Whenever you run out of storage capacity and have trouble backing up your data, many people use an external hard drive or a cloud service. Network Attached Storage (NAS) is another option. It provides easy access to data anywhere, anytime and is suitable for everyone. But what should you look for when choosing an NAS? The following guide offers some great tips!

What is NAS?

A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a storage device that can store files and multimedia files. Compared to external hard drives, NAS can be used for personal use or to share storage with friends and family. Not only is it easily accessed from a computer, but also from a mobile app making it a more versatile and convenient storage option.

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Four advantages of NAS

1. Centralised data storage

The NAS can be mounted on a computer for instant data access, making it easier to manage data in one place. Alternatively, you can use a browser or mobile app to connect to the NAS and manage your data on-the-go. The built-in app allows you to copy data from a USB stick or an external hard drive to the NAS for centralised management.

2. Simple and easy backup

Once the NAS is connected to a computer or mobile phone, data can be backed up instantly and the NAS will auto back up at regular intervals, eliminating the need for manual backup. Alternatively, if you want an extra layer of data protection, you can build a RAID structure with your hard drives in the NAS to reduce the risk of data loss.

3. Share data easily

A NAS is like your own private cloud. Enjoy all the storage space yourself. You can also turn your NAS into a server and share it with others for file synchronisation. If you want to share your data with friends, simply provide a connection to your data files to view them. This makes everything so convenient!

4. Easy to set up

For most of us, setting up a server is time-consuming and requires a certain level of IT skills, making it difficult for the average family to handle. However, NAS is easy to set up with a simple installation of the hard drive and a built-in program.

Four key points to consider before buying a NAS

Primary application

Before buying a NAS, consider its primary use. If you are looking for a NAS purely for file backup, a basic NAS model will do. For file sharing, multimedia storage and streaming, choose a model with a higher processor and more memory for better performance.

Number of users

Another important factor to consider is the number of people using the NAS device. For personal use, a 1-2 Bay (hard drive bay) model is sufficient. Small studios or SMBs can opt for a 4 Bay NAS which allows hard drives to be added for high-capacity storage needs.

Hardware performance

When choosing a NAS, it is important to consider not only the number of bays, but also the hardware specs. Processors with higher specifications and larger memory provide better performance. The network interface affects the performance of the NAS, with bandwidths of up to 1Gbps and some models up to 10Gbps. Or choose a model with built-in SSD expansion slots for data caching, which speeds up data reading and writing.

User Interface

The user interface of a NAS affects actual working experience. Most NAS nowadays have a built-in user interface that makes it easy to set up, backup and manage data even if it is the first time. Some brands use a user-friendly graphical interface that makes using a NAS like a computer or mobile phone. Advanced functions are available with just one click thereby reducing learning time and costs.