The NAS hard drive has the conventional external hard drive one thing clear ahead: It is connected via the network and can be accessed by various devices at the same time. What such a hard drive is used for, we would like to explain in more detail below. We also take a closer look at the differences between the different models.
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What is a NAS hard drive?
The NAS hard drive actually has a wrong name in everyday usage. Because: NAS already stands for Network Attached Storage. The addition of a hard disk is therefore virtually superfluous, because that is what the term already implies.
A NAS, as we can buy it, actually means a small server that can be equipped with hard disks via the trays. It is a hard disk case that is able to make the data on the hard disks accessible to other devices in the corresponding network via a network connection. Or, to save from that data.
In the home, this means for us that we can access this memory from all devices such as mobile phones, computers, laptops or televisions. With a NAS, for example, you can store all your photos centrally and then access them from your TV or any other device in the home network.
Further application possibilities of a NAS hard drive
Access via the Internet is also possible with some systems, provided this is set up. For example, if you are on a business trip or vacation, you potentially have all the data with you that does not fit on the notebook's hard drive.
Such systems can be just as practical for the home network as perhaps for a small office.
Such a system is also suitable for data backup. Properly configured, you can create automated and centralized backups from multiple devices.
What makes a good NAS hard drive - what are the differences?
Which disks and how many?
The smaller systems usually have two shafts for inserting hard drives. You can then operate it with a hard disk or two of the same construction. The hard drives usually have to be purchased separately - but there are also offers that include hard drives.
Most devices are suitable for all normal HDDs in the form factor 3,5 inches. If you want to use several of these, they should always correspond to the same model. You also need to find out how much memory the system can manage in total. This varies in part.
speed of the device
The speed is mainly measured by these factors:
- The specified transmission speed of the device.
This is the maximum data bandwidth in which data can be transferred from the device. - This may be slowed down by the router if it cannot achieve this speed.
- The integrated processor of a NAS should be powerful enough to process all data. A weak processor quickly reaches its limits, especially when multiple clients are accessing it at the same time.
- The device should also have enough RAM installed.
Overall, it can be said that the better devices often pay off. A slow device often causes annoying waiting times or is completely out of the question for data-intensive projects such as streaming.
The software
Here the premium manufacturers are often better positioned than the cheaper representatives. However, it is important that such a system comes with user-friendly software. Because if access is complicated every time, it becomes annoying.
The established manufacturers also often score with easier installation of the devices.
Different technical certifications are required for different projects. For example, if you want movies from the NAS to the TV stream, you should click on the addition DLNA respect, think highly of.
How to install a NAS device?
Once you have unpacked your device, you can first insert the hard drives. To do this, you can usually take the entire tray, i.e. the holder, out of the device. The quick guide should show how the hard drives need to be mounted on top of them. The tray can then simply be inserted into the device.
Once the hard drives have been populated, it's time to connect them. For an installation at home, it is advisable to place the device close to the router.
The connection is then best made via an ordinary LAN cable. If a cable isn't included, make sure when you buy it that it won't slow down the speed of the device.
In the instructions you should find a link that you have to enter in the browser of your notebook, tablet or PC. The actual installation and configuration then takes place in the NAS system menu, which you can access via this link.
Most manufacturers also offer special software that makes it even easier.
Everything about the NAS hard drive in brief
A NAS is ideal for anyone who wants to access their data from many end devices at home. But if you want secure backups without cable clutter and constant manual connections, the device might be something for you. At second glance, the installation is easier than initially thought and once the system is up and running, it is very practical.
NAS hard drive FAQ
With a NAS you can store data within a network and access this data from all devices.
NAS stands for Network Attached Storage.
A NAS is usually connected to a router using a standard LAN cable, which in turn connects it to all other devices in the network.