Network storage is not only for large enterprises. Today in most homes you will find many desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices - so this type of device makes sense for your important files. Using such a drive, you can access your data wherever you are, even if you are on the go, thanks to the easy-to-use remote access services that come as standard. The article will present tips on choosing disk storage, as well as an overview with the characteristics of the models that received the most positive reviews.
How to choose the right device
When choosing, it is worth paying attention to the number of available connectors. All disk storages come with a different number of bays, and consumer models are usually presented in versions with one, two, three or four slots for installing HDD. Usually they can be installed without completely shutting down the system.
A reasonable minimum is a dual-bay system using two matching hard drives in a mirrored RAID1 configuration. Thus, if one of the drives fails, you will have a copy of all your data. However, resist the temptation to use JBOD or RAID0 configurations. They offer large capacity, but do not have fault tolerance - if one HDD fails, all information will be lost.
If you're willing to spend a little more, four-bay disk storage is a great solution. With so many drives, you can configure a RAID5 array that provides the best balance of capacity and data security. In this scheme, part of each disk is reserved, which allows you to rebuild the array in the event of a failure. For example, with four 1 TB HDDs, you can store up to 3 TB of data, and if one of them fails, you can simply replace the device and continue working.
The best models
According to reviews and user comments, 7 models are currently popular. Each of them has updated components and integrated systems for connecting additional services. All disk storages in the review have system utilities that allow users to quickly configure the gadget at the first connection and start.
1. Asustor AS6404T
The compact and stylish model opens the review. The AS6404T is a high-end home storage drive with a two-line LCD in front and a powerful Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core processor inside. The drive is easy to use thanks to Asustorβs user-friendly ADM web interface. The model supports all important network protocols and services. The device has no problems accessing the music library via iTunes and streaming Full HD video through popular video hosting sites. Remote access is handled by Asustor Cloud Connect's own service, and the Surveillance Center app controls up to four connected IP cameras for free.
According to reviews, thanks to HDMI and two USB connectors on the rear panel, you can even use this drive as a standalone audio and video center or use a full Linux desktop. 8 GB of RAM is not enough for this kind of tasks, but this is enough for fast calculations.
Main characteristics:
- Processor - Intel Celeron J3455 up to 2.3 GHz.
- RAM - 8 GB.
- Drive bays - 4.
- RAID modes -JBOD, RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID6, RAID10.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectors - 2.
- Data Connectors (Rear) -2 x USB 3, USB Type-C.
- Data Connectors (Front) - USB 3.
- Other connectors are HDMI, S / PDIF.
2. Synology DS216j
Synology DS216j is a very cheap dual-bay networked disk storage. The model uses the new DSM 6.1 operating system with all the same functions as the company's high-performance devices, including a rich web interface, as well as an extensive set of related applications for Android and iOS. There is integration with all major cloud storage services plus easy remote access that works with iTunes and Time Machine.
The 1 GHz Marvell dual-core 32-bit processor is more than pretty powerful to handle everyday file copying operations. The model has 512 MB of internal RAM, so if you run many services and applications at the same time, system performance may decline. Video server capabilities are also limited. Synology Video Station can transmit 1080p H.265 video via DLNA.
Obviously, the DS216j is not the most powerful device on the market. However, according to customer reviews, the model is an excellent option for a home-type drive and at the same time at a bargain price.
Main characteristics:
- Processor - Marvell 385 88F6820 1 GHz Dual Core.
- RAM - 512 MB.
- Drive bays - 2.
- RAID modes - JBOD, RAID0, RAID1, Synology Hybrid RAID.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectors - 1.
- Data Connectors (Rear) - 2 x USB 3.
3. Drobo 5N2
Drobo 5N2 aims to make the world of online storage affordable even for novice users. The device automatically configures your installed media to provide the best balance of capacity and security, asking you if you want to protect the system from failures. Many users in the reviews note the usefulness of this feature.
Drobo also abandons the traditional web interface in favor of a desktop client called Dashboard. This is a good idea, because the software solves such problems as detecting the created array, logging in and matching it in Windows. DAS disk storage is slightly different from the devices presented in the review just this. It cannot work autonomously. It is important that the gadget is always connected to a working PC.
A solid set of applications and services is supported: iTunes, Time Machine. However, if you want to familiarize yourself with the technical settings or interact with other devices and systems, a more familiar NAS device might suit you. However, for the average home user who just wants a large archive for their files, the Drobo 5N2 is perfect.
Main characteristics:
- Drive bays - 5.
- RAID modes - automatic.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectors - 2.
4. Qnap TS-251A
Disk storage of a local computer network has many functions. The model is placed in a compact frame with five compartments. On the front panel there is a USB 3 port, a micro-USB 3 port and an SD card reader, and on the back there are two HDMI connectors that can control a pair of 4K displays. User reviews note a convenient service for broadcasting streaming video.
For those who do more serious work, there are all the network protocols and services that you can use, including Time Machine, AirPlay, iSCSI and Active Directory. A wide range of cloud services and backups are supported, and an additional synchronization module allows you to manage two IP cameras.
Main characteristics:
- Drive bays - 5.
- RAID modes - Single, JBOD, RAID0, RAID1.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectors - 2.
- Data Connectors (Rear) - 2 x USB 3.
- Data connectors (front) - USB 3, micro-USB 3, SD card reader.
5. WD My Cloud Pro PR4100
My Cloud PR4100 disk data storage, according to customer reviews, is pretty fast. The model has an LCD display showing the status of the system, and built-in navigation buttons that allow you to switch between different parts of the system information. The web interface is simple and affordable. The system does not have the usual window mode of operation. It is completely replaced by a graphical interface, which is controlled using the buttons on the panel and through the menu for synchronizing with a PC.
A decent selection of settings is supported, including media servers, a monitoring service. The model has high performance and, if necessary, can be updated by replacing accessories. If necessary, to process a large data array, you can increase the amount of RAM up to 16 GB. Users note that the model has one significant drawback. It is due to the fact that the device is not able to play local streaming video. To do this, you need to connect an additional gadget or PC that has audio and video codecs for playback.
Main characteristics:
- Processor - Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz, 2.56 GHz, Quad Core.
- RAM - 4 GB.
- Drive bays - 4.
- RAID modes - JBOD, RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID10.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectors - 2.
- Data Connectors (Rear) - 2 x USB 3.
- Data Connectors (Front) - USB 3.
6. Orico WS500RU3-SV
In the Orico dual-bay disk storage, according to customer reviews, there are many advantages. But there are also downsides. They consist in the fact that it is necessary to carry out many settings before the first start. Other than that, there are no apps for features such as video streaming and image viewing.
The focus is on professional use with integrated Dropbox backup and synchronization support, as well as built-in encryption and scheduling capabilities. The gadget also works with iSCSI and offers a 10GbE network port along with two gigabit connectors.
Add support for virtualization capabilities here, and it will become clear that this is a storage device that is suitable for the needs of a home office or small business.
Main characteristics:
- Processor - Annapurna Labs 1.7 GHz, Quad.
- RAM - 4 GB.
- Drive bays - 2.
- RAID modes - JBOD, RAID0, RAID1.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectors - 2 + 1 x 10 GbE.
- Data Connectors (Rear) - USB 3.
- Data Connectors (Front) - USB 3.
7. Synology DS218
The DS218 is a bit more expensive than the Synology DS216j, but if your budget allows such an expense, this is a significant upgrade. The gadget comes with a quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the built-in media server even with 4K video.
You can also use the additional Synology services for mail, VPN and WordPress, as well as a number of other applications. There is a spare memory slot for the upgrade, so you can double the amount of RAM up to 4 GB.
This is not the fastest NAS device on the market, but its power is enough to process a large flow of information. There is no HDMI connector in the drive, so you cannot use it as a separate media center. This will require the use of an Ethernet port. However, for most people, these limitations will not be a problem, as the superior DS218 feature set and the very competitive price are mostly important.
Main characteristics:
- Processor - RTD1296 1.4 GHz, Quad Core.
- RAM - 2 GB.
- Drive bays - 2.
- RAID modes - RAID0, RAID1, RAID5.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectors - 2.
- Data Connectors (Rear) - USB 3.
- Data connectors (front) - micro-USB 3, SD card reader.
It is also worth emphasizing that it is only in this disk storage that you can do the hardware update and the integrated system yourself without contacting the service center. Manufacturers provided this opportunity intentionally, to simplify the use of the drive.