We are in times that are filled devices and software that are the most advanced and fastest until date. These improvements have been making us store more and more of our files that seem to be over flowing out of all our unlimited supply of storage devices. Though we have many ways to access into these storages, there are still some things that are limiting us. We are able to carry or transfer our data across boundaries and in stunning ways. However, it is not possible to take your hard drive everywhere you go neither can you share your private security details with most people, to access it.
Fret not! You can backup and access your data on the Network Attached Storage (or the NAS). This high-capacity storage connects your main network to your mobile or any other device and allows you and the selected users to access your data without the having to plug your device to that network. Here are some guidelines you may want to consider before you choose a NAS.
What purpose do you need a NAS for?
Using a NAS helps you to connect to various devices at once. If you are connecting a big number of devices at once, or want to store media libraries, you may want to get a more powerful NAS. Either way, the NAS you want will depend on the complexity and the memory capacities of the data.
Storage Capacities and Prices
As mentioned, your NAS should suit your storage needs. Starting from one hard drive, you might need up to more of the same. If you want to create a backup on multiple devices including phones, 1 or 2 TB may be sufficient. For larger capacities, you can go up to a higher number of TB’s. These are usually used to store work-related data. Look at the servers you would want to use if your needs are unmet.
A single 2 TB hard drive may cost you $150. For larger capacities, the prices also increase. Some of the larger devices that can be considered are the Western Digital My Cloud Mirror, and the 2 TB Buffalo TeraStation 5200DN.
You have a choice to purchase the NAS with or without the in-built hard drive depending on your needs. It is recommended that you purchase one with the hard drive that will not only safeguard your data but also can be upgraded to feed in more data. This is usually pre-configured for further adjustments.
How does it work?
The NAS consists of a CPU – a multi-core processor and an operating system of its own. Different NAS memory and OS components support different kinds of devices. It depends on the type of purpose that the user wants to use it for like family uses or work-related work. NAS devices are more efficient than the normal memory devices if you prefer to store massive amounts of data on a daily basis.
Access and Security?
The NAS gives you the liberty top secure your data with a preferred password and usernames. You can also create a group with other selected users that you can share these details with. You can monitor which user views what files. If in a common desktop, you as the administrator can set options to manage the settings.
The NAS can be accessed by remote access too. This works with the help of a cloud service. The NAS, your personal cloud service, your PC, and your mobile service can be connected and accessed at once. The advantage is that you get to control your data storage device, which user can access to it, and be assured that your data will remain safe, unlike cloud services that are not in your control. You do not even have to configure a VPN access too.
Third-party apps can also be used to automatically connect all your devices, together at once, after they are placed online. Other media files like your photos and movies can also be accessed through this service.
Wherever is accessing, there has to be a security feature. The NAS provides for security measures through several security tools and encryption of the data. Now that you know how to choose a NAS as per your needs, you can go ahead and make your choice.