Idiots guide to Network Storage

[NDA]

I currently use several Freecom 400GB USB hard drives - one for pictures, one for MP3's one for backup etc. They all run through a USB hub and I turn them on and off when I need them... all works fine, 100% reliable.

But I'm tempted by network storage as I have a couple of remote computers that would find it useful to see these drives easily - but I know zero about this subject.

A network drive plugs into the router I assume?

How is it seen by a remote computer - does it pop up on the file manager or is it more complex than that?

Would a wireless music streamer (such as Squeezebox) have an easier time streaming and be able to stream with the computer turned off?

Dumb questions, sorry! As with all technology, it's hard to find answers to simple questions as everyone assumes a certain level of knowledge!

[onlynik]

Yes, Network Attached Storage (NAS) attaches to your router with a network cable.

It will typically pick up and IP address from DHCP. The NAS will mostly likely come with some software for you to identify it on your network. You will then be able (more than likely) configure it via a web interface.

You will need to setup shares on the NAS. These can then be accessed via your machine, for example \\NAS\share

[TheCarpetCleaner]

Avoid the netgear SC101T like the plauge

Awful things

Better off building a cheapo PC and chucking freenas on there - its very straightforward to set up and there are loads of forums supporting it.

[bogie]

TheCarpetCleaner said:

Avoid the netgear SC101T like the plauge

Awful things

Better off building a cheapo PC and chucking freenas on there - its very straightforward to set up and there are loads of forums supporting it.

didnt know that was still around - I thought it all got replaced by the Readynas "proper" NAS kit

I think the original SC101 was the result of some experiment with a start up tech company and some new SAN protocol ...a complete PITA when you have to have a software client installed to access your data ....doh

...much better alternatives out there now that the consumer NAS market has matured......

[Podie]

I have a ReadyNAS NV+ and a Squeezebox - works like a dream.

Not a fan of freeNAS myself... compare the size of box and power required in comparison with a dedicated box...

[bogie]

Podie said:

I have a ReadyNAS NV+ and a Squeezebox - works like a dream.

Not a fan of freeNAS myself... compare the size of box and power required in comparison with a dedicated box...

yeah I did the maths for someone recently on a modest home brew server on the cheap versus dedicated NAS at 2x the price

the NAS had broken even on cost of power consumption after 12 months, then the home brew box was in arrears from then on LOL

I have a 6 bay NAS - it idles at 7w mostly, even being hammered its not above 70w ....whereas my home PC (could make a good server) idles over 100w ......

...its a bit like those Nespresso machines - they are cheaper than a pukka bean to cup coffee machine, but the running costs work out 5x more due to the monopoly on cartridge prices versus just buying a bag of beans somewhere .....still consumers just see "cheap" up front and go for it...its the good old printer business model - give the device away cheap, charge a fortune for consumables

[NDA]

onlynik said:

Yes, Network Attached Storage (NAS) attaches to your router with a network cable.

It will typically pick up and IP address from DHCP. The NAS will mostly likely come with some software for you to identify it on your network. You will then be able (more than likely) configure it via a web interface.

You will need to setup shares on the NAS. These can then be accessed via your machine, for example \\NAS\share

Very handy info.... thanks.

I was looking at something like the Buffalo LinkStation, seems moderately cheap.

I'm assuming a normal USB hard drive can't be used, that I actually need something specifically designed for the purpose?

[bogie]

NDA said:

onlynik said:

Yes, Network Attached Storage (NAS) attaches to your router with a network cable.

It will typically pick up and IP address from DHCP. The NAS will mostly likely come with some software for you to identify it on your network. You will then be able (more than likely) configure it via a web interface.

You will need to setup shares on the NAS. These can then be accessed via your machine, for example \\NAS\share

Very handy info.... thanks.

I was looking at something like the Buffalo LinkStation, seems moderately cheap.

I'm assuming a normal USB hard drive can't be used, that I actually need something specifically designed for the purpose?

it needs have an ethernet port to connect to the network (rather than USB) ..and the CPU/RAM required to put data on the network quickly

if you intend to use it a lot for big backups, browsing large photo files etc, then make sure you check the performance of it - I find myself explaining to a lot of people these days, why their £100 "NAS" is 10x slower than their £50 USB direct attach hard drive

...it takes significant horsepower for a NAS to serve data across a network - even the "low end" devices have like 500Mhz CPUs and 256MB RAM, and start around £150 ish to deliver 20-30 Megabytes per second transfers

have a read of the NAS section on www.smallnetbuilder.com - theres a good buying guide, reviews, and a chart of performance, definately look up what you are considering purchasing first, so you dont get caught out with something that dosent meet your needs.....

[mcflurry]

NDA said:

I'm assuming a normal USB hard drive can't be used, that I actually need something specifically designed for the purpose?

You can get "adaptors" which will allow a USB drive to be networked for about £25 - £30

They will just do the job, but with no extras

Here is on at random from ebay

[bogie]

mcflurry said:

NDA said:

I'm assuming a normal USB hard drive can't be used, that I actually need something specifically designed for the purpose?

You can get "adaptors" which will allow a USB drive to be networked for about £25 - £30

They will just do the job, but with no extras

Here is on at random from ebay

wow - thats the fastest one of those Ive seen yet, theyve come on a lot, originals we like 3MB/s and now up to 9MB/s ...I guess for extending the life of an old USB drive thats pretty good VFM for £25

..as long as you dont want to do anything serious with it.....

[Man-At-Arms]

bogie said:

...much better alternatives out there now

drobo or qnap

[bogie]

Man-At-Arms said:

bogie said:

...much better alternatives out there now

drobo or qnap

not for me thanks...do either of them actually have UK offices? support? 24 hour swap out? ...last I heard it was 12 days turnaround if it goes wrong, direct from Taiwan...thats a long time waiting to get your data up and running ....

[Munter]

Re:Using the USB drives. The Synology box I have will let you plug in USB drives and include them in the array. As well as a networked USB printer (although setting that up was a little trickier).

[GregE240]

Podie said:

I have a ReadyNAS NV+ and a Squeezebox - works like a dream.

Not a fan of freeNAS myself... compare the size of box and power required in comparison with a dedicated box...

Indeed it does, seen it in action.

Also been playing with a 2TB Buffalo Linkstation Pro over the last day or so....nice piece of kit, has NAS capability, BT client, and DLNA etc..about £260 all in.

BUT....its only a single sodding great disk. Imagine the agony of losing all of your media and files if it threw a 7....

Seriously tempted to get a ReadyNAS myself next year, with RAID I'd feel a heck of a lot safer...

[NDA]

Some very useful information - many thanks....

A USB/NAS adaptor sounds interesting, however on reflection I'd rather have one large disc containing everything and back that up with my current USB drives.

I'll check out that review site Bogie and have a ponder!

[Deva Link]

NDA said:

A USB/NAS adaptor sounds interesting, however on reflection I'd rather have one large disc containing everything and back that up with my current USB drives.

That's fine as long as you really do back it up - and it's the recent stuff that you tend to need / miss the most.