eSATA Interface - Do I need one?

[Chubby]

Simple question - should this be a decider when I buy my new NAS?

I have concerns about expandability when the time comes that the NAS is full. At that point the ideal would to expand using the eSata port - but looking at the price of the synology 510 expansion - it costs more than say another 411j NAS.

So - I wonder what is the best approach to take - buy a cheaper NAS DS441j without an eSata port and just buy another NAS when I need one, or spend a bit more on a DS410 with an expansion port and spend a lot on an expansion bay??

Thanks

 

[teknojnky]

I personally would not want esata for expansion, but for faster backups than usb.

I personally would not pay more for an expansion bay when you can a buy a complete nas for the same or less, either.

If your storage needs outgrow a 4 bay device, then you need to invest in a bigger device, not esata or some expensive expansion bay.

 

[Chubby]

Thanks for the reply. I'm trying to ensure that I make the most sensible purchase I can.

The problem I have is that I don't have any idea what the popssibilities are for expansion using the eSATA port(s). Am I limited to expansion units from the vendor, or can you use a third party expansion.

I understand that the extra storage won't be managed by the NAS, but how are disks in the expansion visible from the NAS. Is it:

• 1 share per disk
• 1 share for all disks
• Any amount of shares per disk
• Any amount of shares across multiple disks

Some of the reponses on my other thread allude to an eSATA Port Multiplier. I understand that the QNAP multi-bay NAS all support Port Multiplier - but I don't understand:

• What the expansion box needs to support the interface with the port multiplier?
• What Port Multiplier allows you to do?

Apologies for all the questions - but before I buy a NAS with or without an eSATA port - I need to understand how expandable it will be and whether its worth it.

Thanks all.