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by all the devices on the network, using either a wired Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi. The storage in an NAS can be expanded when necessary simply by adding new drives or by replacing existing drives with higher capacity models. Even the most basic NAS units offer Redundant Array
of Inexpensive Drives (RAID) that automatically backs-up and protects your data by copying files across multiple drives (the level of RAID protection depends on the configuration). NAS acts as a central repository for files, photos, music and video and allows the administrator to create user accounts and set user privileges as they see fit. We even see NAS used to create virtual PCs, replacing the need for expensive PCs for every user. Instead, every user has a small, thin client PC connected to the central NAS for operating system, and storage. Files can be accessed from any device that is
connected to the relevant network, including internet access when you’re not in the office; data can additionally be backed up to a cloud-based storage service such as Dropbox. An NAS box houses a number of hard drives. Typically, a home NAS will be two or four bays while a more professional-focused NAS will have eight plus bays. Until very recently these were 3.5" desktop models, due to capacity being the key requirement. However, a new range of mini NAS has been created to coincide with the advent of higher capacity 2.5" drives allowing a smaller footprint, lower power consumption and very quiet acoustics. Some temptations exist to install regular desktop
drives inside an NAS as they are cheaper. The problem with using desktop drives not designed for NAS, is that they are not generally designed to work in a multi-bay environment that operates at a higher temperature and
has increased levels of vibration. WD Red Drives are specifically designed for NAS, featuring low power, cool operating temperatures and the ability to compensate for system-induced vibration. All these features lead to beter performance and higher reliability – a must for every educational establishment. WD caters for the NAS market with two specific
families of purpose-built drive. WD Red 3.5" drives range from 1TB to 6TB, thanks to a class-leading plater density of 1.2TB. Red is also available in 2.5" up to 1TB. WD also offers a range of NAS drives called Red
Pro designed for 8-16 bay NAS systems that cater for medium to large institutions. Red Pro has a spin speed of 7,200rpm to increase performance, and models currently on sales are 2TB – 4TB. Red and Red Pro are both loaded with NASware
3.0 firmware which improves drive performance and reliability and protects your data in the event of power loss or a dip in your mains power supply. It’s also comforting to know that all WD Red drives have been pre-qualified with all the leading NAS manufacturers and WD provides a 24/7 Red telephone hotline for extra support. WD Red is intended for use in one to eight bay tower
NASs and puts the emphasis on technologies such as IntelliPower spin speed to reduce power consumption and to keep heat to a minimum. If you install eight 6TB Red drives in RAID you will have access to nearly 50TB, of storage, or five times the printed material in the Library of Congress. ET
Ref: Johnston, L. (2012) A “Library of Congress” Worth of Data: It’s All In How You Define It, [Online]. Available: htp://
blogs.loc.gov/digitalpreservation/2012/04/a-library-of-congress- worth-of-data-its-all-in-how-you-define-it/ [September 2014]
For more information about WD Red please visit
www.misco.co.uk/wd-red-nas or visit your local retailer.
ABOVE: Western Digital caters for the NAS market with two families of drive; WD Red and Red Pro.
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