Shared hard drive question

[dbphotos]

I am looking for a solution for event photography. I want a hard drive setup that allows 2 or 3 computers to be hooked to 1 external hard drive and allow me to pull images to different computes. I really want to stay away from a server, if possible, and I know my Drobo setup won't let me connect 2 computers at the same time.

Any ideas on what kind of setup I could use? It's all about physical space so I am trying to keep the footprint as small as possible without having to move the drive from one computer to the next.

[dryicerx]

What you need is a NAS - Network Attached Storage. It is a file server, but most are just very compact in size more or less looking like any other hard drive enclosure, except with the addition of a network connection. As long as all the computers are on a network, you can access the data together (ideally in a wired network).

Example of a entry level NAS 1TB Newegg.com - Western Digital WDH1NC10000N 1TB My Book World Edition Network Hard Drive - Network Storage (NAS) but search on newegg/amazon for NAS, you'll get plenty of hits.

[dbphotos]

Perfect! Thank you, that is what I needed. I assume I can just use a simple router and run network cables from my computers to the router and attach the router to the NAS?

[KenJulio]

NAS is definitely what you needed and has been stated.

Another question is, you can possibly use your drobo as a NAS but you would need a router which allows file and print sharing and has a USB port so you can connect your drobo to it. By using your drobo, you still keep your raid setup and gain that data through your router.

I believe the newer routers now have this capability, apple, linksys, etc.

[ggeen]

Alternatively you could just "share" a drive from one computer to another. You could even predetermine which computers they can be and who (log in accounts) have access to the shares, and whether the remote computer has write permissions.

Yes, an external NAS solution may allow you to do the same thing. But sharing an internal drive from an existing computer is even a smaller foot print, does not require yet another wall wort, and uses your existing operating systems which you are already used to.

Keep it Simple...

[dbphotos]

Thanks guy for all the information. I should have mentioned that I would also like about 4TB storage for quite a few pics. I think the NAS will be the way to go. I'll have to lay around with it.

[Rson]

Originally Posted by dryicerx

What you need is a NAS - Network Attached Storage. It is a file server, but most are just very compact in size more or less looking like any other hard drive enclosure, except with the addition of a network connection. As long as all the computers are on a network, you can access the data together (ideally in a wired network).

Example of a entry level NAS 1TB Newegg.com - Western Digital WDH1NC10000N 1TB My Book World Edition Network Hard Drive - Network Storage (NAS) but search on newegg/amazon for NAS, you'll get plenty of hits.

+1 Also you can connect a external HD to the Nas and it creates a second drive that you can hit on.

[revjvegas]

Originally Posted by dbphotos

Thanks guy for all the information. I should have mentioned that I would also like about 4TB storage for quite a few pics. I think the NAS will be the way to go. I'll have to lay around with it.

For 4TB, yeah you're going to want to follow the above advice already given and get a NAS.

And yes, you should have no issue with plugging it into a router/switch to which you'll connect all the other PC's that'll access it.

[PeteQ]

David, if you already have a Drobo take a look at DroboShare.

[Peacock]

Would also like to mention that whichever NAS solution that you choose to make sure it has a 1 GB NIC, the router / switch that you use too should be 1 GB the faster the connection the better!

[Rson]

Yes, You can always get a wired 1gb switch for cheap. Wireless still hasn't caught up to wired.

For the initial offing of data, connect to a wired GB switch.

[Dobick]

If it was me, and I was doing event photo set up, I would look at getting a 19inch audio rack cabinet. then you can put in something like a rack mount array with gig ethernet interface right up next to an 8 port gig-e switch for about 4u of rack space.

Not sure what kind of money you are looking to spend (obviously you want the most efficient solution that will meet your needs for the least amount of money)

moving away from the rack mount -- LaCie has a pretty nice product
LaCie 5big Network - 5 Bay RAID - 5TB and other Workgroup NAS Servers at CDW.com

Looks like it might be what you are looking for -- then you will just need a small 5-8 port gig-e network switching device.

3Com OfficeConnect Gigabit Switch 8 - switch - 8 ports and other Unmanaged Switches at CDW.com

Get those 2 things for 680+90 and you are at 770, throw in 30 dollars worth of pre-made 25ft ethernet cables -- shop around a bit, and you are in business with a robust system for under 800 dollars