Network Attached Storage
Network Attached Storage (NAS) refers to dedicated file-level computer data storage servers connected to a computer network that provides data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. Typically, NAS is specialized for serving files either by its hardware, software, or configuration. It is often manufactured as a standalone product, but might be part of other devices, such as routers. The primary purpose of a NAS is to serve files to other devices on the network. Users access the shared storage via mapped drives or network file shares. Because data is centralized and does not need to be replicated across multiple devices, as is common in peer-to-peer networks, less storage hardware and maintenance is required over time. Additionally, because it can be accessed remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, NAS provides a cost effective method of providing offsite backup and remote access capabilities.