If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what is Network Attached Storage and how does it work?” it’s actually pretty simple. Basically, Network Attached Storage (NAS) is like a privately-owned version of Google Drive’s Cloud. It is accessible to multiple devices via your internet network, so users can access and save files to and from a shared location. NAS also offers a place to store system backups so that you do not lose information if your computer crashes.

Because it is good for group projects, Network Attached Storage is often used by businesses, but it can be helpful at home as well. If you are tired of using external hard drives and USB flash drives to backup documents or you are slowing down your laptop by keeping too many files on the hard drive, you may enjoy the convenience of an NAS drive.

NAS devices offer flexibility and scalability, so you can choose the capacity and speed that suit your needs. For many homes, NAS with 2TB to 7TB of storage space is all you need, but if you work from home, store a lot of large photo or video files or run a small business, you may want more.

When choosing and setting up your NAS device, you will need to make decisions about features such as RAID options. RAID stands for “redundant array of independent drives,” and you can set up a RAID drive in a number of ways. Some ways prioritize efficiency while others are more for protection and saving data in the case of partial hardware failure.

Alternatively, you might want to set up your NAS storage as a media drive, which will function a little differently. Neither of these setups are difficult, but when making these choices, feel free to make an appointment with the Best Buy’s home Wi-Fi setup and wireless networking center.

You can use an ethernet cable to connect your NAS drive to a network hub or switch or to your Wi-Fi router. Because you will be accessing the drive via your network, setting up a home network that gives you high-speed internet is the surest way to get the most out of your NAS. It’s also worth checking out the best home Wi-Fi networking tips and tricks for optimal performance, ensuring your NAS lasts a long time and continues to work efficiently.