NAS

Overview

Network attached storage (NAS) systems are part of a network and used specially for storing noncritical data. A NAS is cost effective and simple to maintain when compared to a storage area network (SAN). File transfer protocols supported by NAS include the Common Internet File System (CIFS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and Network File System (NFS). Connections can be established through Ethernet or Fibre Channel networks. NAS systems are developed through Small Computer Systems Interfaces (SCSI) using various disk technologies.

NAS performance depends on drive support, number of in-use drives, and overall capacity. You can either choose Serial ATA (SATA) or SCSI drives that cost very little for bulk data storage.

Benefits

NAS devices are capable of storing various forms of data from CDs, DVDs, and magnetic tapes. An NAS system offers faster access via Local Area Network (LAN) to stored data. Since a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) is a part of LAN, storage costs are lowered.

The installation process is quick and easy. NAS allows administrators to increase and consolidate the storage infrastructure as needed. There is unlimited storage expansion, and one single NAS can be used to replace a number of file servers. It can be run on any operating system and can be checked anywhere on LAN. NAS devices have small computers as part of them. Hence using USB port, you can add hard drives, printers, and other resources that can be accessed without turning the desktop on.

A NAS system separates data storage from the personal computer in order to provide portability and scalability. Adding extra space is simple, saving the administrator from the task of constantly adding servers. NAS devices are easy to maintain because of centralized and uniform standards and can handle several terabytes of files, meeting the needs of the growing IT industry.

How It Works

NAS provides remote file service over an Ethernet network. NAS devices are directly connected to the desired network, providing file level access to data through certain protocols like the Common Internet File System (CIFS) and Network File System (NFS). NAS devices can be optimized for all operating systems that need file systems.

Storage options such as SAN and DAS provide blocks of data for block input or output, while NAS is capable of handling file input and output in the area where data is requested from a file. High end NAS devices can handle more than just the basic capabilities of NAS based systems. For example, they have special handlers allowing them to handle multiple operating systems along with file system protocols.

Companies/Brands

Hitachi Data Systems, LaCie, NetApp, Buffalo, Thecus, and HP are leading NAS providers.