Thursday, 28 May 2015 00:00

NAS recovery

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b2ap3_thumbnail_iStock_000022413140XSmall.jpgNetwork-attached storage is good for storing files, easily share them and even create your own miltimedia center.

At first sight these little devices are no different than an external hard drive. But if treated correctly, network storage can occupy the central place in your digital life. Regardless of whether it is a home office with home PC or living room where you watch movies in the evening – network storage will instantly deliver documents, movies and music wherever it is needed at a given point of time. You can access data even from outside and the only condition is internet connection. You can go through the files on your smartphone even on the move.

NAS recovery

In this article we will tell about the features of network storage (NAS, Network Attached Storage) by answering ten most common questions about such device.

1. What is the difference between NAS and external HDD?

The key different feature of NAS is in data processing methods. Despite its modest dimensions NAS devices are capacious file servers with wide functionality range. Models with several bays allow uniting storage devices into RAID arrays. At the same time file storage can be arranged in such way that failure of one hard disk won’t affect data integrity.

In addition, by clicking several times you can determine what network users can access data. And it is not a problem if two persons simultaneously try opening the same file: NAS can arrange access in the right sequence.

Even average level network storage devices allow sharing large files with friends and collegues, download data from torrent trackers without computer, easy access to your miltimedia collection and all that without need to install additional programs, since any NAS has all tools needed.

Some devices allow listening favorite music in browser with the help of built-in audioplayer. And if NAS has in-house iTunes server, music files can be accessed from any network computer equipped with iTunes. You will be able to convert your webcam into surveillence system and remotely control the situation at home by using web-interface.

Additional advantage for web-developers – NAS can be used for website hosting and to create personal mail server. In doing so it is not necessary to have a deep knowledge in the field of administering.

2. Can I get remote access to personal files?

If you connect network storage to router, it will practically instantly become available within your network. In order to connect to NAS from any global location, you need to have an IP address available from Internet netwrok. If you don’t have it, you can order “Static IP” service from your Internet provider. You can get permanent domain name at www.dyndns.com. After registration you will get a domain which you need to configure in DynDNS router’s settings along with access data to your DynDNS account. Refer to instruction manuals supplied with router and NAS for more detailed information. Many devices support WebDAV and FTP protocols. It will ensure the following advantage: using one of them, you can connect network storage in Windows, like a network drive and access it via Explorer, i.e. NAS will be viewed by the system as an ordinary external hard drive. For that purpose an easy-to-use and free program NetDrive will be very handy. The tool assigns a disk letter to NAS and allows accessing its files from all Windows-based programs.

3. Can I access NAS from Windows, Linux and Mac OS X?

Thanks to the fact that all NAS use ordinary web-protocols (for example, HTTP, WebDAV or FTP), network storage is fully platform dependent device which ensures convenient data exchange between Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. Files can be accessed through network folders or browser. Therefore, data stored on NAS can be viewed even on your smartphone.

Moreover, many data storage models allow for live streaming of audiocontent via network to mobile device. For example, Owners of Synology network storage devices enjoy free iPhone applications that allow transfering music or photos to Apple phones.

In addition, downloading files from different portals, like torrent-trackers or such file sharing services like RapidShare to your network storage is not a problem. You can launch NAS recovery without installing any applications to PC. Another comfortable thing is when your NAS system is equipped with USB-port, then tyou can connet printer of USB storage device to it. At the same time all network computers can access such equipment.

4. How expensive are NAS and its maintenance costs?

There is a great variety of devices available on the market. Beginning with simple models with one bay hard drive enclosure that is used for backups, and ending with professional devices storing data simultaneously on several disks. In case with the latter, failure of one HDD won't lead to data loss. Such devices are more expensive than basic models, but on top of reliability they have another advantage: as rule, they are equipped with more powerful processors and able to transfer data via network faster than cheaper and less efficient solutions.

As rule, NAS systems are purchased for 24/7 operation. Despite that, electricity costs are on acceptable level even with professional models supporting RAID. Devices are made in such way that in case of no actions within a set period of time, disks switch to standby mode. Due to that electricity consumption does not exceed reasonable levels. Anyway, electricity consumption level of network storage device is a great deal lower than the one of an old computer performing same functions.

5. Can I transfer data to friends and collegues?

Most certainly. You can transfer files using email, although many services limit the size to 10-20 MB. Only a few email providers allow for larger files. Although you can use file-sharing services like RapidShare or DivShare, the most reliable, easy-to-use and stable way of data transfer to your friends and collegues is netowork storage devices. For example, save any file on NAS disk, right click on it and you can generate a link to download it. Email it to the relevant recipient and he will be able to download it with one click only.

Some storage devices allow performing this operation with entire folders. You won’t have to create a download link for each file separately, select the necessary directory and download all its contents in one ZIP-archive.

However, the ease of use is not only in a single data access. If you regularly share files with friends or colleagues, you can create accounts for them and grant them various access rights. For example, you can grant access to your business partner to a folder with important office documents for him to be able to upload and download files. At the same time he won't be able to access a folder containing birthday party movies. You can also determine as to how he will access NAS – via browser, protocol WebDAV or FTP, i.e. any convenient for you way.

6. Can I use NAS for backup copying?

Computer data backup is not a problem for NAS owners. It is done in the background and user doesn't notice it. Backup copy programs are supplied with many network storages. As an alternative you can use standard backup tools of Windows 7.

Users of Apple products can also take advantage of NAS because backup program Time Machine can save data on network storages — or, at least if NAS supports such software.

If you, for example, you want to backup your information from USB drive or digital camera's memory card, use "One Touch Backup”, a function that is available in many NAS. By pressing a button on front panel all necessary data is transferred to preliminarily assigned NAS folders.

Those who have spent more and purchased NAS with an option to connect several disks can create RAID array which provides the most secure storage.

7. How much time is required to transfer large files?

Within home wired network data is transferred on a high speed. In addition, you can live stream music and even Full HD video. Data transfer in such network (even with 100 Mbit/s data throughput) is not an issue — you can connect disks’ images on NAS as virtual drives.

But outside the home network you have to bear with limitations imposed by the Internet connection capacity. In case of remote access all depends on the line’s throughput. However, processor’s throughput is also of great importance. Thus, QNAP TS-239 Pro II model transfers data via network at the rate of around 100 Mbit/s and some more affordable models, for example, WD My Book World Edition, hardly reach 28,5 Mbit/s.

8. How safe is it to access files through Internet?

Those who open access to their data via Internet expect that this information will be viewed only users that have certain rights to do so. Invasion can lead to irreversible consequences. If you leave loopholes in router’s firewall that allow to connect to NAS from outside, hackers will easily get access to your network storage. That is why you need to open ports only for those services that are used by you and protect them with password. We recommend activating encrypted services, for example, WebDAV HTTPS, that is using 5006 port or FTP based on SSL/TLS connection.

9. How to play video from NAS on TV?

Many NAS are not only an ideal place for storing video files but also a way to play such files on your TV. If both devices support DKNA standard, then to play video on TV's screen you need to connect them to home network. Practically all NAS with media-server function support DLNA, however, it not that easy with TVs. In case of difficulties in the quality of recorder you can use Sony PlayStation 3 connected to your TV.

Also you need to take into account that not every TV set or play station understand all available media formats, so some video clips may not be played correctly or played at all. A simple way of solving this problem is buying a network media player. Such universal devices are specialized on playing video on TV’s screen. Because it supports many popular formats, there is no need to convert data that takes a lot of time, or use powerful and, accordingly, expensive NAS, able to convert it on-the-fly. You will have only to connect media player to TV using HDMI or SCART sockets (depending on the device’s class), and then connect to local home network, to which NAS is connected, with the help of a network cable.

10. Can I add additional functions?

NAS offer a great variety of possibilities already out of the box, however, you can additionally expand them. With the help of assembled by the manufacturer or enthusiasts packages, you can add new functions: convert network storage into a web-server, install Joomla or WordPress management system, create information portals using Wiki technology or forums. Especially good for that purpose are devices of Synology and QNAP companies, that is why they are recommended to professional users, who do web-development. You can find tons of useful information for every NAS system's setting and adjustment at manufacturer's forum.

Increasing performance

Here we will explain how to squeeze out maximum power even from the relatively weak, basic NAS.

NAS differ from each other not only by the number of bays for hard drive, but also by internal ‘stuff’. At the time when basic models are equipped with weak processor, expensive devices ensure higher performance.

Why does a disk needs processor? Essentially, NAS is a computer with a limited number of tasks. The more powerful its CPU is, the faster the device transfers data via network and the more smoothly it plays movies on TV's screen during live streaming. Weak processors also face difficulties in situations when it is required to perform multiple tasks simultaneously — for example, simultaneous live streaming music and data recording. In addition, Ajax is usually used to create an attractive web-interface of network storages, and Ajax is quite demanding to computing resources. Thus, a very probable situation is when after updating firmware, user interface of weak NAS system starts freezing.

Delicate handling. Turn off all unused services (for example, Download Station or Web-server), since they utilize precious resources of processor. Avoid performing several tasks simultaneously, lets say, downloading photos with subsequent creation of thumbnails and live streaming video, which utilizes a lion’s share of resources. NAS recovery in New York.

Last modified on Thursday, 28 May 2015 16:57
Data Recovery Expert

Viktor S., Ph.D. (Electrical/Computer Engineering), was hired by DataRecoup, the international data recovery corporation, in 2012. Promoted to Engineering Senior Manager in 2010 and then to his current position, as C.I.O. of DataRecoup, in 2014. Responsible for the management of critical, high-priority RAID data recovery cases and the application of his expert, comprehensive knowledge in database data retrieval. He is also responsible for planning and implementing SEO/SEM and other internet-based marketing strategies. Currently, Viktor S., Ph.D., is focusing on the further development and expansion of DataRecoup’s major internet marketing campaign for their already successful proprietary software application “Data Recovery for Windows” (an application which he developed).

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