NAS – Network Attached Storage

Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems are very flexible storage solutions that can be connected to the existing IT infrastructure via any standard TCP/IP network. Wherever there is an Ethernet or WLAN network connection, clients can simultaneously access the network storage. This makes NAS systems universal storage solutions.

While DAS (Direct Attached Storage) and SAN (Storage Area Network) solutions are usually addressed via block-based storage access, a NAS is file-based.  Files are transported via the network protocol and stored in a file system. At this level, a NAS works no differently than a dedicated file server.

NAS storage can include multiple hard drives that can be combined into a logical drive in a RAID array and expanded with JBODs as needed.

Modern NAS systems, such as Synology’s, now have a huge variety of additional features that can be configured via an easy-to-use graphical interface. This makes them particularly interesting for smaller companies without highly qualified IT personnel. On such NAS systems, all services – such as web servers, e-mail or chat servers – can be set up with just a few clicks. The same applies to real-time collaboration tools for working together on documents or private clouds, with options for external access, encryption and secure authentication. Even iSCSI support is often integrated into the firmware, so that block-based storage is also possible.

A disadvantage of NAS systems is often their performance in terms of low throughput and latency. However, bottlenecks in the network can be avoided by increasing the size of the data packets (MTU) from the defgaul 1,500 bytes to 9,000 bytes with jumbo frames for clients, servers and switches. This significantly reduces the throughput of packets over the line. In addition, high traffic loads in the LAN can be sustainably reduced via a dedicated storage network, preferably with a bandwidth of 10 Gbps. This can result in access times that make the NAS a real and, above all, economical alternative to SANs.

A second disadvantage is the lack of scalability. While the storage can generally be expanded by adding more or larger hard drives or by connecting JBODs, the CPU and RAM of a NAS server cannot be expanded at will. Manufacturers therefore offer a wide range of systems at different performance points.  It is therefore important to know your exact requirements when selecting hardware.

If you have questions about our storage solutions or need support in the conception of your storage system, we are happy to help. Our experienced sales consultants will be pleased to advise you and meet your individual requirements in the best possible way.