Not over, no in the cloud freedom is limitless. But what if you prefer to be there alone? Remote access NAS systems can be an alternative to cloud services.
The term “Network Attached Storage” (NAS) describes easy-to-manage file servers. A NAS system is a storage device connected to a computer network that allows authorized network users to easily store and retrieve data from a central location. This data is usually music, photos, videos and documents of all kinds. NAS servers are flexible and scalable and can also be set up for online remote access using the appropriate apps and services.
What must NAS systems be able to do?
In contrast to the hard disk storage built directly into the housing of a PC or notebook, which is usually only available to the respective user of the device, a Network Attached Storage or NAS for short is storage that is connected to a network. NAS systems provide this central storage space by means of multiple, interchangeable hard drives mounted in their housing. They work autonomously, so they do not require a dedicated PC or server. In addition, they must master the transfer protocols that make the files available on this storage space in the connected computer network. Depending on the number and features of the hard drives used, NAS systems can be configured differently.
As with all devices that are used continuously, criteria such as power consumption and volume level are also decisive for NAS systems. However, one of the most important things to evaluate is the performance, because speed is the trump card, especially when accessing multiple users and using multiple servers (mail server, database server, iTunes server, etc.). The processor used, the available main memory (RAM), the network speed (gigabit per second) and the data transfer rates of the HDD/SSD hard drives used have the greatest impact here. Last but not least, the expandability of the available storage size over how long a NAS system can keep up. Especially in view of the ever-increasing number of network devices in a household and the ever-growing amounts of data.
Editor’s recommendation: Synology DiskStation DS218+
The model DS218+ is a NAS server enclosure from Synology. Functionally, it’s a versatile storage solution for smaller businesses. The 4K streaming qualities make the product interesting for private users. In addition, the Cloud Station Suite enables synchronization of several devices, such as PCs, smartphones or other NAS devices. With The system achieves space for 2 hard disks transfer rates of maximum 113 megabits per second reading, when writing, it is 112 megabits per second. The NAS system Synology DS218+ convinces with its software and the DiskStation Manager. Numerous office and multimedia applications can be accessed via the . Another advantage is the support of 4K H.264/H.265 online transcoding. UHD videos can therefore be converted on the fly and played back on different devices.
Furnishing
| Synology DiskStation DS218+ | |
|---|---|
| product type | 2-bay NAS |
| Target group: home users | |
| drives | Number of hard disks (maximum): 2 |
| Hard drive form factors: 2.5 inch, 3.5 inch | |
| Hard drive types: HDD, SSD | |
| Raid Level: 0, 1, JBOD, Synology Hybrid RAID | |
| Optical drives: none | |
| HDD management: AES-256 encryption, SSD TRIM | |
| connectivity | Internal interface: SATA III |
| Ports: 3x USB 3.0, 1x eSATA, 1x RJ-45 | |
| Connector locations: 1 × USB front, 2 × USB rear, 1 × RJ-45 rear, 1 × eSATA rear | |
| communication | Data communication: Gigabit 10/100/1000 |
| processor | Processor: Intel Celeron J3350 |
| Clock frequency: 2000MHz | |
| Core Number: Dual Core | |
| random access memory | RAM: 2GB |
| RAM: 6GB maximum | |
| RAM type: DDR3L | |
| RAM slots used: 1 | |
| Total RAM slots: 2 | |
| Cooling & Fans | NAS cooling: active |
| Number of fans: 1 | |
| Fan Size (mm): 92 | |
| Noise level (dB): 19.3 dB(A) | |
| System & data security | Server Services: File, Download, Mail, Photo Album, Streaming, TV Station, Authentication, VPN, Network Video Surveillance |
| Data Backup: Cloud Backup | |
| Management: Scheduled power on/off, LED night mode, power failure recovery |
advantages and disadvantages
| + | – |
|---|---|
| Fast working pace | Relatively high noise level of the fan |
| Good memory expansion options | |
| Easy handling | |
| Large app selection | |
| Stable system for storing music, pictures or other data |
On the safe side: QNAP TS-230
The QNAP TS-230 model is an entry-level NAS that can be used to centrally store photos, music and videos. These can then be easily found again, because searching, organizing and sharing multimedia files is made extremely easy for the user with the myQNAPcloud service over the Internet. With Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS), NAS files can be backed up or synchronized to remote or cloud storage for reliable data backup and recovery. In contrast to other manufacturers, this entry-level NAS already supports the “Snapshots” function. It allows you to track changes in the file system and create snapshots, i.e. images of the current status. This saves a cumbersome and time-consuming backup procedure. It is also an effective protection against accidental deletion of files and data as well as against malware attacks. Serving as a secure private cloud, the QNAP TS-230 NAS server supports user account protection, IP address blocking, 2-Step Verification, encryption access, and more.
Furnishing
| QNAP TS-230 | |
|---|---|
| product type | NAS enclosure, 2-bay NAS |
| Target group: home users | |
| drives | Number of hard drives (installed): 0 |
| Number of hard disks (maximum): 2 | |
| Hard drive form factors: 2.5 inch, 3.5 inch | |
| Hard drive types: HDD, SSD | |
| Disk position: vertical | |
| Raid Level: 0, 1, JBOD, Single Disk | |
| HDD Management: SMART, Bad Block Scanning, Bad Block Recovery, Hot Swap, SSD TRIM, Hot Spare, Bitmap Support, AES-256 Encryption | |
| connectivity | Internal interface: SATA III |
| Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x RJ-45 | |
| communication | Data communication: Gigabit 10/100/1000 |
| processor | Processor: Realtek RTD1296 |
| Clock frequency: 1400MHz | |
| Core Number: Quad Core | |
| random access memory | RAM: 2GB |
| RAM Type: DDR4 | |
| System & data security | File system of internal drives: EXT4 |
| External drive file systems: EXT3, EXT4, NTFS, FAT32, HFS+ | |
| Protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP, CIFS/SMB, FTP, AFP, Telnet, IPv4, SSH, IPv6, WebDAV, Jumbo Frames, HTTP/HTTPS | |
| Network feature: Wake-on-LAN | |
| Server Services: File, Streaming, Web, Backup, Download, Database, Photo Album, Network Video Surveillance, Authentication, VPN, TV Station, Note |
advantages and disadvantages
| + | – |
|---|---|
| Synchronization of folders on the smartphone with folders on the NAS | Cumbersome installation |
| Snapshots feature support | No real rest |
| High speed | |
| Very high data protection |
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The fast one: Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra
The entry-level class of network storage: The NAS server Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra offers the basic features such as data backup and streaming functions. In detail, it is useful for fluently streaming content, sharing files and folders with others, as well as organizing photos, videos and music for streaming. You can also sync content to access it from any device and back up data automatically. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra model is available as an empty housing and can be equipped individually. It’s a good idea to invest in a device with more storage capacity per disk. This means that full hard drives can be replaced with larger ones at any time. The affordable 2-bay NAS Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is user-friendly and scores with high data rates. It is suitable for anyone who wants to set up a data warehouse for their home and home office.
Furnishing
| Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra | |
|---|---|
| product type | 2-bay NAS |
| Target groups: home users, vloggers | |
| drives | Number of hard disks (maximum): 2 |
| Hard drive form factor: 3.5 inch | |
| Hard drive type: HDD | |
| Disk position: vertical | |
| Raid Level: 0, 1, JBOD | |
| connectivity | Internal interface: SATA III |
| Connections: 1 × RJ-45, 2 × USB 3.0 | |
| processor | Processor: Marvell Armada 385 |
| Clock frequency: 1300MHz | |
| random access memory | 1GB DDR3 |
advantages and disadvantages
| + | – |
|---|---|
| High data rates | Only equipped with basic functions |
| User-friendly handling | No cloud backup |
| High operating temperature |
Powerful: QNAP TurboStation TS-228
The QNAP TS-228 NAS system is a simple, easy-to-use, and feature-packed network storage center for data backup, synchronization, remote access, and home entertainment. It’s energy-efficient and budget-friendly – ideal for home users to start their personal cloud and stay fully connected to their files. Powered by an ARMv7 dual-core processor with 1.1 gigahertz and 1 gigabyte of DDR3 RAM, the NAS TurboStation TS-228 delivers an average speed of 112 megabits per second when reading and 81 megabits per second when writing – for uninterrupted data transfer , simultaneous access of multiple users and home applications. The TS-228 model is ideal as a multimedia center as files can be backed up or downloaded without impacting performance. Organize, sync, store and stream your multimedia library: This NAS server flexes its muscles in every discipline.
Furnishing
| QNAP TurboStation TS-228 | |
|---|---|
| product type | 2-bay NAS |
| Target groups: home users, vloggers | |
| drives | Number of hard drives (installed): 0 |
| Number of hard disks (maximum): 2 | |
| Hard drive form factor: 3.5 inch | |
| Hard drive type: HDD | |
| Raid Level: 0, 1, JBOD | |
| HDD Management: SMART, Bad Block Scanning, Bad Block Recovery, Bitmap Support, AES-256 Encryption, Hot Spare | |
| connectivity | Internal interface: SATA III |
| Ports: 1x USB 3.1, 2x USB 2.0, 1x RJ-45 | |
| processor | Processor: Realtek RTD1295 |
| Clock frequency: 1400MHz | |
| Core Number: Quad Core | |
| random access memory | RAM: 1GB |
| RAM maximum: 1GB | |
| RAM Type: DDR4 | |
| System & data security | NAS operating system: QNAP QTS 4.3 |
| File system of internal drives: EXT4 | |
| External drive file systems: EXT3, EXT4, NTFS, FAT32, HFS+ | |
| Protocols: CIFS/SMB, AFP, FTP, FTPS, SFTP, TFTP, HTTP(S), Telnet, SSH, iSCSI, SNMP, SMTP, SMSC | |
| Network feature: Wake-on-LAN | |
| Server Services: File, iTunes, Streaming, Backup, Download, Print, Photo Album, Network Video Surveillance, VPN, TV Station, Note | |
| Data Backup: Cloud Backup | |
| Supported cloud services: Amazon Glacier, WebDAV based clouds, Microsoft Azure, Open Stack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Box, hubiC, Amazon S3 | |
| Supported operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server |
advantages and disadvantages
| + | – |
|---|---|
| Very fast reading | When writing only half as fast |
| Very easy commissioning | Loud under full load |
| Particularly compact | |
| Very quiet and very cool |
Who are NAS systems suitable for?
When choosing the right NAS server, the question of individual use is also crucial: Do I primarily want to stream or just back up data? How many users and devices are connected to the network? Whatever the answer, there are high-performance systems that make a viable network solution for the home available for little money. Especially in view of the increasing number of home office activities, NAS systems have become indispensable in the household.