NAS – Network Attached Storage
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What is Network Attached Storage?
Network-attached storage (NAS) is a type of file storage device that is network-connected and allows numerous users to retrieve data from a centralised disc capacity. The ethernet connection allows LAN users to access shared storage.
This storage is quick and inexpensive, and it provides all of the benefits of a public cloud on-site. It makes use of file access protocols including NFS, SMB, NCP, and AFP.
NFS is a file-based protocol that is widely used on Unix computers. SMB is an abbreviation for Server Message Block, which is used with Microsoft Windows computers. AFP is another file access protocol used by Apple systems.
NAS is primarily intended for network systems capable of handling millions of operations per minute. It supports storage devices for organisations that require a dependable network infrastructure. It is less expensive than file servers and more flexible than external drives.
Components of NAS:
1. NAS Hardware:
This refers to a combination of a NAS box, NAS unit, NAS server, or NAS head (which is essentially just a server with storage discs or drives), CPUs, and RAM. These are the fundamental hardware systems that comprise the NAS hardware framework.
2. NAS Software:
Storage software is deployed in NAS hardware system’s specialised hardware. The NAS software runs on a light-weight operating system.
3. NAS Protocol:
There are data transfer protocols for sending and receiving data, which are accessed via switches. The most basic data transmission protocols are Internet Protocol (IP) and Send Control Protocol (TCP), which are used by the majority of clients/users to transfer data. Network File Systems (NFS) and Server Message Blocks (SMB) are the file formats used in the protocols.
Advantages of NAS:
1. The NAS architecture is simple to install and configure.
2. Every network user or client has easy access to Network Attached Storage.
3. One significant advantage of NAS is that it is more dependable than traditional hard drives.
4. Another significant advantage of NAS is that it provides consolidated storage capacity within an organization’s own network.
5. When it comes to serving files, the performance is excellent.
6. The NAS devices are expandable and may be accessed remotely.
7. NAS is simple to handle. It takes less time to save and restore data from any computer connected to the LAN.
8. It also provides security.
9. It provides a low-cost solution for private cloud storage for both small enterprises and individuals.
Disadvantages of NAS:
1. The data transport speed is slower than that of DAS.
2. Users must also have a basic understanding of computer networks in order to utilise the NAS effectively.
3. Users or clients who want to back up their data are unable to continue immediately. They can only accomplish it using the installed operating system.
Differences between Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Network (SAN):
| Network Attached Storage (NAS) | Storage Area Network (SAN) |
| Network Attached Storage is abbreviated as NAS. | SAN is short for Storage Area Network. |
| It is a piece of hardware that connects to a LAN through an ethernet connection. | The fibre channel is used to link the various data storage devices. |
| It is commonly used in the household. | This is utilised in business and professional settings. |
| It is easily handled. | It requires more administration to manage. |
| Both the file name and the byte offset are used to identify data in NAS (Network Attached Storage). | The disc block identifies the data in this case. |
| SAN is more sophisticated than NAS. | Storage Area Networks (SANs) are more sophisticated than Network Attached Storage (NAS). |
| It is less expensive than the SAN. | This is more expensive than Network Attached Storage. |
| It does not rely on Local Area Network and instead employs high-speed fibre channel network. | It is reliant on Local Area Network and requires TCP/IP to function. |
| The protocols used in NAS are AFP, NFS, and SMB. | The protocols used in SAN are ISCSI, FCoE, and SATA. |
| NAS storage files are used for backup and recovery. | For backup and recovery in SAN, the block by block approach is utilised. |
| A NAS is a file storage device that does not support virtualization. | It is simple to use with the virtualization approach. |
| The file system in NAS is controlled and managed by the head unit. | The servers in the SAN maintain and regulate the file system. |
Differences between Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Direct Attached Storage (DAS):
| Network Attached Storage (NAS) | Direct Attached Storage (DAS) |
| NAS is short for Network Attached Storage. | DAS is short for Direct Attached Storage. |
| Files are used for backup and recovery. | Sectors are used for backup and recovery. |
| This storage device is more sophisticated than a DAS device. | This storage device is not very advanced. |
| Network Attached Storage is a little tricky to set up. | DAS is simple to set up and use. |
| This storage device is more expensive than the DAS device. | It is less expensive than NAS. |
| NAS has a capacity of 109 to 1012 bytes. | DAS has a capacity of just 109 bytes. |
| This storage device enables users to share files across many operating systems. | This storage device does not enable users to share files between operating systems. |
| Data is sent using Ethernet and TCP/IP. | For data transfer, it employs IDE/SCSI. |
Summary:
In this article we explored the concept of Network Attached Storage. We looked at its various components, and also the differences between Network Attached Storage and Storage Area Network. We also looked at the differences between Network Attached Storage and Direct Attached Storage, and the advantages and disadvantages of Network Attached Storage.
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