Today, cloud storage has become one of the most useful tools for users, thanks to the fact that said services provide a remarkable facility when saving and sharing files through the Internet. Taking into account that these mechanisms guarantee the protection of data and allows you to access them from anywhere.
However, in view of the great technological developments, many users have managed to do without these third-party services and, fortunately, have the advantage of organizing a private cloud, without the need for monumental knowledge and very easily. This, thanks to the famous NAS servers.
In this sense, these servers have been classified as an interesting alternative to be able to store all your files in one place. Since they are devices oriented assist cloud storage from a home environment. If you want to know more about the subject, we invite you to read this post in detail.
What is a NAS server and what are these devices for?
Just as we mentioned earlier, a NAS server (or Network Attached Storage) make reference to a storage device connected to the network it can work as a computer with its own operating system and it is adapted to operate throughout the day, without limitation. Which is made up of two sets of components that are:
your RAM, your processor and all the circuitswhile the second component is about hard drives that can be inserted into their slots.
Thus, NAS servers they are used to make backup copies of the files that the user wants and indicate in the configuration, both those of a personal computer as well as those of any mobile device. Being this, its main function as storage equipment, although it also has many more interesting features.
Additionally, they are indicated for work as an external hard drive and, in addition, they offer the possibility of create your own cloud storage system. Due to this, all your information will be kept in your own home and not on the servers of third parties (in the companies that provide the service). Now, the only requirement for NAS servers is to make use of the different applications that each manufacturer offers customers.
How a NAS works What are its functions and characteristics?
Regarding the operation of domestic NAS, it should be noted that there are several possible configurations, however, the most common of all consists of Plug these devices into the closest outlet to connect directly to your router.. In this way, you can obtain a direct connection to the local network or to other computers on the network and, simultaneously, to the Internet itself. Therefore, the NAS server will not have restrictions when it comes to providing its various possibilities, updating or connecting at the highest possible speed.
In this sense, it is worth distinguishing that such devices have a high power consumption and, therefore, it is necessary to know the type of current they require. Thus, we indicate that these devices need direct current (D / C) to function optimally and therefore it is recommended to use an internal power supply or an external adapter that perform alternating current (A / C) transformation into direct current.
For its part, once you connect the device in question, you must access it from your main computer to start the configuration. Taking into account that, you can do it through the web browser, because the NAS and the computer will share the same connection or, if you prefer, they allow you to install applications with which you can configure the files you want to copy to the NAS, directly from your computer or mobile phone.
Then, within said configuration, it will be possible set up multiple user accounts to use as a device on which you want to make backups. This means that, at the same time, multiple users can create and manage their own cloud from a single NAS, that is, without each paying a different service. But, just as they share their cost, they must also share the total accepted storage and therefore, it is possible to assign a limit quantity to each person.
In this way, the initial configuration of said equipment to adjust its operation, it is very simple and fast to do. Valuing that, generally, it will take you a while between 15 and 30 minutes For that. In short, it is necessary to know that the experience of each user will depend on the manufacturer of the equipment, since some offer more functions and greater versatility than others.
characteristics
Now, clarified the general operation of NAS servers, it is worth pointing out the main characteristics of these storage equipment and then, we name the most important among all:
- In general terms, a NAS has three ports What are they: a USB port (used to connect various mass storage devices), the network port (known as LAN or RJ45 port that is used to connect the computer to the local network) and the eSATA port (This is used to connect external hard drives, basically).
- In order for the LAN interface or RJ45 port to function properly on the NAS server, it is important that stay configured with an IPv4. This ensures optimum communication between the router and the other devices on the network.
- For Windows computers, the NAS accesses the network via Windows SMB network protocol (Server Message Blocks). Whereas, Apple hardware bet on AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) and Linux-based systems use NFS (Network File System) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol) like the transfer protocol.
- Between NAS servers most recommended, are: Synology, QNAP, Western Digital, Snap Server, IBM, Thecus, Lenovo, Netgear ReadyNAS and NetApp.
Advantages of using a NAS Why should you have one?
Currently, it is very common for the vast majority of Internet users to handle a considerable amount of information data on their computers and, for this reason, it is relevant. make sure to store them in a reliable and accessible place. For this, the renowned NAS servers have been created that reveal valuable advantages for people who agree to use one of them.
So, in order for you to use the best way to save your files in the cloud and manage them as you wish without depending on a third party, we proceed to specify the best advantages of using a NAS so that, you are encouraged to try any of them:
- They are compatible with any operating systemThat is, both with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS, as well as Linux. Thanks to that, you will not have to search for storage solutions compatible with each OS, since NAS are platform independent because file management is done through free access protocols. Thus, you will be able to connect computers from different manufacturers, be it Windows for administrative processes and Mac for graphic design, for example, on a single server.
- NAS servers guarantee absolute comfort and flexibility. Since, you will not have to store the files locally, share folders or set policies on each computer you use. Thus, you only have to worry about setting certain common parameters on a NAS server, which will work for all computers.
- Another of the most important advantages of NAS, is that provides greater security to users Because, from these servers, cybercriminals will have a very difficult time accessing your computer and all files. In addition, they are servers that perform automatic backups constantly and allow to keep the copies of the files in a reliable place, so it is very easy to recover an old version, in case of accidentally deleting them.
- Too offer better speed, compared to any hard drive connected by USB to a computer and shared on the network. In this way, they are prepared to support the concurrent accesses of several users and even, their speed capacity can be increased according to the requirements of each user.
- NAS has great scalability, which means that it is a device that has the property of increasing work capacity without compromising its performance or quality. Therefore, it can be easily integrated into a SAN network and thus be part of a larger system.
In addition to this, it is appropriate to highlight everything that can be done with a NAS, because its possibilities and functionalities are diverse. Taking into account that, they can vary depending on each manufacturer and the model you buy. But well, in general terms, we proceed to mention the main uses of such a server:
- Create your own storage cloud: They allow you to configure backups of different devices in order to act as if it were a private cloud.
- Have a storage unit: They offer the possibility of being used as a hard disk in which the user can upload all the files they want without having to connect to the computer.
- Hosting a web server: They are indicated to host a server to upload a website and thanks to that, technologies such as SQL or PHP so that the user can have an operational website without spending money on third-party servers.
- P2P Download: If the NAS model you buy has eMule derivatives or torrent clients, it can be used to download files. Thus, you will have to send the downloads to the NAS hard drives, instead of doing them from the computer.
- Have a personal VPN: There are some NAS servers that provide applications with which it is possible to mount a virtual private network and thus, together with a VPN client, you can mask your IP and connect to the network as if you were in another country.
- Becoming a multimedia center: Through some applications, the NAS can be transformed into a multimedia center to be able to play content and for the user to obtain their own streaming service.
- Function as an FTP server: NAS servers accept an FTP configuration that allows you to share certain folders with certain users and even allow anonymous access to them.
How is a NAS server different from an external hard drive?
Due to its operation and some of the peculiarities it exhibits, many users end up concluding that a NAS server is the same as an external hard drive, but that's not true. Consequently, we believe it is essential to determine what are the main differences between these servers with respect to external hard drives.
In this sense, we highlight that the most marked dissimilarity between these two is that a NAS server can be used by many users on a network at the same time, while an external type hard disk can only be used by a single user. Also, the NAS server is totally independent and it can resemble a computer for its functionalities, on the other hand, the external hard disk is a simple storage system that depends on a whole computer.
In addition to that, external hard drives have a specific function that is based on storing files. On the other hand, NAS allows data and information to be stored and, simultaneously, they have other uses (creating a private storage cloud, accessing files remotely, setting up a personal VPN, making P2P downloads, etc.). This, thanks to the fact that NAS servers have an embedded operating system that supports various processes and automation of others.
Next, we proceed to point out some other important differences:
NAS vs. SAN How are these storage technologies different?
On the other hand, many users also tend to get confused between what is a NAS server and a SAN server, in view of the fact that both are network storage solutions. But, taking into account that, the SAN refer to the acronym of Storage Area Network and they consist of a local network of multiple devices that operate on disk locks.
Therefore, we find that the most important difference between these two storage technologies is that a NAS simply it is a single dedicated hardware that manages data file operations just like conventional file servers do. Instead, a SAN is in charge of connect a set of storage devices through fiber and these are capable of sharing data with each other at a low level.
In addition to this, of course, they also display other distinctions of great interest to users and, in order to clarify this common question, we proceed to specify those differences here: