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Network Storage
 If
you have more than one computer, a Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
device may
be a better alternative to an external hard disk for backups. Given the
ever
decreasing cost of disks and RAID systems, it is now practical and cost
effective to back up a large number of machines onto a server's local
disk or network storage. They provide incremental
and full-system, continuous, automatic backup for network connected
workstations.
NAS systems contain one or more hard disks, often
arranged into logical, redundant storage containers or RAID
arrays (redundant arrays of inexpensive/independent disks). Unlike a
direct attached storage, NAS sits on a network as its own entity,
which makes it ideal for storage across a local network of machines.
NAS provide incremental full-system backup bare-metal
syste restoration encryption for individual files or entire volumes.
But they offer
significantly more than simply a general centralized storage facility.
Typically they can provide load-balancing
fault tolerant email and web systems, some drives also offer FTP,
BitTorrent
clients, iTunes media server, Bluetooth, remote access, IP security
camera support, and
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP functionality).
There are open source
NAS-oriented distributions of Linux available, such as the popular
FreeNAS, which supports a wide range of protocols, software RAID, local
user authentication and more. NAS-oriented distros are usually
configured using a web browser.
Many NAS drives run an embedded Linux operating system.
Major manufacturers such as Hewlett-Packard, Seagate, Qnap, and Netgear
all
produce Linux based NAS storage devices. Some of these are real
heavyweights offering up to 8TB of storage. At the other end of the
spectrum home users may find a Mini NAS enclosure solution to fit their
needs. For example, the Addonics
Mini NAS lets you install a 2.5" SATA hard drive or Solid
State Drive, providing a highly portable low cost (under 70 US dollars)
backup device.
Jump ahead:
1. Introduction
- Optical Discs
2. External
Hard Disks
3. Network
Storage (current page)
4. Online
Backup Services (next page)
5. Tape
Drives
6. Solid
State Storage
Last Updated Sunday, December 13 2009 @ 09:39 AM EST
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