NAS devices

NAS devices are network storage units for keeping files, backups and video in one place and reaching them from several devices at once. This category includes products from UBIQUITI, SYNOLOGY and QNAP, aimed at home offices, small businesses and larger networks.

It helps to know in advance how many drives you will need and what kind of network you run, as both affect which model suits you.

How to choose a NAS

Drive bays and capacity. More bays give you more options for a RAID array, which keeps your data safe if one drive fails. Two bays are often enough at home, while businesses usually need four or more. Most NAS units are sold without drives, so you will need to buy drives designed for continuous operation separately.

Processor and memory. These determine how well the NAS handles photo indexing, many simultaneous users, containers or virtual machines. Our range includes a model with an ARM Cortex-A processor that supports up to 4 GB of RAM. That is enough for file storage and backups, but not for demanding applications.

Network connections and speed. With a single gigabit LAN connection, the network rather than the drives limits how fast large files copy. If you work with video or several people share the data, look for 2.5 or 10 gigabit connections and check that your switch supports them.

Software. The NAS operating system decides how easy it is to set up backups, share photos and manage user permissions. Look at the manufacturer's app collection and check that it works with the network equipment you already use.

Cooling and status lights. A NAS with drives runs around the clock, so it needs adequate cooling without being too noisy. One model in our range has a single 7 cm fan, and its LED indicators show drive, LAN, USB and overall status.

Brands we carry

• SYNOLOGY: known for its DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which includes straightforward tools for backups, photos and file sharing.
• QNAP: known for the QTS and QuTS hero operating systems and a large app library, including support for containers and virtual machines.
• UBIQUITI: known for UniFi network equipment, so its storage products are of particular interest to those who already manage their network through UniFi.

NAS frequently asked questions

What is a NAS and what is it for?

A NAS is a storage device connected to your network, holding files that you can reach from computers, phones and TVs. It is useful when you want to keep data in one place, make automatic backups and share files with other users.

How many drive bays do I need in a NAS?

Two bays are usually enough for a home user who wants a mirrored copy of their data. If you store a lot of video or a whole company uses the NAS, four or more bays are a better choice. Some spare capacity is useful, as the amount of data keeps growing.

Does RAID replace a backup?

No, RAID only protects against the failure of a single drive. It does not protect against accidentally deleted files, malware or fire. Important data should also be copied to an external drive or another location.

Can I use ordinary computer drives in a NAS?

Technically you can, but drives designed for NAS use are the better option. They are built to run around the clock and to work alongside other drives in the same enclosure. Check which drives your chosen NAS model supports before buying.