External Storage (NAS) Setup

[Kalrog]

Looking for a bit of experience here. I am about to get an external HD array - most likely something similar to this:
Newegg.com - Data Robotics Drobo S USB 2.0 / IEEE 1394b / eSATA 5-bay Storage Array DRDR3A21

My question is in relation to the method to configure the hard drives. I'm a DBA by trade and am totally sold on RAID 10 for DB use for various reasons but I think that would be a bit overkill for this application. I don't believe that the additional performance of 10 over 5 would be worth it as I am guessing the network would be the slow link in this equation. Is that a correct assumption on my part? And I have fundamental problems with RAID 0 so don't suggest that. I like being redundant sometimes.

Question 2 - what features of the actual enclosure have come in handy for you?

[Rson]

First, External HD's is not a NAS since you aren't technically connecting it into the network directly.

If you are just using it through USB ETC., you won't see much performance gain due to the data bottleneck at the connection (USB/FIREWIRE/ESATA) with a RAID 10.

Drobo is GREAT, and has a good reputation.

I personally use Buffalo NAS Solutions and have no complaints. Upgrading to a gig switch did help greatly since mine is networked.

The only feature I look for is does it turn on, stay on and recover automatically from power loss. My Nas is tucked away from everything and I don't physically touch it.

[Rson]

Look at this:

Newegg.com - BUFFALO TS-XE4.0TL/R5 4TB TeraStation ES Networks Attached Storage

[Kalrog]

I do know the difference between just external HDs and NAS and SAN etc. but I was trying not to geek out here :-) NAS or connected to USB is still in question, but almost certainly NAS over Gig E.

I'll probably not get one with the HDs - I prefer to buy those after the fact. Picky that way I guess.

[GypsyHighSide]

If you are a Lightroom user, just know that LR will not work across a network. The files must be resident on the machine you are using.

[Kalrog]

Didn't think it would be important - but apparently it is. I'm running Linux and do not use any Adobe products for editing or other processing. That is something that is good to know. Thanks for the info, Rob - I'm sure it will help others.

[MT Stringer]

I revcently set up a NAS at home. The box is a DLink NTS 321. I bought 2 1.5 TB drives and installed them. During format, I had several options. I chose RAID 1. So the drive volume shows only 1.5TB capacity but the two drives mirror each other. If one fails, I won't lose anything. I can replace it and the RAID will rebild the configuration. I have it connected to my wireless network via patch cable. All computers can see it.

Hope this helps.

[revjvegas]

OpenFiler is my NAS. Currently its only 1.5T mirrored (RAID 01).

It holds my network share and provides a storage drive to my vm cluster. It's a regular workhorse and runs like a charm.

If you already have an old PC you can use, it is cheaper than what you can buy out of box, but you have some configuration to do.

Not for everyone, but an option.

[hhscr]

drobo also has a true NAS device available now.
Data Robotics | Drobo FS | DRDS2A21 | B&H Photo Video

[SCone]

Single 1TB SATA drive using Carbonite.... the drive gives me the speed I want and Carbonite to make sure my data is secure... it's not a RAID, but for $50 it keeps everything safe

[janetg]

hp mediasmart server...gives me internet access to my files, i can set up user accounts, and it runs by itself.

[Kalrog]

I went with a DLink one. because it has the GigE interface in the 4 bay enclosure for $320. I grabbed 2x 1.5TB drives (Seagate 5900RPM ones - not speed demons but they don't need to be for this implementation and were only $98) to start with and I'm going to RAID1 that for a start. When I need more room, I'll go grab an additional 2 1.5TB drives and switch to RAID 5 so 2 more drives will give me 3x more space when I need it.

My current 1TB external USB drive will probably migrate upstairs to my wife for her local picture storage.