NAS (networked-attached storage) enables accessible content delivery over a network. NAS may be seen as centralized storage, but as content delivery grows with the proliferation of mobile devices, data centers will require more storage to house content. Multiple devices can access the content on NAS for content access, data storage, and file/media sharing.
This activity is what enables streaming movies to handheld devices, social media on-demand, and storing all manner of data such as photographs and video online for easy network (or internet) access. NAS is integral to data centers where it is physically housed, and it is the basis for the concept of a cloud environment. Redundancy of hardware, virtualization, and high availability are essential requirements in cloud computing. Data loss and downtime (e.g., unavailable services or inaccessibility) are deadly to businesses that rely on cloud-based, virtualized servers and storage to supply services over the internet to customers. This means that electronics must be fast, reliable, rugged, and redundant in the data center itself.
Network Attached Storage Diagram
This design is for reference only. The design, as well as the products suggested, has not been tested for compatibility or interoperability.
