Back to basics: what is NAS? NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a file storage device that serves as a centralized point of data access and retrieval for network users and heterogeneous clients.
Used for both home and business networks, NAS devices can expand and supplement a network’s storage capacity and facilitate easy file sharing. NAS devices connect through a network’s router or switch to provide simultaneous access to file shares. They’re a convenient storage solution for anyone dealing with ever-increasing file sizes – either at home and at work. That’s because they allow you to simply add-on to current network hardware, without having to replace the existing storage solutions.
Nov 1, 2018 - The best NAS devices 2018: top Network Attached Storage for the home and office. WD My Cloud Personal. Simple, yet fast. Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay. Convenient network storage. QNAP TS-251A. Buffalo LinkStation LS220D. Synology DiskStation DS1817. WD My Cloud Mirror. Synology DiskStation DS1517. WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra. The NAS is pretty Mac Friendly and fast. I use features on it like AFP and TimeMachine and use their full line of iphone/iPad apps to access my photos and music collection! I also use Synology Surveillance Station, which I believe, is only one Surviallnce system that can be used in Mac Safari.
Reasons for NAS NAS provides safety, control, and convenience. Instead of each user using their own local storage or cloud storage (Google Docs, Dropbox, etc.), NAS devices offer a way to have all files under one roof. And unlike external USB storage drives, NAS file shares are simultaneously accessible by every network user. NAS devices are used in a variety of ways in home and enterprise environments.
They are frequently used as adaptable storage capacity, ‘private cloud’ shared storage, centralized and secure data storage, and as a backup destination for device data. Neat mobile scanner 2008 driver for mac el capitan. NAS for households Many home network users are turning to NAS devices as a cost-effective solution for introducing shared storage between a few users, since it’s a one-time expense instead of the recurring costs required by some other options. They’re commonly used for media storage that’s accessible by any device connected to the network. They are also an easy and convenient way to share files via a central hub. For this kind of application, it’s important to choose a NAS solution that supports AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) in order to retain the convenience of Spotlight file searching (with content searches) and Apple’s Time Machine NAS backup. Examples of AFP supported NAS can be found at the end of this article. With so many Apple devices being used at home – from iPhones and iPads to iMacs and MacBooks – individuals and families need a safe way to back-up their devices.
NAS can provide easy storage for on-site backup using or other third-party software such as. (Keep in mind though that on-site backup alone is insufficient for truly securing your data.
It’s better to create the of simultaneous creating a local backup and an off-site version you store in the cloud in case.) An additional, essential consideration when selecting a NAS device for home use is the number of drive bays. Devices typically feature one to four bays, which corresponds to the number of hard disks – and therefore additional storage – the device can accommodate.