【 NAS SERVER 】What is it? + Characteristics and Uses ▷ 2022

Today, cloud storage has become one of the most useful tools for users, thanks to the fact that these services provide remarkable ease when saving and sharing files over the Internet. Taking into account that these mechanisms guarantee data protection and allow you to access them from anywhere.

However, in view of the great developments of technology, many users have managed to do without these third-party services and, fortunately, have the advantage of organizing a private cloud, without the need for monumental knowledge and very easily. This, thanks to the famous NAS servers.

In this sense, these servers have been classified as an interesting alternative to be able to store all your files in one place. Since, they are devices oriented to support cloud storage from a home environment. If you want to know more about the subject, we invite you to read this post in detail.

What is a NAS server and what are these devices for?

As we mentioned before, a NAS server (or “Network Attached Storage”) make reference to a network attached storage device that can function as a computer with its own operating system and It is adapted to operate throughout the day, without any limitation. Which is made up of two sets of components that are:
su , su and all circuitswhile the second component is about hard drives that can be inserted into their slots.

Thus, NAS servers They are used to make backup copies of the files that the user wants and indicates in the configuration, both those of a personal computer and those of any mobile device. This being its main function as storage equipment, although it also has many more features of interest.

Additionally, they are indicated for work as an external hard drive and also offer the possibility of create your own cloud storage system. Due to this, all your information will be stored in your own home and not on third-party servers (in the companies that provide the service). Now, the only requirement for NAS servers is to make use of the different applications that each manufacturer offers to customers.

Operation of a NAS What are its functions and characteristics?

Regarding the operation of domestic NAS, it should be noted that there are several possible configurations, however, the most common of all consists of plug these devices into the nearest power outlet to connect them directly to your router. In this way, you will be able to obtain a direct connection to the local network or to other computers on the network and, simultaneously, to the Internet itself. With which, the NAS server will not exhibit restrictions when providing its various possibilities, updating or connecting at the highest possible speed.

In this sense, it is worth distinguishing that said devices have a high energy consumption and, therefore, it is necessary to know the type of current they require. Thus, we indicate that these devices require direct current (D/C) to function optimally Therefore, it is recommended to use an internal power supply or an external adapter that perform the transformation of alternating current (A/C) into direct current.

For its part, once you connect the device in question, you will need to access it from your main computer to start the setup. Taking into account that, you can do it through the web browser, since the NAS and the computer will share the same connection or, if you prefer, they allow you to install applications with which you can configure the files that you want to copy to the NAS, directly from your computer or mobile phone.

Then, within said configuration, it will be possible form several user accounts to use it as a device in which you want to make backup copies. This means that, at the same time, several users can create and manage their own cloud from a single NAS, that is, without each paying for a different service. But, just as they share their cost, they must also share the total accepted storage and therefore, it is possible to assign a limit amount to each person.

In this way, the initial configuration of said equipment to adjust its operation, It is very simple and quick to do. Assessing that, generally, it will take a while between 15 and 30 minutes For that. In short, it is necessary to know that the experience of each user will depend on the manufacturer of the equipment, since some offer more functions and greater versatility than others.

Characteristic

Now, having clarified the general operation of NAS servers, it is worth pointing out the main characteristics of these storage equipment and then, We name the most important among all:

• In general terms, a NAS has three ports What are they: a usb port (used to connect various mass storage devices), the network port (known as LAN or RJ45 port which is used to connect the computer to the local network) and the eSATA port (this one is used to connect external hard drives, basically).
• In order for the LAN interface or RJ45 port to work properly on the NAS server, it is important that stays configured with an IPv4. In this way, optimal communication between the router and the other devices on the network is guaranteed.
• For Windows computers, the NAS accesses the network via the Windows SMB network protocol (Server Message Blocks). While, Apple hardware bet on AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) and Linux-based systems use NFS (Network File System) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol) as the transfer protocol.
• Between NAS servers most recommendedthere are: Synology, QNAP, Western Digital, Snap Server, IBM, Thecus, Lenovo, Netgear ReadyNAS and NetApp.

Advantages of using a NAS Why should I have one?

At present, it is very common for the vast majority of Internet users to handle a significant amount of data in information on their computers and, for this reason, it is relevant make sure to store them in a reliable and accessible place. For which, the renowned NAS servers have been created that reveal valuable advantages for the people who agree to use one of them.

So, in order for you to make use of the best way to save your files in the cloud and manage them as you wish without depending on a third party, we proceed to specify the best advantages of using a NAS so that you are encouraged to try any of them:

• They are compatible with any operating system, that is, both with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS, as well as with Linux. Thanks to that, you will not have to look for storage solutions compatible with each OS, since NAS are platform independent because file management is done through free access protocols. Thus, you will be able to connect computers from different manufacturers, be it your Windows for administrative processes and your Mac for graphic design, for example, on a single server.
• NAS servers guarantee absolute comfort and flexibility. Because you won’t have to store files locally, share folders, or set policies on every computer you use. Thus, you only have to worry about setting certain common parameters on a NAS server, which will work for all computers.
• Another of the most important advantages of NAS is that provides greater security to users Because, from these servers, it will be very difficult for cybercriminals to access your computer and all the files. In addition, they are servers that constantly make automatic backup copies and allow you to save copies of the files in a reliable place, so it is very easy to recover a previous version, in case you accidentally delete them.
• Also offer better speed, compared to any hard drive connected by USB to a computer and shared on a network. In this way, they are prepared to support the concurrent accesses of several users and their speed capacity can even be increased according to the requirements of each user.
• a NAS has great scalability, which means that it is a device that has the property of increasing work capacity without compromising its operation or quality. Therefore, it can be easily integrated into a SAN network and thus become part of a larger system.

In addition to this, it is appropriate to highlight everything that can be done with a NAS, because its possibilities and functionalities are diverse. Bearing in mind that they may vary depending on each manufacturer and the model you purchase. But well, in general terms, we proceed to mention the main uses of a server of this type:

• Create your own storage cloud: They allow you to configure backup copies of different devices so that they act as if it were a private cloud.
• Have a storage unit: They offer the possibility of being used as a hard disk in which the user can upload all the files he wants without having to connect to the computer.
• Host a web server: They are indicated to host a server to upload a website and thanks to that, technologies such as SQL can be used or for the user to have an operational website without having to spend money on third-party servers.
• make downloads : If the NAS model you buy has eMule derivatives or torrent clients, it is possible to use it to download files. Thus, you will have to send the downloads to the hard drives of the NAS, instead of doing them from the computer.
• Have a staff: There are some NAS servers that provide applications with which it is possible to set up a virtual private network and thus, together with a VPN client, you can mask your IP and connect to the network as if you were in another country.
• Become a media center: Through some applications, the NAS can be transformed into a multimedia center to be able to play content and for the user to obtain their own streaming service.
• Function as an FTP server: NAS servers accept an FTP configuration that allows certain folders to be shared with certain users and even allows anonymous access to them.

How is a NAS server different from an external hard drive?

Due to its operation and some of the peculiarities that it exhibits, many users end up concluding that a NAS server is the same as an external hard drive, but that’s not true. Consequently, we believe it is essential to determine what are the main differences between these servers with respect to external hard drives.

In this sense, we highlight that the most accentuated dissimilarity between these two lies in the fact that a NAS server can be used by many users on a network at the same timewhile…