NAS Devices

AMO

Hi all,

I wish to get a NAS device, but want to know whether there are any terms I need to look out for to ensure certain features are in the device.

I understand that a NAS device can be plugged straight into your network and so if you add port forwarding from your router you'll be able to access it from the internet.

However, rather than trying to FTP to the hardware, I understand that some NAS devices have lots of features such as:
1) Access a web page to perform upload/download to the NAS device.
2) Add a Task to the NAS device and supply a URL/Torrent so that it will start downloading.
3) Host a website.
4) Host a photo album.

Some also have features where they support USB sticks and various types of cards where if you put them into the device and hit the copy button, it will copy the entire contents to a certain directory.

Anyone know what level of features are in each of the makes and which brands I should watch out for if I go for a NAS device?

Thanx

AMO

djheath

I use a Synology one. It has all those features you mentioned above and seems good. I really just use it as a backup device. Basically it is an exact mirror of a hard drive in my pc, so I have two areas where all my photos and videos are stored.

I used the bittorrent feature of it, but it couldn't match utorrent.

The interface was easy to use though and everything was simple enough to work with after following the instructions.

The only thing I would look out for is whether a disk comes with the device or not. Mine didn't and although I knew that, you dont want to buy one which is just an empty box, and be surprised when you have to buy a new hard drive for it. I opted for one where you install a hard drive yourself since I can always upgrade the drive if it breaks or gets too small.

Hope that helps.

AMO

Hi,

Yes, my friend uses Synology. I can't seem to find them on Ebuyer though.

Is there anything similar and cheap?

Thanx

AMO

djheath

Hmm not sure I am afraid. I got mine over a year ago so cant remember where from and obviously haven't needed to look into them of late. Maybe have a look on amazon.

Buffalo are a good reputable make too.

Fifer

I have a Qnap TS-101 which does most (if not all) of the features you mention. I think it has been superceded by the TS-109, but mine has worked flawlessly for a year. I does bit-torrent downloads, scheduled back-ups, acts as my network print serever, does one-touch copies from usb drives and much, much more. It's small and silent (fanless) too as a wee bonus.

MercilessKiller

I use a Netgear SC101T

Sata drives (can be raided), no web access which makes it more secure for me.

Uses ZFS file system with encryption. You map the drive to your pc and require security passwords to do this, thus if your home network is compromised your data is still secure.

Shermanator

I have also got a Netgear SC101T but am not that impressed

It is pretty annoying that every client you want to connect to it has to install the Netgear client from the disc. Just wanted to let you know thats all.

As stated above - it is a great security feature though, it just doesn't really suit me, nor you by the sounds of it.

PC World are doing a 1 TB USB drive that can be accessed via the web I believe, you might wanna check that out, pretty cheap to !