The acronym NAS refers to storage that is connected to a network. Speaking in computer language, it is a network storage device . NAS servers are characterized by a combination of high-capacity storage medium and a specialized hardware platform. The latter allows you to connect such a hard drive to a local computer network. Modern NAS servers use hard drives to store information, and all thanks to their large available capacities (compared to other similar technologies) at a low cost per unit storage volume. Moreover, hard drives are able to provide high speed when exchanging information. These devices are used to organize home local area networks.
Software
The main difference between such devices from standard file servers created on the basis of personal computers is the optimization of the hardware platform and operating system. The latter is configured exclusively for the tasks of network storage of information, as well as data array management. NAS servers have a special system with a clear graphical interface, which greatly facilitates the work of the user. The mentioned control system is located in the internal memory of this platform. It is completely independent of disk drives, which provides additional reliability for the entire structure. Most network servers are equipped with an operating system based on the Linux kernel and a special processor - storage with a RISK architecture. This provides high performance and fault tolerance.
NAS Servers: Description of the Technology
The home NAS server has the ability to administer remotely ; this process is organized through a web interface. This allows you to manage drives from anywhere in the local network, and also - using Internet browsers - from the global network. In terms of access control and level of controllability, modern NAS servers are not inferior to standard file servers. They implement support for template group security and access policies. All this allows them to work in domains based on the Windows operating system. Protecting access to information, the ability to encrypt data, as well as sharing user rights make these drives a very convenient way to store information in home or corporate networks with a very high level of secrecy. A home NAS server can contain either one or several hard drives. The number of disks depends on the capabilities of the hardware platform, as well as the embedded operating system. There are models that can support up to five hard drives.
Conclusion
Today, NAS technology is not only a means of storing information, but also a system of special integrated service applications and services that provide a variety of additional functions. This system is able to satisfy various needs related to the main task of information storage, both for the home consumer and for the office. Modern network drives include features such as the web and ftp interfaces, a video surveillance and print server, and iTunes.