Internal RAID Storage Vs. External NAS
External network attached storage (NAS) is a system of hardware and software used to access computer data by multiple users over a specified network. Internal redundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage lets users redundantly save data on multiple disk drives.
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Design
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Internal RAID storage uses multiple disk drives when storing data. When data is saved on an internal RAID drive a process called disk striping begins, which divides a chunk of data into smaller pieces, saving each in a different location. External NAS uses software and a hard drive to store data over a single network. All users on the specified network can access the data, stream media or use devices such as a printer at any time.
Advantages
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Internal RAID storage reduces the risk of losing important data. Businesses benefit from this increased protection from data loss. For example, a doctor's office uses internal RAID storage to save patient records. External NAS simplifies and speeds up the process of sharing data, media and devices between people already on the same network.
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Disadvantages
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RAID storage is only as fast as the number of drives striped together. Three drives will access data slower than 10 drives striped together. External NAS devices cost much more than other means of sharing data like email.
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References
- Photo Credit data storage image by Kir from Fotolia.com
