Setting up a network hard drive is an excellent solution for backing up important business data. Network hard drives have large storage capacities, full availability and unlimited access via different media: PC, Smartphone, tablet… How to choose the right network hard drive? What are the criteria to put forward to select the most adequate material with the various problems of a company?
Network hard drive storage
This is the first element to consider. Everything depends on the needs of the company. Some network hard disks have a single disk or several In the vast majority of cases, two. But these hard disks can differ significantly in terms of storage capacity: while some allow the storage of some 500GB. others, however, offer the possibility to save up to 1TB.
The evolutionary capacity of the system
Again, this must be adapted to the needs of the company. While some companies will easily be satisfied with a fixed capacity of 500 GB or even 1 TB, others will see their needs grow and will require equipment capable of carrying additional hard disks, up to 4 TB.
Network hard drive and data security level
Securing the data stored on a network hard drive is essential, so it is better to turn to equipment with two disks using Raid1 technology. This technology allows to to copy simultaneously and identically the data No risk of losing information that is stored on two hard disks. The advantage is that in case of failure of one hard disk, the second one still contains the recorded data.
Is it possible to install your own hard drives?
Network hard disk providers offer either equipment already containing one or more hard disks but also offer cases empties. This second solution can thus suit a good number of companies which wish to benefit from a less expensive equipment while having the possibility of choosing and installing freely the internal hard disks.
The operating system of the network hard disk
Two major families of operating systems share the network hard drive market: Windows and Linux.
The Windows system offers the advantage of a full and easy compatibility with most desktop PCs that run this operating system.
Linux on the other hand, although it has become more fluid in recent years, may appear to be a bit more difficult to use and to get used to.
Is network hard disk ergonomic?
Some external hard drives offer users the possibility of being guided through the various phases of their installation with the help of clear tutorials or online support. A welcome help to configure the installation easily and quickly.
Suggested connectors
A network hard disk must be easily and quickly connected to the different workstations of the company It is therefore important to ensure that the various connections provided allow this. Thus, for ease of use, the most effective network connection will be the Gigabit Ethernet which allows a large number of machines to be linked together without the risk of decreasing the connection speed to the network drive. From USB ports will also be welcome to connect additional devices such as printers for example.