NAS: Network Attached Storage
What is NAS?
A network attached storage (NAS) device is disk storage that connects via a LAN interface such as Ethernet. It is a server dedicated to nothing more than file sharing. NAS does not provide any of the activities that a server in a server-centric system typically provides, such as e-mail, authentication or file management. In a storage-centric design,
a NAS device delivers data to users while a server handles all of the data processing. A NAS device does not need to be located within a server but
can exist anywhere in a LAN, and it is possible to network multiple NAS devices. NAS allows more storage space to be added to an existing network without shutting down the servers.
- Great solution for small workgroup settings
- Immediate, low cost solution for desktops without sufficient storage
- RAID and tape options are available with high-end NAS devices
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Traditional server or NAS server?
Since a NAS device will serve files, it can take the place of a file server. And at about one-half the price of a standard file server, it is a cost-effective way to add storage space to your network.
When a NAS device is processing data requests, the other network servers are allowed to focus on facilitating applications. This conserves processing power and helps the network run more efficiently.
Networks can get bogged down as more and more servers and NAS devices are deployed. Devices are now available that combine NAS and SAN (storage area network) functionality through the use of the iSCSI protocol. Since this allows the device to use block level storage and NAS file level storage, it creates a more efficient storage process.
Why NAS?
NAS is a cost effective way to add storage for workgroups or users, because of the following:
- Ease of deployment: NAS devices are easy to set up and maintain
- Well-defined standards: NAS is a proven storage solution - it's solid and dependable
- Standard protocols: NAS is available for use with both Linux and Windows
- Low customization: NAS fits easily into most network environments since it's built to do one main function
Do you need a NAS?
NAS works best for the following types of applications:
- File serving
- File sharing
- Users' home directories
- Content archiving
- Metadata directories
- E-mail repositories, such as enterprise .PST files
- Peer-to-peer data sharing
What are the limitations of NAS?
- Limited scalability
- May increase network congestion, since they connect directly
- Can be difficult to backup and restore, and can be the single point of failure resulting in limited access to pools of storage
- Use of the network for NAS access may degrade network performance
Case Studies 
If you need help building the right solution, contact our Network Storage Specialists or call your Zones Account Executive.
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