NAS systems

NAS systems - central storage solutions for your network

Due to constantly increasing data volumes and a growing need for storage, suitable storage solutions have become indispensable for companies of all sizes. If you want to integrate easily configurable central storage into your IT infrastructure at low cost, NAS systems are an ideal option.
Today, modern NAS systems can take over many tasks of a traditional file server, in addition to their original function as central universal storage. Even if the possible range of functions, for example in the management of user groups and access permissions, is less in direct comparison, they are a cost-effective and easy-to-install alternative to classic file servers for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Configuration and hardware - How are NAS systems designed?

A NAS (Network Attached Storage) basically consists of a case with several hard disks connected via an internal storage controller and a network interface for uncomplicated integration into your company network. The configuration as well as the administration of services and access permissions is usually done via a separate operating system with a graphical user interface, which is usually very easy to use. Due to the integrated processor (CPU) and main memory (RAM), the system is able to work independently and can be addressed by the connected clients via the network. For space reasons, external power supply units are often used to supply power to the devices in compact desktop NAS systems, whereas the larger business NAS models are predominantly equipped with internally installed power supply units. Suitable enterprise NAS systems in the appropriate 19" form factor are also offered for use in the rack - these can therefore be integrated in a space-saving manner and often have the redundancy of important components known from the server sector.

The achievable storage capacity of the systems mainly results from the number of available hard disk slots (bays) in the NAS chassis, but can also partly depend on the operating system and firmware used. In addition, high-performance NVMe SSDs (Non-Volatile Memory Express) can be installed via the increasingly available M.2 slots, which deliver outstanding performance through their PCI Express connection. Some NAS systems also enable additional M.2 SSDs to be operated in adapter cards through PCIe slots or connectivity to be expanded through additional network interface cards (NICs) with higher transfer rates and flexibility through SFP ports.

What advantages do NAS systems offer?

With a NAS system, most manufacturers provide you with a combination of hardware and matching software. This means you do not need expensive server operating systems or access licences (CALs) for your clients to use the NAS. In addition, the manufacturer-specific operating systems often enable the integration of further functions through specially developed applications, so you can often also use a NAS as an e-mail server, for example.

With unified standards and therefore high compatibility and interoperability, NAS systems can also be flexibly integrated into almost any environment. You can use your existing network infrastructure, which in turn keeps both the costs and the administration effort low, as no dedicated storage network needs to be set up and maintained.

In addition to the significantly lower purchase price compared to other storage solutions and the low running costs, the high level of user-friendliness is another advantage of NAS systems. The installation in the network is very uncomplicated and the configuration of user groups, shares and access permissions is done via a mostly intuitive and easy-to-use interface.

ServerShop24 - Second-hand NAS systems delivered quickly

Your company is growing and you need additional data storage that you can integrate into your existing network infrastructure with little effort and configure easily? Or do you want to replace an outdated file server? In our online shop you will find a selection of high-quality NAS systems at reasonable prices, with which you can meet the increasing requirements for storage space and data security. ServerShop24 has been your competent and reliable partner for used servers, storage systems, network equipment and components since 2010. You benefit both from our extensive stock of carefully checked refurbished hardware and from the fastest possible shipping and therefore short delivery times. If you have any questions about products and your order, our friendly support team will be happy to assist you. Please use the various contact options - we will be happy to advise you!

Data security and NAS - What should be considered?

The security and availability of company data always have the highest priority. That is why only reliable hard disks or SSDs (solid-state drives) from renowned manufacturers are used in high-quality NAS systems. In addition to their usually very high capacity, they are certified for stable continuous operation and use in RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). Thanks to the possibility of data mirroring, NAS systems offer good protection against data loss in the event of a hard disk failure.

However, it should be noted that there is still a remaining risk of data loss and possible operational disruptions due to a defect in other components. In order to counteract this and ensure increased fail-safety, various NAS systems are therefore equipped with redundant power supplies and network cards. Such enterprise systems are usually more expensive, but they offer enhanced protection and guarantee the availability of your data even in the event of a power supply failure.
Nevertheless, additional data backup should not be neglected. The network storage systems often have replication functions to copy your data to other systems as a backup and therefore protect it from loss.

What factors have an impact on the performance of NAS systems?

In order to achieve the performance required for the respective application with a NAS system, the technically limiting factors must be considered before selection and implementation in order to be able to use the storage solution in the best possible way.
First of all, it is important to select the appropriate drives. If you are looking for maximum storage capacity, proven and certified NAS HDDs with an excellent price-performance ratio and high capacity are ideal for managing large amounts of data. However, the classic mechanical hard disks often reach their technical limits in the area of access speeds. SSDs, which are also available for NAS use, have a considerable lead here and enable lower latencies, but the storage capacity is usually lower and the fast flash memories are significantly more expensive to purchase.

Furthermore, the existing network structure has a decisive influence on the potential performance of a NAS system. The TCP/IP protocol used in ethernet networks is not optimised for storage traffic, so local networks are often heavily loaded by this data traffic. This means that the actual performance of the storage devices may not be utilised optimally if the existing LAN is already under heavy load or only has a low transmission rate. In this case, you can improve the situation by optimising the network and increasing the bandwidth, thereby making better use of the potential of your NAS system.