NAS (Network Attached Storage) – file-level network data storage. Structurally, it is an ordinary computer with components specially selected to fulfill the main task – file storage. Interaction with the other computers on the network is provided through built-in interfaces and a specialized operating system.
NAS server: what it is
Recently saw an interesting and compact storage system from Synology – DS413. A 4-bay NAS server for small businesses. This machine had 4 2 terabyte hard disks. Accordingly, 8TB of storage fits into the compact package.
This NAS was only needed by the company for archival storage of records. The model is already obsolete, but it still does a great job at its core. Given that Synology supports even their older products and constantly updates their software, there were no problems with integration. Does everything in a few clicks.
The old model bought by hand cost only 8 thousand rubles. Integration is a few clicks away, as Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system makes it easy to connect the device to your corporate network.
Network storage
In general, network storage is far from new, file servers, file sharing on a local network, archive tapes and drives connected to a separate personal computer. Therefore, the appearance of NAS on the market was quite natural, it is simple and effective for some tasks. Of course, such flexibility as professional data storage systems does not give, but with archival storage and network access copes on a hurrah.
High-level protocols are used to enable networking with other devices:
- NFS;
- SMB/CIFS;
- FTP;
- TFTP;
- SFTP;
- PXE (common on Synology).
Listed the most popular ones, but there are others. The device architecture itself is minimized. It is used only what can make more efficient file storage, no more, because, when performing the same tasks, NAS can be cheaper than a file server. You can watch the confrontation of these titans in this review.
The operating system is also minimized, quite often built on a modular architecture. That is, nothing extra, if you want to connect something new, just install a new module at the kernel level. The most common operating systems are FreeNAS, NAS4Free, Debian+ext4. Again, there are others. Everybody gets what they want.
trivial, on a Synology DS413 operating system Synology DiskManager Version 5, there seems to be support for version 6, but at the time of the rollout there was no stable version of it yet. And here everything is quite simple, it is quite easy to deploy the system, connect to the network, distribute user access rights. Everything is intuitive.
Now let’s talk about arrays, because this is one of the most important aspects of storage systems. Simple NAS servers support mainly two types: 0 and 1. Especially the two-bay ones. If there are 4 bays, there may be RAID 5, 6, 10 support, depends on the model. Enterprise segment devices even support the rare 50 and 60.
Now let’s talk about the main points of NAS, straightforwardly highlight to remember how they differ from other types of storage:
The software is sharpened for file storage. Sometimes under video surveillance and other aspects. The architecture is modular. Accordingly, the entire functionality is extended as needed by installing modules, which reduces the final performance of the system.
The components are not characterized by performance. Weak processors, little RAM, all aimed at reducing cost and power consumption, making data analytics, fast processing impossible. Even virtualization is available on enterprise systems, but there NAS is already used only in words.
The systems do not scale well vertically, but have ample horizontal scaling capabilities.
The main disadvantage – lack of flexibility. The system cannot be reclassified as a server for 1C or converted to block storage (SAN).
How a NAS server is built
It’s pretty simple:
provides network access at the file level;
has a stripped-down operating system designed for data storage tasks;
- components provide only the basic task.
There are no major differences from a server or personal computer. In fact, NAS is built more on the software level than on the technical level, so that’s where all the difference lies.
Now let me tell you a little bit about the file storage layer. Remember the good old NortonCommander? I’m sure you’ve used it before. So, even if you have 10 disks on your system, from a network access standpoint, you will only be connecting to one array. And the file system on it will be shared.
Did you download the torrents? Yes, BitTorrent is a prime example of NAS. In general, file mapping is implemented through specialized layered protocols. For example, FTP, SMB/CIFS . I will not explain what these protocols are. That’s a separate topic.
That is all trivial, if SAN divides access into blocks, NAS creates a single file system, which is difficult to isolate from each other, respectively, it is more difficult to assign rights or allocate separate arrays for tasks. No more than that.
NAS vs SAN server
Or the struggle of different approaches. If you don’t need anything more than simple file storage, a NAS will suffice for your needs. But if there is a need for something more complex, for example, building two arrays within a single device and block division, then the choice will have to stop on SAN.
Let’s start with the LUN (Logical Unit Number) – is the device address in logical storage networks. I’ll make it simple. You can make a separate address for each storage area (something similar to a logical disk in Windows system), accordingly, only this address can be used to access the LUN. This is the approach used in a SAN and is not available in a NAS, which will have a single address.
And combine?
Then you’ll have a complete hybrid storage system that isn’t a NAS in any way. In fact, the NAS system can be a separate unit, but the point of this approach is lost. It is easier to build a full-fledged storage system with distributed storage systems, rather than trying to build something simple and uncomplicated on the basis of a more complex system.
We’ll even look at a separate LUN SAN – a full-fledged NAS. So, almost any system, including file servers, can perform the tasks of NAS without much difficulty.
NAS server efficiency
You know, it kind of seems like the NAS – a simple minimum, instead of which you need to get something better. If you plan to increase the complexity of your data storage methods, then yes, it is better to start buying more serious equipment right away, if not, just familiarize yourself with the effective sides of the reviewed storage type:
relatively low price;
integration via common protocols;
market availability;
ease of commissioning;
easy maintenance.
Of course, the limited scope of application partially levels out the positive sides, but if you do not need more, it is enough for your eyes and save quite well.
Successful work
Today told you what NAS is, how it’s built, and how you can benefit from it. Deciding whether or not your business needs such a device is of course up to you. And I’ve done my part. Best of luck to you and a decent profit!
