Network Attached Storage (NAS) : Micro Center

Network Attached Storage: All Your Data in One Place

A network attached storage device, or NAS system, is a type of data storage system that combines some of the best aspects of local and cloud storage. The basic concept: You set up a NAS unit and install one or more hard drives in it. Then, you connect the NAS to your home or business network via Ethernet or WiFi. After some basic setup, your storage is now easy to access from anywhere in the network — or even when you are on the go, if you use certain options.

NAS systems are an increasingly popular storage solution for both home and small business applications. That is because they offer some important advantages, such as:

Centralized data location makes your data easy to access from any designated device

Store everything from home office records to media to games

Easily and automatically create redundant backups of your most important data

Support for various RAID configurations to customize your storage

Private cloud features make it easy to implement data security solutions

Upgrade to more storage capacity later with bigger drives or more drives

Choosing a NAS Solution

What should you look for when evaluating NAS solutions for your data?

RAID Functionality: RAID or Redundant Array of Independent Disks is a popular storage configuration that uses a group of hard drives working together. Multiple RAID configurations are available, so check which ones your NAS unit supports.

Diskless vs. Disks Included: This simply denotes whether the NAS unit comes with hard drives. Purchasing a diskless unit can save money if you want to purchase particular drives although it is important to verify that the drives you buy are designed for NAS use.

SSD vs. HDD: While the majority of NAS devices use hard disk drives due to their cost effective nature and 24 / 7 reliability, NAS systems that use solid state drives are also available.

Drive Bays: Most home and small business NAS solutions come with one or two drive bays for mounting storage devices, although some models offer as many as four or even more. More drive bays means more RAID options and more storage capacity.

Speed:Various factors can affect the speed of a NAS device. Check the device CPU specs to ensure that its processor is up to your demands, and look for one with gigabit Ethernet support to ensure snappy data transfer speeds.

Shop Micro Center’s full array of NAS solutions here, with great prices on A list brands like QNAP, BUFFALO, WD, and more. Shop all of our hard drives for low prices on HDDs designed specifically for NAS use.