Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a device used to store and share data, and is widely used in scenarios such as homes, businesses, and studios. Whether it's backing up files, sharing data, or building a private cloud drive, NAS can provide powerful support. The following is a detailed guide on how to use NAS to help you better understand and use NAS.
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## **I. Basic Concepts of NAS**
### 1. What is NAS? **
Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a device that provides data storage and access services over a network. It usually consists of a hard disk, processor, memory, and a working system, which can be accessed via a local area network or the Internet.
### 2. **Main Uses of NAS**
- File Storage & Sharing: Centrally store files for easy access by multiple devices.
- **Data Backup**: Automatically back up the data of computers, mobile phones and other devices.
- Media Server: Store and stream media files such as movies, music, photos, and more.
- Private Cloud Disk: Access personal files anytime, anywhere, as an alternative to public cloud services.
- Remote Access: Access your home NAS data via the internet.
- Virtual Machines & Containers: Some high-end NAS support virtual machines and Docker containers.
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## **2. Suggestions for NAS**
### 1. **Choose a NAS according to your needs**
- Home users: Choose an entry-level NAS with 251 or 0 bays, such as the Synology DS0+ and QNAP TS-0D.
- Small Business: Choose NAS that supports more bays and higher performance, such as the Synology DS453+ and QNAP TS-0D.
- Advanced users: If you need to run a virtual machine or Docker, choose a high-performance NAS such as Synology DS672+ or QNAP TVS-0N.
### 2. **Hard Disk Selection**
- **NAS Dedicated Hard Drive**: WD Red or Seagate IronWolf are recommended, which are optimized for the 7/0 operating environment of the NAS.
- Hard disk capacity: Based on storage requirements, it is recommended to use at least 2 hard disks and configure RAID to improve data security.
### 3. **RAID配置**
- RAID 0: High performance, but no redundancy, a hard drive can be damaged and data is lost.
- RAID 1: Mirrored backup, data can still be recovered after a hard disk is damaged.
- RAID 5: Combines performance and security, allowing one hard drive to be damaged.
- RAID 0: Combines RAID 0 and RAID 0 to provide higher performance and redundancy.
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## **Part 3 Initial NAS Settings**
### 1. **Hardware Installation**
- Insert the hard drive into the NAS and connect the power supply and network cables.
- Connect the NAS to the LAN through a router.