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I am currently looking for a solution to back up data with some sort of failsafe and possibly edit directly off of the nas. I am not too familiar with how to set one up. Essentially I want to be able to utilize this as my cloud storage solution for backing up raw files and large video formats. I want to be able to access my files from anywhere and also upload from anywhere since I am a touring photographer and not always home. I know I want some sort of Raid system so that I can be protected and possibly got swap a drive if one fails without losing data
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Thank you for reaching out! It sounds like you're looking for a robust NAS solution for backing up and editing your data as a touring photographer. With a budget of $1000 and a requirement for 16-24TB of usable storage, I highly recommend the Synology DS923+.
Why Choose Synology DS923+:
Capacity and Expandability:
Bays: 4 drive bays, allowing you to configure a RAID setup for redundancy.
Max Capacity: Supports up to 80 TB with 20 TB drives, providing ample space for your raw files and large video formats.
RAID Support:
Offers various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and Synology Hybrid RAID), ensuring you can protect your data and swap out drives if one fails without losing any information.
Performance:
Equipped with a powerful quad-core processor and expandable RAM, the DS923+ is designed for smooth operation and efficient file access, making it ideal for direct editing of large video files.
Remote Access:
Synology's QuickConnect and mobile apps make it easy to access your files from anywhere, perfect for your touring lifestyle. You can upload and manage your files on the go with ease.
NVMe Caching:
The DS923+ includes NVMe slots for SSD caching, significantly improving data access speeds for frequently used files, enhancing your editing experience.
Storage Drives:
For your RAID setup, consider using NAS-rated hard drives such as Western Digital Red or Seagate IronWolf. You could configure the DS923+ with 4 x 8 TB drives in RAID 5 for a balance of performance and redundancy, which would fit well within your budget.
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Setting up a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) solution for your needs as a touring photographer is a great idea. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to set it up effectively.
Step 1: Choose Your NAS Device
Recommended NAS Brands: Synology, QNAP, Western Digital (WD) My Cloud
Considerations:
Storage Capacity: Make sure it can accommodate your current and future storage needs.
RAID Support: Look for NAS devices that support RAID configurations, ideally RAID 1, 5, or 10.
Performance: Check the processor and RAM for handling large video files.
Step 2: Select the Right RAID Configuration
Common RAID Types:
RAID 1: Mirroring, where data is duplicated on two drives. Good for redundancy but halves storage capacity.
RAID 5: Requires at least three drives. Offers a good balance of redundancy and storage efficiency.
RAID 10: Combines mirroring and striping. Requires at least four drives and offers high performance and redundancy.
Recommendation:
For your needs, RAID 5 is often a good choice, providing a balance of performance, redundancy, and storage efficiency.
Step 3: Install and Configure the NAS
Physical Setup:
Place the NAS in a well-ventilated area.
Insert the hard drives into the NAS bays.
Connect to Network:
Connect the NAS to your router via Ethernet.
Initial Configuration:
Power on the NAS and use the manufacturer's software to set it up.
Follow the prompts to configure RAID settings and create user accounts.
Step 4: Set Up Remote Access
Dynamic DNS (DDNS):
If your ISP changes your IP address, DDNS allows you to access your NAS with a consistent hostname.
VPN Setup:
For secure access, consider setting up a VPN on your NAS. This will allow you to connect to your home network securely from anywhere.
Mobile App:
Most NAS devices come with mobile apps to upload and access files easily.
Step 5: Backup Solutions
Cloud Backup:
Utilize services like Backblaze or Amazon S3 for off-site backups.
Local Backup:
Set up automatic backups of your NAS to an external drive or another NAS for additional redundancy.
Step 6: File Management and Editing
Accessing Files: Use SMB/CIFS or NFS protocols to access files from your computer or mobile device.
Editing Files: Depending on your workflow, you may be able to edit files directly on the NAS if your editing software supports network drives.
Step 7: Maintenance
Monitor Drive Health: Use the NAS's built-in tools to monitor drive health and receive alerts if a drive fails.
Regular Updates: Keep your NAS firmware updated for security and performance enhancements.
