If we want to create a storage server in the cloud to stop paying for Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox, Mega or any other platform, in order to always have our photographs and documents at hand from anywhere, we have different options to do it: using a old computerwith a NAS or even with a SAN.
However, unless we have extensive computer knowledge, the most economical solution, which is to use an old PC, is not feasible, since it requires a specific Linux distro. In addition, always having the equipment on represents a useless waste of energy that we will not find in other equipment such as a NAS without going any further.
Once we have ruled out the possibility of using a PC as a home cloud, the solution we have left is to use a NAS or a SAN. Let’s see, below, how none one works and what is the best option to create your own Internet storage infrastructure.
What is a SAN
SAINT is storage area network (Yestorage TOrea Network) designed for a very specific work environment that combines storage systemsservers, switches and more that are useful high speed connections such as fiber optics, to share storage resources between all connected devices and works independently of the local network.
The information in a SAN system is shared in the form of blocks of data, not through independent files, so it is available more quickly, reducing the time needed to access the content. This type of network is intended for companies, not for private use, unless we have file sharing needs similar to those used by some large companies.
What is a NAS
A NAS It is a storage device attached to a network (Network TOattached Yestorage) that functions as a file server centralized and where users can connect to share or store information. Unlike the SAN, the NAS needs to be connected to a local network and works with TCP/IP, NFS, SMB/CIFS and Ethernet protocols, among others.
These devices include their own operating system that is responsible for managing access and file management, so it does not need to be connected to a PC to function completely independently. A NAS is designed to store and share files independently, not in blocks, hence this is the best option when creating a home cloud, it is advisable to use hard drives designed for NAS, since they have a durability greater than the conventional ones.
Using a DAS is not an option
In addition to SAN and NAS, you’ve probably also heard of the system YOU GIVE (direct TOattached Yestorage), an option that we cannot consider because it is based on connecting a storage device directly to a computer, be it a PC, server or workstation and is mainly used to make backup copies.
A DAS does not have the ability to connect to a local network so it does not have access to the Internet and, although it operates very similar to a SAN (designed to offer access to remote storage) in a DAS it only works locally. A DAS is basically several hard drives connected to each other to unify all the space offered by connected units into one, as long as it has JBOD support.
Which option to choose
If we are looking for the most economical device, easy to configure and that allows us to access it remotely from anywhere to upload, download, play content remotely or share files, the NAS is the device we are looking for. If we have a company, a NAS can be useful to a certain extent, however, in this case it is better to use a SAN or a DAS, since the latter is cheaper and easier to configure.
