Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

What is NAS?

NAS (Network-Attached Storage) is a large-capacity storage device linked to a network, enabling authorized network users and clients to store and access data from a centralized point.

Essentially, a NAS device functions as a housing unit for hard drives with added intelligence for sharing and authorization of files. By utilizing Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) technology, a NAS system can partition and replicate stored data across several hard drives, ensuring data resilience in the event of drive failures.

Why Do Organizations Use NAS?

Organizations opt for NAS systems due to their versatility, flexibility, and scalability, enabling seamless expansion of storage capabilities as requirements increase. NAS setups can come pre-loaded with disks or devoid of disks, often featuring one or two USB ports for connecting printers or external storage drives to the network, thus providing additional functionalities for all network users.

How a NAS Device Operates

A NAS device functions across various platforms and operating systems. Essentially, it comprises hardware and software packaged with an embedded operating system for autonomous operation. Typically, it includes components like a network interface card (NIC), a storage controller, several drive bays, and a power supply. These devices typically house between two to five hard drives to ensure data redundancy and swift file retrieval. Despite commonly being likened to a mini-server, the controller of a NAS exclusively oversees disk management for storage purposes and does not double as a server.

In simple terms, a NAS device is a tool that directly connects to the network via either a hardwired Ethernet (RJ45) cable or Wi-Fi, thereby establishing a LAN instead of a WAN. It is assigned an IP address, facilitating data transfer among users, servers, and the NAS via TCP/IP. NAS operates using conventional file systems like the New Technology File System (NTFS) or NFS for remote file services and data sharing. Storage on the device is accessed at the file level through file sharing.

NAS devices furnish shared storage as network-mounted volumes and employ protocols such as NFS and SMB/CIFS. When utilized for shared storage, a NAS device links multiple servers to a common storage unit. These "clusters" are frequently utilized for failover via a cluster-shared volume, enabling all cluster nodes to access identical data.

A NAS setup comprises the following components:

• Hardware: This component is essentially a server housing storage disks or drives, processors, and RAM. Often referred to as a NAS box, unit, server, or head, it processes two primary types of requests: data storage and file sharing.

• Software: Storage software comes preconfigured and installed on the aforementioned hardware, operating on a lightweight embedded system.

• Network switch: This switch allows users to access data transfer protocols, serving as a pivotal server connecting and routing requests.

• Protocols: The transmission control protocol (TCP) packages files into packets and transmits them via internet protocols (IPs).

What are the Benefits of Using NAS?

NAS systems are increasingly favored by businesses due to their efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness as storage solutions. With NAS, users can collaborate seamlessly and cater to customers effectively given the continuous accessibility of data. The decision to opt for NAS hinges on existing backup and recovery needs. The advantages of employing NAS for data protection strategies and business requirements include:

• Speed: NAS, operating as a LAN-connected device, facilitates swift storage and file transfers. It also enables rapid file backups, safeguarding incremental changes efficiently.

• Control: By utilizing NAS, organizations retain complete control over their data access without relying on third-party storage solutions.

• User-Friendliness: The longevity of NAS systems has rendered administrators adept at setting up and managing them. Furthermore, the simplified scripts and streamlined operating systems pre-installed in many NAS architectures contribute to straightforward setup procedures.

• Reliable Accessibility: Positioned on a dedicated network, NAS ensures users can access data from any location. Moreover, being on-site, a NAS remains unaffected by interruptions in Internet services.

What is the Difference Between NAS and SAN Protocols?

Networked storage encompasses two primary types: NAS and storage area networks (SANs). Both NAS and SAN were designed to enable shared data access for multiple users concurrently. While each caters to a specific user group with dedicated storage, their methodologies diverge significantly.

NAS devices are cost-effective, single-storage solutions that deliver files over Ethernet and are straightforward to deploy. SANs, on the other hand, constitute intricate networks of multiple devices that demand more complex setup and management.

The key divergence lies in how they handle data types. NAS specializes in unstructured data like audio, video, websites, text files, and MS Office documents, whereas SANs manage structured data and block storage within databases.

Their operational disparities are notable as well. While both handle I/O requests, NAS processes them for individual files, whereas SANs manage contiguous blocks of data. Moreover, traffic movement is governed by distinct protocols: NAS employs Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), whereas SANs can utilize the FC protocol for storage networks or Ethernet-based ISCSI protocol.

Lastly, the manner in which a client OS perceives them varies. NAS is viewed as a unified device managing individual files, while a SAN is presented to the disk as an extension of the client OS itself. Given its block-oriented nature, SAN is typically preferred for hosting critical databases, diverging from NAS devices categorized as more basic storage solutions.

Why Do Small Businesses Use NAS?

Small businesses often rely on NAS (Network-Attached Storage) for cost-effective, scalable storage solutions that offer ease of use and robust data backup capabilities. Here are some examples of how different organizations utilize NAS for their data management needs:

Telecom

A leading telecom operator needed a backup solution that was easy to manage and fit within their limited budget. With over 1,600 employees and numerous devices including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, their existing 2PB storage capacity wasn't sufficient. They also required strong data protection and simplified maintenance to reduce the burden on staff responsible for manual backups. NAS was chosen for its low cost and ability to handle large volumes of file-sharing efficiently.

Banking

A prominent cloud platform provider in the mortgage finance industry was dealing with 30 billion small files, and their existing storage was struggling to keep up with the rapidly growing data volume. Constant maintenance, repairs, and scalability issues, along with security concerns for their clients, were significant challenges. They adopted a scale-out NAS system, which offered better storage efficiency and significant cost savings in terms of rack space, power, cooling, and heating. The new system's flexibility and scalability allowed them to focus more on serving their customers rather than on storage issues.