Domestic nas server

If we talk about home NAS server, it is an obligation to mention QNAP, the company with the widest range of network storage devices that the market offers us. And we are not only talking about storing files, but about playing, sharing and integrating all our electronic devices with NAS thanks to a host of applications and functionalities of your operating system.

Index of contents

What is and what is a NAS for?

A NAS server consists of a computer with extensive storage characteristics that will be connected through a network, which may be either home or corporate. A NAS will act as a centralized data repository providing access credentials to authorized users in it.

One of the main characteristics of a NAS is that it is able to offer strong data replication by creating RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) volumes. A method by which multiple hard drives are connected to a device that allows different levels of storage to be created with support for snapshots such as network backups.

We should not confuse NAS with DAS, since these computers, despite supporting RAID configurations, work very differently. Firstly, they don't have an operating system like NAS, so their versatility and security is considerably less. And secondly, they are not connected in a network, but through USB or similar ports directly to a computer, so ultimately, it is like a giant portable hard drive.

When are we going to need a NAS

A NAS not only allows you to store content through an internal network from our computers, it is capable of doing much more than this. And the key tool is that it has an operating system, specifically QTS in the case of QNAP, a system based on the Linux kernel, with a graphical interface that we can manage from our own web browser from anywhere on our network, and even remotely or Smartphone.

In fact, we will be able to mount complex VPN systems to access the content of the device from anywhere in the world, thus placing an extra layer of security on access to our data, using SSH, PPTP or L2TP / IPSec protocols. An easy way to do this is through myQNAPCloud, the manufacturer's own cloud that provides us with secure access from any geographical point with a PC or Smartphone in a secure way.

We already told you that a NAS not only knows how to save data, and these examples will be illustrative of what we say:

Storage with hardware protection:

It provides the ability to take snapshots of our data by incorporating AES 256-bit hardware encryption, and incorporating SSL certificates and access by LDAP or Active Directory credentials to the content.

It is in this area that NAS offer the greatest power, being able to work with hybrid and tiered storage systems, thanks to Autotiering with Qtier or support for HDD, SATA SSD and M.2 SSD.

Media server support:

Without a doubt one of the main characteristics of a Domestic NAS. In addition to supporting FTP and SMB for shared files, many of them will be compatible with DLNA, to share and play multimedia content through the network that can be played on all devices in the home. The QNAP TS-328 is one of the best in this area.

Hardware virtualization:

NAS like the QNAP TS-677, are the ultimate expression for virtualization tasks thanks to QNAP Virtualization Station. Compatible with VMware vSphere, Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer, it will support 64-bit operating systems such as Windows or Linux, virtualized by hardware and management through web interface thanks to the powerful Ryzen 5 and 7 that they carry inside.

Vigilance and security:

Another key function of a NAS is its capacity as a surveillance server. Only a PoE switch and an IP camera system will be necessary, since QTS together with QVR Pro will be in charge of generating an advanced environment even with AI with QVR Face for real-time facial recognition.

Home NAS is worth it

And the answer is definitely yes, as long as we are users who work from home, or need advanced management of our data and multimedia content. Increasingly, home automation systems, surveillance or integration with IFTTT, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant are gaining prominence. All this will become part of all of us very soon and a server capable of integrating into all systems will be essential, especially in the field of personal security.

If we are technology enthusiasts and want to be fully connected and have access to our personal environment, what better way to do it than with a NAS. In addition to hardware encryption, and the QNAP cloud, it is the perfect way to have our computer isolated. It is essential to work through TCP ports 443 and 8080 to avoid ransomware threats, such as the recent eChoraix7. A system specially designed for security will always be safer.

For content creators it could also be an excellent option, since we can delegate all the storage work to a particular cloud such as a NAS. With video streaming features and compatibility with Apple TV, Chromecast and video transconduction for NAS with integrated GPU. They are even compatible with applications like Bittorrent to download P2P. If we dedicate ourselves to professional design, there are also teams with Thunderbolt 3, such as the QNAP TS-453BT3.

Imagine, for example, how useful it will be for these types of activities to have a NAS if we move most of the time with laptops. It is in these computers where we have the maximum limitations when it comes to storage space, and it is much more advantageous to have a Server than a desktop PC with shared folders. More expandable in storage and with advanced synchronization and security features.

And finally we must pay attention to the price, and we do not necessarily have to spend a fortune, since we have equipment such as the TS-228A that for use 170 euros allow us a large part of what we have discussed here. In short, NAS are computers oriented to relatively advanced users, who need an extra in productivity or advanced management of their digital environment. If you only want to save a few data, you better buy a portable hard drive.

QNAP applications and operating system

In this section we could spend hours explaining each of the applications that QNAP have for their NAS, since we are practically facing a full-blown application store, with an incredible number of them. And it is that the integration capacity that QTS have, especially in its latest version 3.4.5 are surprising and expanding more and more.

Professional Review already made an article talking about the most interesting QNAP applications for Android. In it we talk about Qsync, the key tool to synchronize PC and Smartphone with our NAS and take snapshots, QManager or QFile, to manage files and server status from our devices.

The highlight as always will be in data management, where Qfile and the application for snapshot storage will have absolute prominence. And it is that mounting a data storage system by levels or Autotiering, will be something quite simple to do, as we saw in our review of the QNAP TS-332X. Implementing a RAID HDD with high-speed SSD drives as a cache function, to configure immediate availability of the files most frequently used by the user.

QTS can be easily managed from any web browser, as it is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux and Edge, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Safari browsers. With Qfinder Pro we can locate our NAS from the system and it is how we can start using it, so it will be a fundamental application.

Others as emblematic as Qsirch, Qfiling, Photo Station, Music Station, Video Station and DLNA Media Server will be a mandatory option for enthusiasts of the multimedia and content playback world. And the novelty QuMagie, which is capable of implementing AI to search within images for information about the content of the photo. We must not forget Qget, to download content from the Internet directly to the NAS. We can even download complete web pages with Notes Station 3 Clipper, an extension for Google Chrome.

And if we want to mount a surveillance center, then QVR Pro or Surveillance Station will be the options to choose from. In addition, it can be integrated with more applications such as the new QVR Face that allows us to perform facial recognition in real time, which is ideal for mounting check-in systems in companies or monitoring workers. We even have an application to turn our Smarthpone into a security camera with VCam.

It's amazing what we can do with a fairly powerful NAS from home, we just have to learn little by little to get the most out of the product.

Hardware and software security for files

A section of great concern for a user is that of security. Are we really going to improve the security of our data with a NAS? Well, the answer is yes, as long as we know what we do and know the possibilities it gives us, since there are multiple layers of security in the equipment, from the hardware to our own network configuration.

From the hardware itself, we already have 256-bit AES protection in the storage, although it is important to know that all connections to the NAS from the client will be encrypted using SSL / TLS and other protocols at the network level. In fact, one of the novelties that QNAP presented at Computex 2019 is Hybrid Backup Sync 3. A basic snapshot tool that now has client-side encryption and source file duplication.

QNAP has recently joined forces with industrial IoT provider WoMaster by creating ThingsMaster OTA. A wireless device management solution that allows us to configure, monitor and manage devices remotely and securely so that they have all the available security patches and features.

The hardware behind it will also be important

It is not only important to talk about applications and infinite functionalities, since to make all this work effectively, we need hardware, and in this area NAS are practically computers. All of them have a processor, RAM, storage and I / O ports, this is basic.

The fundamental section in any case will be the storage capacity, implemented in the form of bays for 3.5 ”or 2.5” drives and in many cases M.2 SATA for SSD. We recommend buying a NAS that has at least two or three bays, to be able to make RAID 0, 1, 10 or 5 configurations, and thus replicate data to avoid losses. All of them will support more than 20 TB of capacity, even reaching several hundred TB. Always compatible with EXT3, EXT4, NTFS, FAT32, HFS + storage formats.

There are NAS servers that use anything from somewhat more basic and feature-limited RealTek or Alpine processors to powerful Intel Celeron with built-in graphics for transcoding and DLNA functions. In fact, the most powerful and fully productivity-oriented computers have AMD Ryzen 7 2700X with up to 6 cores inside, ideal for virtualization.

Similarly, the range of RAM is also quite extensive, from 2 GB or less of basic equipment, to 16 GB DDR4, which can be expanded to 64 GB, just like a desktop computer. Many of them have dual internal storage for system recovery in case of failure, and PCIe expansion slots to install 10 Gbps or Wi-Fi network cards, and even graphics such as the Nvidia GT 1030.

Similarly, NAS implements one or more RJ-45 network connectors, and even SPF + for fiber optics. For a home NAS server, it will be important to have USB ports, and even HDMI to connect monitors or TVs.

Recommended QNAP Models for Home NAS Server

After this brief, but intense review of some of the keys to having a NAS, we are going to see some of the models we recommend most for home use.

QNAP TS-228A

QNAP TS-228A NAS Mini Tower Ethernet White Storage Server - Raid Drive (Hard Drive, Serial ATA III, 3.5 ", FAT32, Hfs +, NTFS, ext 3, ext 4, 1.4 GHz, Realtek), Enclosure

• Supported storage disk interfaces: SATA, Serial ATA II, and Serial ATA III Processor model: RTD1295 Flash memory: 4000 MB Chassis type: Mini Tower Installed operating system: QNAP Turbo System

163.84 EUR Buy on Amazon

We can classify this model as one of the basic and home-oriented models with the lowest cost that the manufacturer has. We wanted to put this, instead of the 128th, for the simple fact of having two bays for SATA hard drives, something that gives us the possibility of RAID. It runs on the QTS 4.3.4 system via a Realtek RTX1295 4-core CPU and 1 GB of DDR4 RAM.

It offers support for Hybrid Backup Sync backups, multimedia content playback via DLNA and content download via Download Station. And of course compatibility with myQNAPCloud private cloud

QNAP TS-328

QNAP TS-328 3 Bay NAS Desktop Box

• With just three disks you can build a secure raid 5 array on the ts-328 Compatible with h.264 / h.265 hardware decoding and transcoding offering a better video viewing experience Snapshots fully record system status and data (included metadata) Qfiling automates file organization greatly improving work efficiency

224.95 EUR Buy on Amazon

This model offers us greater possibilities, with three bays for 2.5 and 3.5-inch hard drives and the ability to do RAID 5. It is capable of playing content in 4K H.264 and H.265 through DLNA, although it does not We have an HDMI port, yes a double RJ-45 at 1 Gbps.

In this case we have a Realtek RTD1296 processor and the RAM memory rises to 2GB DDR4, so it is not bad for use in small offices and home for less than 300 euros.

QNAP TS-231P2

QNAP TS-231P2 NAS White Ethernet Tower - Raid Drive (Hard Drive, SSD, Serial ATA II, Serial ATA III, 2.5 / 3.5 ", 0, 1, JBOD, FAT32, HFS +, NTFS, ext3, ext4, Annapurna Labs)

• For transferring large numbers of files For streaming high-bandwidth multimedia Highly efficient media center Remote access in a secure private cloud

279.90 EUR Buy on Amazon

In this case we have a NAS that offers us a great performance in domestic applications and for a professional environment, especially in offices and home offices. An Alpine AL-314 Quad Core processor with 1 GB of DDR3 RAM expandable to 8 GB has been mounted, along with good connectivity with dual RJ-45 GbE and three USB 3.1 Gen1. They are ideal for using a Wi-Fi AC adapter and providing it with wireless connectivity.

We can install a total of two 3.5 ”or 2.5” HDD or SSD hard drives, supporting 64 snapshots per volume or the ability to configure it as a remote NAS. They don't have HDMI, but they support streaming via DLNA, AirPlay, and Chromecast.

QNAP TS-251 +

QNAP TS-251 + - NAS Network Storage Device (Intel Celeron Quad-Core, 2 Bahas, 2 GB RAM, USB 3.0, SATA II / III, Gigabit), Black / Gray

• Quad-Core Intel Celeron 2 GHz processor, Burst frequency 2.42 GHz Run multiple Windows, Linux, UNIX and Android-based virtual machines with Virtualization Station Operate multiple isolated Linux systems as well as download containerized applications with Container Station Stream media files via streaming Via DLNA, AirPlay, Chromecast and Bluetooth with multi-zone multimedia control Transcode Full HD videos on the fly or offline

420, 38 EUR Buy on Amazon

One of the newest QNAP models is this TS-251 +, a very quiet tower-shaped NAS, ideal for those who want a great audiovisual experience without giving up power and data storage. In this case we have a quad-core Intel Celeron J1900 with integrated graphics and HDMI port to play content in 1080p.

It has two SATA beans and four USB ports, 2 2.0, and 2 3.0, and a remote control to be able to control the equipment remotely. Excellent option for its design or versatility and at a good price. There is also a QNAP HS-251 + version with a flat design with almost identical features.

QNAP HS-251 + - NAS Network Storage Device (Intel Celeron, 2 GB RAM, 2 x USB 3.0, SATA II / III, Gigabit), Black Intel Celeron Quad-Core Processor (2 GHz); Compatible with SATA III / SATA II HDD 3.5 "/2.5" and SSD 2.5 "with SATA III / SATA II

QNAP TS-453Be

QNAP TS-453BE NAS Mini Tower Ethernet Black Raid Drive (Hard Drive, SSD, Serial ATA III, 2.5 / 3.5 ", 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD, Intel Celeron, J3455)

• Connectivity Type: Network Connection Ethernet

503.35 EUR Buy on Amazon

With a similar design in tower and internal bays we have this TS-453Be. We have a lot more power, since it has a Celeron J3455 Quad Core with integrated Intel HD Graphics 500 graphics and 2 GB of RAM. It has space to install four 2.5 or 3.5-inch HDDs and a PCIe slot for expansion card installation.

It is aimed at multimedia transcoding of content in 4K at 30 FPS using 2 HDMI 1.4b and of course DLNA protocol. Its port panel has 5 USB 3.1 Gen1 along with a double RJ-45 GbE port.

Conclusion about mounting a home NAS server

Up to here comes this little guide in which we offer you all the possible condensed information so that you can draw your own conclusions about the usefulness of having a NAS server for homes or for offices and small businesses. The possibilities that they offer us are enormous, provided that the model and its hardware allow it, of course, and that the user knows how to get the most out of it.

The key functions of the models that we have given you are undoubtedly the storage of data with high security and replication and the multimedia capacity and connectivity of the same. Of course the manufacturer offers many models on its official website aimed at different areas, we have focused on the home.

Now we leave you with some interesting links that are related to the topic:

What NAS would you buy yourself? If you want to know more information or recommendations about these devices, feel free to leave us a comment in the box below or open a discussion in our hardware forum.