• Technology

NAS 101: What You Need to Know About Network Attached Storage

Feb 27, 2024 by JR Carag

3 min read

AB_NAS 101_ What Network Attached Storage is and How it Works

In our current digital age, where we accumulate numerous files daily, managing and storing data securely with high accessibility has become a lot more important. We’ve tackled multiple data storage solutions before. All these data storage solutions have their place depending on their use and needs, from the more traditional SSDs, HDDs, and NVMEs to internet-based cloud storage services.

Upgrade your data storage game with NAS!

From Asustor

Now we’ll tackle a data storage solution that’s becoming increasingly popular for personal and business use, thanks to combining these data storage solutions into one—Network Attached Storage (NAS). What exactly is NAS, and why should you consider it over other storage options? Join us as we guide you through the basics of NAS.

What is NAS?

NAS is a centralized cloud storage device for your audio, video, and text files that is connected to a network. Unlike traditional storage solutions, such as external hard drives, NAS isn’t directly connected to a single computer. Rather, much like cloud storage services, this device operates as a standalone server accessible to any device within the network—including computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

From Asustor Official Website

However, unlike cloud storage services, NAS devices are highly scalable. NAS devices allow users to easily expand storage capacity by adding additional hard drives or upgrading existing ones. More importantly, NAS devices are under your control and ownership, enhancing your data’s security and privacy–the data doesn’t need to go to the cloud service provider’s much bigger network. These features ensure that your network-connected storage meets the capacity to suit your needs, without being limited by the ones provided by a cloud storage service.

Why choose NAS as your data storage solution?

The versatility of NAS extends across various applications, making it an ideal solution for both personal and professional use. Similar to cloud storage services, one of the key advantages of NAS is its accessibility over the Internet. With the right configuration, users can access their NAS devices remotely from anywhere in the world, using any Internet-connected device. This feature is invaluable for professionals who need to access critical files while on the go or for families who want to stream media from their NAS to their devices while traveling.

Unlike traditional external drives or cloud services, which may limit storage space or charge recurring fees, NAS offers a customizable and scalable storage solution that you own outright. This is particularly advantageous for professionals such as photographers, videographers, and graphic designers who require large amounts of storage space for their high-resolution files.

With NAS, you have full control over your data, from security and privacy to customization and accessibility. Plus, with features like automatic backup and synchronization, you can rest assured knowing that your valuable data is safe and secure.

NAS strikes the perfect balance between the convenience of cloud storage and the security of local storage. It offers the flexibility to access your data from anywhere while maintaining full ownership and control over your files.

NAS devices you should check out

From Synology Official Website

When it comes to choosing the right NAS device for your needs, there are a few highly reliable brands to choose from. Our three most recommended brands are Synology, QNAP, and Asustor—all of which offer multiple product series to meet specific needs. The DS Series from Synology, the DRIVESTOR series from Asustor, and the TS Series from QNAP are good investments for your personal or professional needs. What’s more, when paired with Seagate Ironwolf hard drives or NVMEs, you can easily upgrade your NAS storage capacity seamlessly!

Upgrade your data storage capacity with NAS and PLDT Home!

Tempted to make a NAS device as your next upgrade? Take control of your data like never before with the right NAS device and a fiber-fast internet connection like that of PLDT Home’s Fiber Plus plans!

 

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