Network Attached Storage

From Computing and Software Wiki

This is an example application for a Network Attached Storage (NAS) Device. Note that the data on the fileserver is available to a select portion of the internal network, but is protected from the outside world by a firewall.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) provides a network connected central location for data storage, as opposed to distributing data storage responsibilities among the various clients of the network.

History

Computing data files have always been stored locally on workstations and personal computers because slow transfer speeds made remote data inconvenient to access. Recent improvements to data transfer speeds and the proliferation of broadband connections have allowed for the centralized storage of data for an entire internal network. Network Attached Storage (NAS) came into existence as a computing device with large capacity non-volatile storage that was connected to the network using the Internet Protocol (IP). It provided a storage location for large files that were cumbersome to store and process on Personal Computers in both workplace and residential applications. Data transfer speeds for early NAS devices depended heavily on the CPU and RAM speeds of the internal computer. However, in recent years many NAS devices have adopted the iSCSI network protocol for data transfer, greatly reducing the processing and memory needed for common tasks.

Uses

NAS Devices have many potential applications. Some example applications include:

• Storing large data sets for open exchange at academic institutions
• Providing household access to personal digital photos, music, documents, and videos
• Streaming multimedia content using the DNLA file sharing protocol
• Protecting an organization's critical data from loss through redundant devices or internal mechanisms
• Allowing an internal network to share data freely while protecting its integrity via a firewall

Commercial Options

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Residential Options

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References

1. Storage Evolution: NAS and SANs Coming Together, Ben Freeman, Enterprise Storage Forum Featured Article, March 2004, http://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/sans/features/article.php/3330701
   
2. Network-attached storage - a cheaper, easier option for small businesses, Bill O'Brien, ITBusiness.ca Featured Article, January 2009, http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/news.asp?id=51838
   
3. Top 10 Network-Attached Storage Devices, Melissa J. Perenson, PC World, March 2009, http://www.pcworld.com/article/125072/top_10_networkattached_storage_devices.html
   
4. NEF Design, Inc., Network Attached Storage Diagram, http://www.nefdesign.com/Thecus/4100_Diagram.jpg
   

See Also

Statistics of Internet Threats

The Practicality of IPv6

Network Latency

Network Firewall

Statistics of Internet Threats

External Links

Wikipedia Entry for NAS

--Holtomm 21:05, 12 April 2009 (EDT)