Linux Novice -- How to match a NAS to my needs?

[Gothri]

Not sure what to do.

My current NAS, an aging MicroNet PlatinumNAS (750mb x 4, RAID 5) is nearing its capacity limit so I'd like to replace it. I do not see any value in spending resources to upgrade it at this point. It has been adequate for my needs for file sharing, but I'd like more media capabilities.

As usual, there doesn't appear to be a single solution that addresses all my needs. I've been considering the QNAP TS-659 PRO+ and the Netgear ReadyNAS Ultra 6+.

The ReadyNAS appears to be the best solution for me in that it is positioned for home/prosumer enthusiasts, has abundant included media add-ons, and offers the exquisite simplicity of X-RAID2. The downsides:
- No easy migration from single to double redundancy
- Really, really small hardware compatibility list
- No current support for 3 TB drives
- Dual redundancy available only when 6 drives are present (I'd have to reset the data volume to get dual redundancy, necessitating a lengthy backup and restore procedure).

The QNAP TS-659 PRO+ is an impressive looking box. I am quite certain that it could handle all the media streaming that the ReadyNAS can, but this device is not marketed this way, and the add-ons probably have to be installed by me. Moreover, I am not an Network IT guy, and I am daunted by the task of having to know enough about Linux and NAS tech to be able to manage the device. The downsides:
- I almost certainly will never use this for application serving, or VMware whatever
- I'll never need the Citrix integrations
- Failover and load balancing not needed for my situation
- Much shorter warranty
- I fear that the device is far more complicated and will exceed my capabilities (not necessarily bad if the learning curve isn't too steep)
- Lacks the exquisite simplicity of X-RAID2
- Lacks the immediate gratification and simplicity of ReadyNAS Remote
- A few hundred USD more expensive than the ReadyNAS Ultra

On the plus side for QNAP is that:
- Offers a pathway for RAID level migration 5 --> 6
- Supports dual redunancy with 4 drives
- Less restrictive Hardware Compatibility List
- Currently supports 3 TB drives

So, I feel like the ReadyNAS Ultra would be a better device for me ... but I wish it had some of the features of the QNAP TS-659. I like the QNAP device, but it really, really seems like it isn't meant for me. I have considered the QNAP TS-419+, but have judged that the performance and 4-drive bays are not sufficiently forward looking for my anticipated needs.

Can anyone offer some words of advice? Am I on target about my concerns regarding the QNAP?

 

[stevech]

Did you also consider the Synology units?

 

[Gothri]

Did you also consider the Synology units?

No, honestly I haven't. I know the brand but I've only encountered it since I began looking into NAS replacements. It, like QNAP, isn't a brand that I know well.

Can you recommend a model that would be similar to the Ultra 6? I'll check it out.

 

[stevech]

Sorry, no. I have been sort of looking a a two-drive RAID1 NAS. I only have about 30 keeper videos on disk, and a changes-daily cache of a hundred off the air TV shows for time-shifted watching. Not a music buff. So a 5 drive RAID is light years beyond what I need/want.

But today I simply use a two drive RAID1 in a windows XP always-on PC in the garage, on the gigE LAN. That same PC has many other drives on it. And lots of apps like a web server, home automation, and SageTV (a DIY DVR). So since I have this always-on PC, I can't rationalize a true NAS. I do have a one-drive NAS box on the LAN. I put a copy of my irreplaceable files on it - for use should we have to evacuate quickly, which we did once due to a brush fire. Grab-and-go.

 

[thiggins]

I would not get hung up on "dual redundancy", i.e. RAID 6 or 10. RAID is not a substitute for backup and if the NAS is your primary store, it should be backed up.

RAID level migration is of limited use. It takes a long time, replacing one drive at a time with a full volume rebuild each time.

Some of NETGEAR's "features" are also based on Add-ins that you need to install, too. Check the ReadyNAS site and Forums for anything you are particularly interested in.

The QNAP and Synology add-in processes are pretty painless. I've used both to install Squeezecenter.

 

[Gothri]

I would not get hung up on "dual redundancy", i.e. RAID 6 or 10. RAID is not a substitute for backup and if the NAS is your primary store, it should be backed up.

I hear you loud and clear.

Perhaps like many looking at this segment, I've both had and been sorely tempted to hang onto the misconception that RAID is the same thing as data security. I've read enough about RAID5 and heard enough from people in this business to know now that this kind of thinking is misguided.

There is probably no such thing as data security. But if one is serious about hanging onto his stuff, then it seems clear to me that the best solution is cloud-based or off-site back-up storage. The real problem for people in the home / prosumer segment is ... cost. A NAS solution with remote back-up capabilities can cost up to $5kUSD.

So .... I'm trying to balance my willingness to accept risk with my needs and my pocketbook. This is not so easy, particularly since there is a natural tendency to always want the best toys. Ultimately everyone has to find their own solution space for these issues. What makes this especially hard is that, in this segment, data is often irreplaceable. Home movies, photos, etc ... if they're gone, they're gone.

RAID level migration is of limited use. It takes a long time, replacing one drive at a time with a full volume rebuild each time.

Many of my "cons" about the Ultra 6 have been supplanted by the latest version of RAIDiator which now provides a tool for RAID level migration on the Ultra 6.

Again, I think this is a comfort level issue. In high workload environments, even with enterprise class drives, it seems clear that with rebuild times and current device reliability statistics being what they are, using RAID5 in a 6 disc array that has a drive failure leaves you at close to a coin flip as to whether you'll be able to rebuild the array without an unrecoverable read error and loss of the entire volume.

I don't plan to use my array more than 8-10 hours a day in a relatively low volume setting and so I can't imagine that this scenario applies to me the same way, but ... still ... if a failure does occur it is very unsettling to think that the volume might still be irretrievably lost. So I'm interested in RAID6 which doesn't seem like a huge cost to bear for a little more peace of mind. Granted, I'll still have to think about back-up storage.

I'm going to start my NAS with 3 drives in RAID5. When I grow beyond 4 drives, I will want the ability to use RAID6 without having to factory default. So this feature is valuable to me.[/QUOTE]

Some of NETGEAR's "features" are also based on Add-ins that you need to install, too. Check the ReadyNAS site and Forums for anything you are particularly interested in.

The QNAP and Synology add-in processes are pretty painless. I've used both to install Squeezecenter.

I have noted with some interest that Netgear can consider your warranty to be null and void if you enable root level SSH access. Since using rsync for replication seems to require SSH access for remote replication, I'm not sure what the answers are for the Ultra 6. Maybe the ReadyNAS Remote Replicator fills this role, but ...

... I can't confirm that Remote Replicator is available for the Ultra 6 (yet).

I know nothing about Synology, but a replication tool is available with the QNAP which, admittedly, is a more expensive device.

 

[beisser]

root-ssh does in no way influence your warranty.

netgear MAY deny support if they determine whatever problem you have is caused by any action you have taken using root ssh access.

if that happens your only way out would be a factory reset wiping everything.

but like i said. this doesnt have anything to do with warranty.