A Network Attached Storage device (NAS) can store your media library of movies, music and photos so that your network media player can access it easily. NAS is more fully featured than a simple external hard drive you can think of. A Network Attached Storage device can serve as a backup drive for all of your networked computers. You won’t find a demo of a NAS in your local retailer. To go for the best, read reviews before purchasing.

4 Best NAS Enclosures and Comparism Feautures
Best NAS Enclosures


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Alan Henry

1. Synology DS412+

Synology's DS412+ is a pro-sumer Network Attached Storage model, aimed at small businesses more than individuals, but consumers and enthusiasts can enjoy its features on their home networks just as well as small groups or offices can. The DS412+ is a four drive bay model that supports up to 16TB and features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and one eSATA port on the rear of the device. Synology DS412+ has on-board memory for its operating system so your installed drives are all for your own use. The 412+ can be daisy chained via iSCSI or eSATA to additional units for added storage, and can also be configured for remote access or even to host external web sites or business applications that need to be accessible from multiple locations.

2. Synology DS1512+

The DS1512 is a five bay model that supports a maximum of 20TB and sports a pair of Gigabit ethernet ports on the back with four USB 2.0 ports for external connectivity and two USB 3.0 ports, and an eSATA port. If you need to extend the device's storage capabilities, it can easily be daisy chained via eSATA or iSCSI to other models just like it using a Synology DX expansion unit. The SD1512+ is designed for small organizations and professionals who need availability, space and redundancy of a large drive array without spending too much. The larger model is a little less energy efficient, but Synology touts its energy efficiency, and the device can support whatever OS you choose to throw on it.

3. Synology DS212j

Synology DS212j is a two drive bay model aimed directly at home users and small organizations looking to safely store large amounts of data without investing too much on a NAS solution for their home or home office. The DS212j can also function as a low-power 24 hours downloading system, automating all of your regular download duties without you having to task a computer on your network with the job, and doesn't require you dedicate a disk to its own OS—it has internal memory for that. It's also a DLNA certified.

The DS212J supports a maximum of 2x 4TB, and sports a pair of USB 2.0 ports and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port on the back. The device comes with backup software for effortless Windows backups, is Time Machine compatible, and can be configured for remote access to your files on the go so you never roam without them.

4. Netgear ReadyNAS Pro 2

Netgear's ReadyNAS Pro 2 offer high-end features at lower prices than some of the competitors. ReadyNAS Pro 2 is a two-drive bay model that supports a maximum of 12TB of storage including externally connected hard drives via its six SATA II channels and three USB 2.0 ports. It features dual Gigabit Ethernet on the rear, and embedded memory for its own operating system, so you don't have to task a partition or drive with its OS. In addition to operating as a file server, the ReadyNAS Pro 2 functions as a print server only if you attach a USB printer to it, and is streaming compatible with PlayStation 3, Windows Media Center XBox 360, and many more.

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