NAS vs. DAS

[Skormy]

I am looking to update my home networking and storage. I have primarily a Mac-based network -- iMac, MBP, and a dell laptop. I currently have the iMac using a Lacie directly attached drive for Time Machine backup (that drive is now 90% full). I am looking for two things:

- Centralized network storage/file sharing
- A single time machine backup for both of the Macs

The new router I purchased (but haven't installed) has 2 USB ports. So my question is which is the better solution: to use both the USB ports off of the router, one for centralized storage and one for a backup. Or shall I invest in a 2-bay NAS? Or something else that I hadn't considered.

I appreciate all thoughts and opinions.

 

[canuckle]

I am looking to update my home networking and storage. I have primarily a Mac-based network -- iMac, MBP, and a dell laptop. I currently have the iMac using a Lacie directly attached drive for Time Machine backup (that drive is now 90% full). I am looking for two things:

- Centralized network storage/file sharing
- A single time machine backup for both of the Macs

The new router I purchased (but haven't installed) has 2 USB ports. So my question is which is the better solution: to use both the USB ports off of the router, one for centralized storage and one for a backup. Or shall I invest in a 2-bay NAS? Or something else that I hadn't considered.

I appreciate all thoughts and opinions.

Depends on a couple of things...

When you say the 'new router', what exact router and firmware are you running?

I'm similar to you, we are all Apple with a dozen devices including iMac, MB Air and Pro, iPhones/iPads, Apple TV etc.

If you're running an ASUS AC68U or 56U there is now Time Machine support for USB disks attached to the router. I'm about to give it a go myself, I just updated the firmware to RMerlin's latest (see the posts in his forum).

As far as NAS, I use a Synology 5 bay NAS and use it currently for Time Machine Backup with no issues. My wife has 100K+ digital photos on an external drive connected to the iMac, and it all gets backed up to the NAS. I then backup critical files from the NAS to another USB drive, as NAS/Raid is not a backup solution, rather it's a good storage solution with easy access inside and outside the network.

YMMV, hope this helps a little.

Mike

 

[Skormy]

I purchased a ASUS RT-N66U and it just came late yesterday and I haven't taken it out of the box yet. So, I don't know what firmware it has. So, if I follow what you say, I should look at the NAS for the network storage and a USB drive to run Time machine for the iMac and the macbook pro. Thanks.

 

[canuckle]

I purchased a ASUS RT-N66U and it just came late yesterday and I haven't taken it out of the box yet. So, I don't know what firmware it has. So, if I follow what you say, I should look at the NAS for the network storage and a USB drive to run Time machine for the iMac and the macbook pro. Thanks.

The RT-N66U is an excellent router, I used it for awhile, and also set one up for my mom (had to be set and forget, she's 70 ) .

Keep in mind that a USB drive attached to the N66U will not give you Time Machine ability, only the AC68U or 56U are compatible with Time Machine.

Suggest you check out RMerlin's forum here, as he develops custom firmware for these routers that is usually more stable than stock.

http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/forumdisplay.php?f=42

I understand wanting to do Time Machine, I use it for all my Macs. I know for sure that Synology works for TM, but as I don't use Qnap, I can't speak to it.

Mike

 

[stevech]

Time backup .. you can use the Synology tool for this; it works with folder shares on the NAS, no matter what PC uses these shares. Mine keeps the last 3 months of all versions of files.