increases in number. It’s a simple way of boosting your NAS performance. You can choose a NAS system with these slots unoccupied and add them in the future.

Operating System

NAS devices need to have an OS to run the variety of available applications. They are business applications such as ERP and CRM, productivity tools such as email, documents, spreadsheets, collaboration, multimedia transcoding and serving, file-sharing applications, and many more.

Some NAS vendors provide access to their demonstration virtual machine to preview the interface and tools and assess specific needs about user management features. Some OS options are Synology and QNAP.

Conclusion

Here are the main points we’ve discussed when choosing a NAS system:

• Know your storage needs for local backup and shared user storage.
• Consider a NAS system with more than one drive bay. More drive bays equals larger storage capacity.
• Buy a NAS system that comes with drives. Otherwise, you’ll need to source them yourself.
• Go for a system that has upgrading and expansion capabilities.