What size nas should i get

The stored data is always available to multiple users, who can then access it at the same time. Network-attached storage has improved a lot over the years. It is now possible, for instance, for remote users to store and easily access centralized software and media files.

Disclaimer: This article was produced in conjunction with Seagate Technology. A ll of the products discussed in this article are popular and generally positively reviewed. Without network-attached storage , users have to share files via email, removable drives, or cloud-based platforms.

All of these solutions pose a risk to the privacy and security of the data being shared. On top of that, it is cumbersome and often leads to duplication. For instance, a file needed for fieldwork might have to be uploaded at the office only to be downloaded again somewhere else. With NAS storage, you only need to log onto the network and select the file you wish to work on. Because it runs independent of the network server, NAS allows users to access data uninterrupted even when the server goes down.

It also enhances the speed of file sharing since it is only responsible for file storage and retrieval. Last, but certainly not least, it helps to free up your local servers storage space, leaving them to run more efficiently. Modern units come with the ability to configure automated backups, which protects against crashes or power outages that may cause you to lose data.

Some units even come with an alert feature that sends a warning message when there is an impending drive failure. These units allow you to swap the old disk for the new one without having to power down the system. This is an excellent feature — especially for large enterprise companies looking to store and maintain sensitive data. Most enterprise-grade units also have storage redundancy configurations, where one of the drives is used to create a fallback image of the data.

Network-attached storage increases scalability options and is so flexible that enterprises can easily manage user access. For example, some configurations allow IT to handle more than users spanning across multiple locations. Moreover, it allows separate access levels to be created for different users.

The type of NAS device is usually dependent on the prescribed level of usage. As a result, they fall into three main categories:. Usually, their prices will vary depending on features like storage capacity, number of bays, and a list of other extras such as connectivity and cloud storage. Enterprise network storage models allow businesses to expand rapidly across multiple geographical areas. In this case, branch locations can remotely access data from a NAS device at headquarters.

Many modern devices enable advanced encryption and compression, making them ideal for running massive data operations. Rack mounting is one of their most significant physical traits. Consumer network attached storage may be used to share files professionally or privately with friends and family. For instance, network attached storage for music creates personalized media server for private users. They can use it to backup and synchronize files or even edit images remotely. It can also create a private network between users and the print shop making it easy to edit photos and then send them for immediate printing.

Small business NAS options are little more complicated than consumer. The setup of a small and medium-sized business usually consists of a couple of computer users, a shared printer, and an internet connection. Files can be shared across the network, but there is no clear system of storage and access. At its worst, backing up data becomes a difficult task since it resides in multiple locations. Even so, NAS creates a centralized storage point for all data and simplifies multiple functions, like remote access and data backup.

Given that different users will have varying needs, the most important features will depend on the planned usage. When running a large enterprise, for example, the storage capacity and speed of file sharing becomes the most important features to look for.

The form factor describes the shape, size, or physical characteristics of a computing device. But behind the scenes, DrivePool is divvying up your files to each of the drives that you include in the pool. Instead it's organizing your files completely invisibly into hidden folders on each drive. This has many advantages. First, because DrivePool isn't doing anything to your drives, the system is more stable.

Windows just sees USB hard drives, and that's great. Nothing funky driver magic going on there. DrivePool also lets you migrate your data from their original locations into the virtual drive without formatting. So you can add all your drives, copy all the data into the new virtual drive, and DrivePool will just figure it out.

Once that's done, you only have to work with your new, big virtual drive. Now let's talk about data safety and redundancy. You'll remember that RAID breaks all your files into chunks and distributes them across drives. DrivePool doesn't break your files apart, it just distributes them between drives. This means that even in the worst case scenario where a drive files, it won't take the other drives with it.

You can always go into the DrivePool hidden folder and pull out full, complete files. I've saved the best feature for last — customizable redundancy. On RAID systems with redundancy, the entire drive is copied over. This sounds great on paper, but different files have different values. Let me give you an example: On my drive pool, I have one folder that has my entire library of priceless pictures. I would die if I lost them. The pool also has my collection of movies and retro games.

I would be kind of sad if I lost them, but I'd be fine. DrivePool's folder-level redundancy options allow me to have multiple backups of my pictures, but only one copy of the movies and games. Crazy right? And that is where RAID 6 comes into play: it requires minimum of 4 disks.

Data is divided across 2 disks and the remaining 2 are used for recovery, so in a RAID 6 you can have 2 disks fail and still have a chance to recover your data. Ok, so to the point now, how much storage do you need? If you remember what I said in the beginning, your storage needs will depend on:. Even though I own two other NASes, I run a youtube channel and I produce a lot of content, both with normal cameras, but also with drones, and gopros.

Those files takes an incredible amount of space I save a copy of my work and my disks are full. Today I have 3TB of content crazy right? That is what 3 years of youtubing will do to you!

Now, all the data is available online, I just want to have a quick access to my files, but if a disk fails, I prefer to be able to restore it that to have to download anything again, so I am going for RAID 6, that means that I need 4 disks. Now, do your math, how much data do you need? Once we have done that, it is time to pick a NAS to buy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Lets get started!!! There are two things you need to consider when you estimate how much storage you need: This is an obvious one, but needs to be said: How much data do you want to store? Make sure you think ahead so you have a possibility to grow. Many NAS devices can also manage decent on-the-fly transcoding with their own apps, but Plex transcoding currently requires a lot of CPU power , and none of the models we tested were able to handle transcoding in Plex reliably.

You could make your own NAS with old computer hardware and free software such as FreeNAS or XigmaNAS , but a dedicated NAS device uses far less power usually about as much as a couple of LED light bulbs , has a better interface and more apps, and comes with a manufacturer warranty and technical support.

Back in , we surveyed 1, Wirecutter readers on what they wanted in a home NAS, and most of those requirements still hold true. When deciding which models to test, we paid attention to a number of key features that most home users needed:.

First we set up each NAS following its included install guide, if it had one. We tested ease of use by configuring user and group accounts, as well as file and folder access permissions. We checked to see if the NAS offered a secure cloud service for remote access, which would avoid having to mess with port forwarding and static IP addresses.

If the NAS has dual Ethernet ports, we connected both to the router, and enabled link aggregation. We ran each test nine times in each direction: three times with encryption turned off, three times with disk or folder encryption turned on, and three times with in-flight SMB encryption turned on.

To simulate drive failure, we pulled a drive from the NAS while it was running. A NAS should beep or flash an LED to alert you that something is wrong, and the interface should show a drive-failure notification.

Next we replaced the pulled drive with one of equal or greater capacity. A NAS should detect a new drive and automatically re-create the mirrored array. A good NAS has drive trays or slots that make the drives easy to remove but are sturdy enough to ensure that the drives fit tightly and securely, with no chance of getting disconnected by a random bump. We also connected a flash drive to one of the USB ports. A NAS interface should recognize a connected drive and display its make, model, and file system.

All our NAS picks have some sort of energy-saving feature. We used a Kill A Watt EZ to test the power consumption on each NAS when it was performing a task such as a file copy , when it was idle, and with its energy-saving options enabled. However, the results were close all around.

The gap was a bit wider while we were transferring lots of small music files mainly mp3s. Btrfs also features near-instant server-side copying, data integrity checks, and metadata mirroring, which supposedly helps with data recovery in the case of hard-drive damage. DSM has a toolbar on the top where you can access the main menu, notifications, and login options, search for files, and check on system health. Below that toolbar, you have a desktop where you can access Package Center a store of sorts filled with add-on software , the file browser, the control panel which includes all your settings , and a support area offering video tutorials, FAQs, and more.

You can customize the dashboard to include storage, connected users, and more. DSM also includes handy features for novices. While these commands may be familiar to veteran systems administrators, new users or anyone who has forgotten the server name will welcome the embedded tip.

DSM has an optional cloud service called Cloud Station Server that allows you to access your files remotely. You can set those backups to happen on a schedule and optionally encrypt them before you upload them to another service. DSM packs in numerous security measures. For better or worse, instead of having one big app with tons of features, Synology takes a piecemeal approach to its mobile apps. Newer apps like Synology Moments and Synology Drive integrate many of the functions in the apps listed above.

We also had issues with any 4K video using the DTS audio codec, in which no sound would play. We recommend transcoding your video files ahead of time if you plan on using your NAS as a media server. You can do this with the Offline Transcoding feature in Video Station , though unfortunately you need to manually choose individual videos to convert.