NAS, or Network-Attached Storage.
What is it? What is it used for? Is it a good choice for my business?
In this article, we’ll help you get a clearer picture!
What is a NAS?
A NAS, or Network Attached Storage, is a standalone storage device connected to your computer network. It is therefore a storage space separate from your servers or PCs, primarily used for data storage.
The NAS can also replace your server(s), depending on the services it will need to handle. In addition to data storage, it can function as a DHCP server, an Active Directory server, manage file shares and surveillance cameras, and serve as a communications or multimedia server, among other things…
This system generally contains several disks, for example in a RAID 1 (Mirror) configurationโto put it simply: two drives are constantly mirrored, so that if one of them fails, the other continues to function, and your data remains protected and accessible while the faulty drive is being replaced.
HelpIT offers its customers the installation of Synology NAS systems because they are exceptionally reliable, easy to use, and provide a range of services that are valuable to businesses.
What is a NAS used for?
- SQL Server
- DHCP or DNS server
- iTunes Server
- LDAP Server
- Mail Server
- Contacts and Chat Manager
- Multimedia Server (DLNA)
- Web Server (PHP, Wiki, WordPress, etc.)
- Surveillance Camera Management:
Your private cloud!
To avoid storing your documents on platforms such as Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, etc., you can create your own secure cloud using a VPN from your NAS. This way, you retain full control over your data, how it is shared, and who has access to it.
Smartphone apps are available:
- DS File: To Access Your Files
- DS Camera: to view your cameras
- DS Audio: For Listening to Your Music
- Synology Photos: for organizing and managing your photos (including syncing from your camera)
- DS Note: Save your notes and memos
- DS Video: For Managing Your Movies and Videos
- And many more…
There are two types of NAS formats and several models with different capacities to suit your needs:
- “Desktop”โeasy to set up
- “Rackable” designed to be mounted in a network cabinet
There are several options available:
- Adding RAM
- Adding an SSD cache.
The purpose of enabling an SSD cache is to improve the performance of random access to a small portion of frequently accessed data in the storage space.
- Dual redundant power supply in case one of them fails.
- Additional drive expansion bay.
- 10 Gigabit Network Card / Fiber Optic.
Synology High Availability: What Is It? This service provides redundancy between two identical NAS devices to ensure protection in the event of a failure in one of the servers, with one serving as the โmasterโ and the other as the โslave.โ The goal is very simple: to automatically switch to the other server in the event of a failure without losing any data!
This means you’ll be able to continue working without interruption even if the first server goes down.
Do you need advice or would you like more information about NAS devices?
Contact us!
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