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Network-attached storage (NAS) is hard disk storage that is set up with its own network address rather than being attached to the department computer that is serving applications to a network's workstation users. By removing storage access and its management from the department server, both application programming and files can be served faster because they are not competing for the same processor resources. The network-attached storage device is attached to a local area network (typically, an Ethernet network) and assigned an IP address. File requests are mapped by the main server to the NAS file server.
 Crafting a NAS Consolidation Plan -- Click here to listen to the podcast
Network-attached storage consists of hard disk storage, including multi-disk RAID systems, and software for configuring and mapping file locations to the network-attached device. Network-attached storage can be a step toward and included as part of a more sophisticated storage system known as a storage area network (SAN).
NAS software can usually handle a number of network protocols, including Microsoft's Internetwork Packet Exchange and NetBEUI, Novell's Netware Internetwork Packet Exchange, and Sun Microsystems' Network File System. Configuration, including the setting of user access priorities, is usually possible using a Web browser.
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Getting started with network-attached storage |
| To explore how NAS is used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources: |
| High-performance NAS: Learn the advantages and disadvantages of high-performance NAS, including the effect it has on both storage technologies and solution providers. |
| Moving from DAS to NAS: In this tip, Rick Cook discusses how SMBs can benefit from adding NAS to their existing networks . |
| Small-midsized business NAS product evaluation: This article compares and contrasts four very different NAS systems: the Buffalo TeraStation Pro II Pro, the Reldata 9240, the Synology RS407, and the Western Digital MyBookWorld Edition WDG1NC5000N. |
| NAS FAQ: In this FAQ, Ashish Nadkarni, Principal Consultant with GlassHouse Technologies, Inc., answers today's most common NAS questions. |
Last updated on: Sep 30, 2008
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