If you want to share data with your family, or if you want to browse files on multiple devices you use, NAS is the answer.
NAS (Amazon)
NAS (pronounced eggplant) is an abbreviation for "Network Attached Storage" and refers to a hard disk (HDD) connected over a network. When you think of an HDD, you may think of something that is built into your PC or connected to your PC via a USB cable, but you can only use it with the PC that is connected to it.
However, if you have a NAS, you can access it from any terminal connected to your home network, even from outside. So to speak, "homemade cloud storage".
What you want to be careful about when choosing is not only the size of the capacity, but also whether there is a RAID function, whether there are multiple HDDs (number of bays) installed, etc.
RAID is a technology that automatically backs up data using multiple HDDs and speeds up writing by distributing data. There are "1", "5", "6" and "10" from "RAID 0". Although there is an advantage that the entire capacity can be used, there is a disadvantage that data will be lost if there is an abnormality in any one HDD.
In RAID 1, the same data is written to two HDDs at the same time (mirroring), so it has the advantage of being resistant to failures. It has the disadvantage of being slower. RAID 5 has the advantages of quick access and high fault tolerance because it distributes writing to 3 or more HDDs and copies the fragments to multiple HDDs. However, since the same data is also written to multiple HDDs, it is important to remember that it is not possible to store the stated capacity of data.
In addition, I think that whether it is a kit type where you can install the HDD yourself or a built-in HDD type (finished product), whether it supports media such as music and TV recording, etc. We will only introduce products that are finished products and can store photos, videos, and regular files.
I-O DATA HDL-AAX4/E
High-spec NAS that is easy to handle even for beginners
I-O DATA HDL-AAX4/E is a NAS capable of ultra-high-speed data transfer with a maximum reading speed of 173.5MB/s by installing a high-performance dual-core, 2.5GbE port (multi-gigabit LAN port). The capacity is 4TB. Since the HDD has 1 bay, almost all the data can be saved.
Although it does not support RAID, data mirroring is possible by connecting another HDD to the USB port. It's easy to use at first, and you can expand the functions as you get used to it, so it's perfect for NAS beginners.
You can work with smartphones as well as wired or Wi-Fi connected PCs. With smartphones, dedicated apps such as "Fotoclip" (backing up photos and videos) and "Remote Link Files" (accessing from outside) are available, so you can enjoy the benefits of NAS without any difficult knowledge. In addition, since it can be linked with cloud storage such as Dropbox and OneDrive, it is possible to save to I-O DATA HDL-AAX4/E while working at home and access the linked cloud storage when away from home.
The selling price on Amazon is about 22,000 yen.
I-O DATA HDL-AAX4/E (Amazon)
BUFFALO Link Station LS210D0401N
Easily set up from your smartphone, even for beginners
BUFFALO LinkStation LS210D0401N is a NAS with 1 bay and 4TB capacity. The smartphone application "SmartPhone Navigator" is available, and it can be said that it is for beginners because it is possible to easily set the NAS not only from a PC but also from a smartphone.
Equipped with a WebAccess function that allows you to access files not only from your home LAN or Wi-Fi, but also from outside. You can compensate for the lack of capacity of your smartphone or PC. In addition, although the selling price on Amazon is low at about 20,000 yen, it also has an excellent media server function, and iTunes (up to 5 units) of PCs connected by LAN to the music files stored in the product can be automatically transferred. Found in. It can be played back, and by using it with a TV or recorder that supports DTCP-IP, you can use it to watch recorded programs in another room. It can also work with SONY's nasne.
Since it has 1 bay, it does not support RAID, but if it is a minor logical failure, data recovery is also supported free of charge. Even out-of-warranty or moderate failures will be handled for a fee, so you can rest assured even in the unlikely event of an emergency.
BUFFALO Link Station LS210D0401N (Amazon)
I-O DATA HDL2-TA8/E
RAID 1 + external HDD for perfect backup
I-O DATA HDL2-TA8/E is a NAS with 2 bay HDD. Since it supports RAID 1, that is, mirroring, backup is perfect even in the event of an emergency. It's perfect for storing important data. Furthermore, if you connect a USB hard disk, you can also back up to it. It also has a schedule function and generation management, so it can be said that it is for people who handle documents that they absolutely do not want to lose.
If you are not dealing with important data, you can use RAID 0. It can also be used for storing the entire 8TB data. You can also replace the internal HDD by yourself, and you can replace the HDD during long-term use and maintenance without incurring costs. Since the upper limit of the replacement HDD is 4TB x 2, it is possible to purchase a low-capacity model of the same series as this product at first, and then replace it with a large-capacity HDD later.
The selling price on Amazon is about 35,000 yen for an 8TB capacity.
I-O DATA HDL2-TA8/E (Amazon)
BUFFALO Link Station LS720D0802/N
Use "high speed, large capacity, authentic" with the whole family
This BUFFALO LinkStation LS720D0802/N is a high-speed, large-capacity, full-fledged system that can be handled by general users. The LAN port is 2.5GbE multi-giga. Since the processor is a hexacore (6 cores), multiple processes can be performed at the same time.
There is a USB port on the front, so you can copy data directly from a digital camera, USB flash memory, IC recorder with a USB terminal, etc., so you don't have to bother to boot up your PC to save data. It would be ideal as a place to easily store data with your family.
Data storage method can be selected between RAID 0 and RAID 1. After purchasing, you can decide whether you want to keep a perfect backup by mirroring or take some space for the time being. Equipped with a media server function that allows you to enjoy saved videos and music from your TV, and a DTCP-IP function that allows you to enjoy terrestrial digital recording at home. You can easily access other data from outside.
The selling price on Amazon is about 46,000 yen. There is also a 16TB model for about 100,000 yen.
BUFFALO Link Station LS720D0802/N (Amazon)
I-O DATA HDL-TA1/E
If you want to start NAS for the time being, click here
The I-O DATA HDL-TA1/E is a perfect model for beginners who want to try NAS, or who don't understand the network because it's difficult. Here, we are introducing a low-cost, low-capacity model that is easy to install, but there is also a 4TB model in the same series, so even beginners who want a large-capacity model that can be used for a long time can rest assured.
Getting started is easy. By simply inserting a LAN cable, you can read the QR code attached to the main unit on your smartphone and access it from the "Remote Link Files" app. You can access data and change disk settings with .
If you install multiple products of the same series or connect a hard disk via USB, you can also make a backup. You can rest assured even in an emergency. Of course, it can be accessed not only in the home LAN environment, but also from outside, so you can use your homemade cloud storage without monthly charges. Even if it's something your family uses, you can create your own "My Folder", so your privacy is protected.
The selling price on Amazon is about 12,000 yen.
I-O DATA HDL-TA1/E (Amazon)
The products in the article are recommended by the Engadget Japan team. Sales information is as of the time of article writing, and prices and availability are constantly changing.
NAS (Amazon)
