How to Build a Storage Server

Building a storage server is not as intimidating as it may sound. In essence, all a storage server does is send files to any connected computer that requests them. Building a storage server can be accomplished in a matter of minutes.

Things You'll Need

• NAS (Network Attached Storage) enclosure
• One or more hard drives to add to the enclosure
• Screwdriver

Instructions

Building a Storage Server

1. Ensure that your NAS enclosure is unplugged from any electrical sources.

2. Remove the drive access panel from your NAS enclosure. This may require removing two thumbscrews from the rear of the unit.

3. Slide your hard drive into a free drive docking bay, and secure it with two drive screws to the docking bay.

4. Connect the drive's SATA or SAS data cable's flat end to the back of the hard drive.

5. Connect the nonflat end of the connector to one of the NAS enclosure's open data cable ports.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 as needed for every drive to be installed.

7. Replace the NAS enclosure's side access panel and thumbscrews if necessary.

8. Connect the NAS unit to a computer using any of the means provided by your specific enclosure. Common connective formats are eSATA, USB 2.0 and RJ-45.

9. Plug the NAS back into its electrical power source, and power on the NAS server.

10. Using your computer, navigate to your network connections and find the NAS device as you would any other network place.

11. Test the unit's performance by sending to and copying from a large file several times.

Tips & Warnings

• Essentially, a storage server is a device that holds hard drives. Anything from an old external USB drive to an old unused computer can be converted into a storage server.

• If your NAS enclosure house will more than two drives, it is ill-advised to acquire a NAS enclosure that does not have an internal fan for cooling.

Resources

• FreeNAS -- NAS storage server community
• Windows Powered NAS Solutions