About Network Attached Storage

by Contributing Writer

Overview

With computer files taking up ever-larger amounts of space, and consumers purchasing more PCs for their homes, it is a common wish to share files between computers. While modern computers can be configured to share files, doing so requires that the host computer be left on and constrains the resources of that system. By adding a hard drive straight to the home's computer network, it is possible to save files in a place where they are commonly accessible without hindering any of the other computers on the network.
Function

Network-attached storage, or NAS, refers to hard-drive-like devices that can be connected directly to a home network rather than to a single PC. The PCs on the network can then access the storage on those devices independently of each other.

Identification

Network attached devices are identical to other external storage devices, except that they include an Ethernet port for network hookup. These devices generally cost slightly more than a non-network-capable device, and they are labeled clearly as network capable.
Considerations

Most network-attached devices cannot be upgraded in capacity, and it is usually not convenient to split files among multiple devices. When investing in an NAS device, make sure to get one with a larger capacity than currently necessary to allow for future growth. More expensive network-attached devices are available with expandable storage to scale as technology approves.
Expert Insight

Make sure to get a NAS device that includes automatic fault tolerance capabilities such as RAID. NAS devices contain hard disks similar to a normal PC and can fail just as a normal PC can. With the right device, a failed hard drive can be an inconvenience, not a critical loss of data. These protection schemes take up a substantial amount of the device capacity for redundancy, so factor this in before purchasing a device.
Potential

Network-attached devices are perfect for archival and backup purposes, since they have a high capacity and are separated from the PCs themselves. If the primary use for a device is going to be backup, purchase one that comes with software to automate the backup process. This is easier than manually backing up files and less likely to be done incorrectly.