Summary
Some hobbies and professions require a massive amount of data storage.
You just need to decide which storage solution best fits circumstanceunfortunately, this is often easier said than done.
People rarely take the time to explain terms like NAS or DAS in simple language.
Lucas Gouveia / Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
So, before we dive into the deep end, let’s test the water.
Whether you know it or not, you’re already familiar with direct-attached storage (DAS) devices.
Juggling three or four DAS devices is a pain in the neck.
Jerome Thomas / How-To Geek
You’ll constantly find yourself plugging these devices in and out of your box.
web connection-attached storage (NAS) is extremely similar to direct-attached storage (DAS).
The only major difference is the connectivity method.
Andrew Heinzman / How-To Geek
While a DAS gadget plugs into your gear, aNAS deviceconnects to your local web connection.
It’s effectively a cloud storage server within your home.
However, NAS devices aretechnicallystandalone desktop computers.
Andrew Heinzman / How-To Geek
To protect your data, NAS devices require you to set upa RAID arrayon day one.
Why Use a NAS unit?
It’s like having a dedicated cloud storage service without a monthly subscription.
The relatively inexpensive Synology DS220+ is one of the best entry-level NAS devices available today. It can support up to 32TB of storage and offers advanced functionality, such as security camera backup and Plex streaming.
Beyond basic file storage, a NAS equipment can run discreet applications for a variety of different tasks.
(you’re free to also do this stuff on a PCor Mac.
It doesn’trequirea NAS gadget.)
Andrew Heinzman / How-To Geek
Those who need to access or back up data from multiple devices could benefit from NAS.
So far, everything sounds fun and rosy.
But NAS devices are far from perfect.
The TERRAMASTER D2-320 supports up to 44TB of storage and provides 10GbE data transmission. Unlike some other DAS enclosures, this unit has several built-in RAID settings.
Security is also a massive concern that NAS owners tend to neglect.
I should note thatany old computercan be turned into a NAS gear.
The relatively inexpensive Synology DS220+ is one of the best entry-level NAS devices available today.
Jerome Thomas / How-To Geek
Why Use a DAS Enclosure?
A DAS enclosure is far simpler and cheaper than a NAS rig.
Just place your drives inside the enclosure and you’re off to the races.
Yes, you’re able to get this same lightning-fast transfer rate from a portableexternal drive.
On its own, a DAS enclosure does not support remote access or provide advanced functionality like media streaming.
The TERRAMASTER D2-320 supports up to 44TB of storage and provides 10GbE data transmission.
Unlike some other DAS enclosures, this unit has several built-in RAID controls.
So, Which Should You Buy?
You’re having trouble deciding between a NAS unit or a DAS enclosure.
These specialized NAS and DAS boxes simply make things tidier and easier.
Just bear in mind that NAS devices and DAS enclosures do not come with drives.
it’s crucial that you select and buy the drives yourself.
Also, your RAID configurations will determine the amount of usable storage that you might get from your drives.
