Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Understanding NAS devices, RAID configurations, and remote access solutions like Parsec.

Published December 31, 2025 ET
technologyhardwarestorage

What is NAS?

  • Network Attached Storage
  • TODO: dedicated file server connected to your network
  • TODO: vs external hard drives
  • TODO: vs cloud storage

Popular NAS Vendors

Synology

  • TODO: consumer and enterprise offerings
  • TODO: DSM (DiskStation Manager) software
  • TODO: app ecosystem

QNAP

  • TODO: competitive alternative to Synology
  • TODO: QTS operating system

Other Options

  • TODO: Western Digital (My Cloud)
  • TODO: Asustor
  • TODO: DIY with FreeNAS/TrueNAS

RAID Configurations

What is RAID?

  • Redundant Array of Independent Disks
  • TODO: combining multiple drives for performance or redundancy

Common RAID Levels

RAID 0 (Striping)

  • TODO: no redundancy, maximum performance
  • TODO: if one drive fails, all data lost

RAID 1 (Mirroring)

  • TODO: exact copy on two drives
  • TODO: 50% storage efficiency
  • TODO: can survive one drive failure

RAID 5 (Striping with Parity)

  • TODO: requires minimum 3 drives
  • TODO: can survive one drive failure
  • TODO: good balance of performance and redundancy

RAID 6 (Double Parity)

  • TODO: can survive two drive failures
  • TODO: requires minimum 4 drives

RAID 10 (1+0)

  • TODO: mirroring + striping
  • TODO: high performance and redundancy
  • TODO: 50% storage efficiency

Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)

  • TODO: flexible RAID for mixed drive sizes
  • TODO: easier expansion

Setting Up a NAS

  • TODO: drive selection (NAS-rated drives)
  • TODO: initial configuration
  • TODO: user accounts and permissions
  • TODO: backup strategies

Remote Access

Built-in Solutions

  • TODO: Synology QuickConnect
  • TODO: QNAP myQNAPcloud

VPN Access

  • TODO: more secure than port forwarding
  • TODO: Tailscale, WireGuard

Parsec (Remote Desktop)

  • Low-latency remote desktop software
  • TODO: originally designed for gaming
  • TODO: acquired by Unity in 2021

How Parsec Works

  • TODO: peer-to-peer connection
  • TODO: hardware encoding/decoding
  • TODO: why it's fast

Use Cases

  • TODO: remote gaming
  • TODO: accessing workstation from anywhere
  • TODO: collaborative work

Parsec vs Alternatives

  • TODO: vs TeamViewer
  • TODO: vs Chrome Remote Desktop
  • TODO: vs Moonlight/Sunshine

References

  • TODO: Add references