Every day it is easier to find homes with multiple devices connected to a network. With this comes the need to have a server at home. Home NAS servers are ideal to have at home. They have become indispensable due to the variety of uses that can be given to them.
What is a home NAS server?
NAS storage systems, or Network Attached Storage, are used to centralize the information of a company or a home. Thus guaranteeing the integrity and protection of the files, generating backup copies on a regular basis.
It is common to associate the word server with large computing devices, with an optimal processing capacity compared to conventional PCs. However, the old computer you have at home could fulfill the role of a NAS server by making some modifications.
To fulfill its role as a server, the computer must be constantly on and connected directly to the router. to ensure it is available. The advantage of implementing a home NAS server is that it will be available to store information at home and away via the Internet.
What are NAS servers for?
By having a NAS server connected at home, you will be able to protect the information of all the devices that have access to it. It does not matter if you are connected to your home network or over the Internet, you will have access to all the files that are stored.
If you create multiple user accounts, each user can use the server as a cloud service. Each person can be assigned an amount of space to save their files and make backup copies.
Smart homes can also benefit from implementing a home NAS. Since they can receive the data from sensors placed in electrical appliances and smart plugs.
Any computer could be used to perform these tasks. But having a dedicated computer connected 24 hours a day ensures that activities are carried out effectively. Not to mention the peace of mind that knowing that your data is safe in more than one physical location can generate.
How do NAS servers work?
What characterizes NAS servers is their storage capacity. They must have one or more disks installed, as well as a removable hard disk to protect the information from possible loss.
It must be configured with an operating system like FreeNAS which is based on Free Software. This is one of the most used because it is very easy to install and because its graphical interface is quite intuitive.
Finally, the computer intended to be the server must always be on and connected to the home network. It must be connected directly to the router to ensure its connectivity.
Uses of a NAS server
By saving all the data on a single computer, we can access it from any device. Avoid having duplicate files on the phone and on the PC, taking up space. You can configure it by users so that each person has access to their files individually and even classify it to separate the types of files.
File backups
Back up the information of the different devices, when configuring the NAS you will have the assurance that your files are protected automatically and if for any eventuality your PC fails you can recover all the information.
Entertaiment center
Manage all your movies, videos and images in one place. Play home videos from any device and even from a smart TV. It is an excellent option to save and access your movies at any time.
Cloud storage
There are companies dedicated to safeguarding your data such as Dropbox and Google. But you can generate your own storage service and privately. Save your files on the NAS server and access them over the Internet from anywhere in the world.
Download Center
Download installation files from one location, especially those large files that take hours to download. Then you can access the download file from any device, saving time and storage space.