NAS is the abbreviation for Network-attached storage and has gained popularity among enterprises and small businesses as a scalable, effective, low-cost, on-premises data storage solution. NAS servers serve as a central point for storing as well as retrieving data of organizations. Network-attached storage servers are special computers that have been built for holding one or multiple storage drives. NAS systems are essentially networked appliances. These have one or more storage drives, which are usually organized into logical, redundant storage containers, known as RAID (Random Array of Independent Disks). A RAID consists of multiple drives that have been integrated for the purpose of ensuring an improvement in the performance of a single drive. The various ways of configuring a RAID provide enhanced speed in some cases and better data protection in others. Some RAIDs are capable of delivering both simultaneously.
To digress, servers can be of many types. Servers are used by web hosting companies for the purpose of storing the files of websites. When these files are delivered over the Internet then websites become accessible. The most efficient web hosting companies are usually referred to as the “Best Website Hosting Company”, the “Best Windows Hosting Company”, the “Best Cloud Hosting Company” etc.
With regard to NAS servers, the use of NAS
technology delivers increased service of files as well as swifter access to
data. Unlike block-level storage, Network-attached storage is a file-level data
storage server which is connected to a network that provides a heterogeneous
clients’ group access to data. NAS is
specialized for the purpose of serving files through either its hardware or
configuration or software. NAS storage does away with the responsibility
regarding file serving from a network’s other servers. It usually ensures
access to files through protocols for network file sharing. A dedicated NAS
offers the benefits of simple configuration, faster access to data, convenient
administration. With every update, NAS is becoming more user-friendly and this helps
users in managing their NAS. The latest development in NAS technology has to do
with its increased scalability. This is required when NAS devices have either
reached their capacity for real storage or their performance limits.
Network-attached storage provides the
framework for file-level storage and is capable of holding local storage for
archival data, retention and compliance; assisting applications, databases as
well as servers (physical or virtual) for data storage; sharing storage
location that is accessible through LAN and allocating hot and cold tier data
between cloud file storage and on-premises.
NAS Devices’
Classification
Based on the way NAS devices are made,
these can be classified into the following three types:
Embedded system
based NAS- An
ARM or MIPS based architecture for processors along with an RTOS or an embedded
OS are used in it for running a NAS server. Its functions suit most of the
requirements of end-users. Its power consumption is fair.
Computer-based NAS-
The functions of
this NAS type are the most powerful but it consumes the most power among the
three types of NAS.
ASIC based NAS- It uses a single ASIC chip, file system and hardware for
implementing TCP/IP. This chip doesn’t contain any OS. That’s because all the
operations that have to do with performance are attained through hardware
acceleration circuits. It provides limited functions and its power consumption
is low.
Functioning of NAS
Software
NAS devices are present in between network
storage and network switches. Data is shared and retrieved from the NAS by the
clients through data transfer protocols. Users are able to interact seamlessly
with the resources of the NAS.
Despite NAS systems being lightweight and
being capable of delivering minimal tasks with regard to files, the operating
systems of NAS provide some essential applications, such as productivity tools,
business and collaboration related applications etc.
The Main Features
of NAS Software
NAS software includes certain features that
protect data. These include backup, snapshot, replication and encryption.
Backups maintain a full copy of an
organization’s or user’s data. Hence, it is important to keep regular backups.
Snapshots, which are also known as versioning, provide a digital picture of
one’s data. The difference between snapshots and full backups is that in
snapshots the only data that is saved has to do with the changes that have
taken place in the last snapshot. This minimizes space consumption. Replication
refers to a solution wherein an updated backup is kept ready and can go live in
the event that the source cluster goes offline. NAS systems provide encryption
features with regard to full-disk software encryption as well as SED
(Self-encrypting drives).
NAS Software Uses
NAS software is mostly used for the
following purposes-
- For sharing as well as for collaboration among clients
- To configure a network’s specialized Internet settings
- For accessing files while switching devices
- For configuring protection with regard to data backup, encryption, replication etc.
- For increasing the storage for new files
The Benefits and
Drawbacks of NAS
The main benefits offered by NAS have to do
with it being a fast and secure option for sharing files as well as it providing
convenient in-network storage. Additionally, it is lightweight, doesn’t incur
additional costs post setup and doesn’t require third party data managers.
Remote access to NAS’ cloud is possible.
Its major drawbacks are that it requires
power for operation, as well as technical skills for its set up and
maintenance. There is data redundancy.
NAS vs. General
Server Software
NAS OS are usually lightweight and are
embedded in the hardware. Unlike other servers which are capable of managing
many requests, NAS software can only send and receive requests for storing data
and sharing files. NAS servers differ from most servers that have powerful
hardware and can multitask. Moreover, general servers cost more than NAS as NAS
units need to be bought and set up and post that these incur no additional
costs from the NAS vendor. NAS devices
are smaller in size than the usual server modules.
Conclusion:
Scalability along with data protection and
near-instantaneous access to business-critical volumes of storage are ensured
by Network-attached storage (NAS) software. NAS solutions aid in adequately
storing and sharing data of businesses that opt for migrating to a cloud
infrastructure or a hybrid infrastructure.
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