Network Attached Storage or a Time Capsule?

[uncleMonty]

Could someone give me a recommendation for my needs? I would like to have a storage device that automatically updates backups incrementally on multiple Macs over a local wireless network. And I'd like to be able to access this storage over the internet without having to use iCloud or any other service. I just want to be able to log in to this home storage device from work, and grab whatever I need from a recently stored backup, via sftp or whatever.

A Time Capsule won't let me do that last thing, will it? Has anyone set something like this up with a 3rd-party Network Attached Storage, interfacing with my Macs via Time Machine, and accessible at all times from anywhere on the internet?

Sorry if this is a newb question, I only learned the other day that there is such a thing as NAS, so bear with me.

[MisterKeeks]

Originally Posted by uncleMonty

A Time Capsule won't let me do that last thing, will it? Has anyone set something like this up with a 3rd-party Network Attached Storage, interfacing with my Macs via Time Machine, and accessible at all times from anywhere on the internet?

I have. 2TB MyBookLive, 5 Macs back up to it every hour that they are on. Not sure if the web interface allows one to download files backed up by Time Machine; can't check as it uses Java which Apple has temporarily killed. If you just want to access your documents folder, you could use a program like Carbon Copy Cloner/Superduper to copy it over, or you could drag it over. Might be a program to mirror files; I'm not sure.

[cbb77]

Check out the ReadyNas units by Netgear. I have one that I have been using for a few years now and it has been rock solid. I have easily added new drives over the years and the system automatically extends the volume to the drives. In regards to backups, I have 3 Macbook Pros backing up wireless to it without issue. The ReadyNas provides a Time Machine module/app that allows any Mac to automatically recognize it for TM backups. I also followed a tutorial in the forums to modify it such that each Macbook backups to the users individual home directory vs. standard share. They also provide a VPN client that accomplishes exactly what you are trying to do as well in that ability to grab files from home when needed. There a few other apps that can be installed as well. I am currently using my unit as Plex Media Server and Photo hosting.

[uncleMonty]

Hey thanks, cbb. I checked out the NetGear stuff and the Centria seemed perfect - it's also a wifi router, and I could use a better one. But I couldn't find how you would log in remotely without signing up and going through their cloud service, and then the kicker was this small print:

"ReadySHARE Cloud Service is free until September 1, 2014 with purchase of WNDR4700 or WNDR4720 Router. Thereafter, annual fees or surcharges may apply."

I'll check out the ReadyNAS in more detail but from what I've read so far, they also only mention using their cloud service.

[drsox]

Originally Posted by uncleMonty

Hey thanks, cbb. I checked out the NetGear stuff and the Centria seemed perfect - it's also a wifi router, and I could use a better one. But I couldn't find how you would log in remotely without signing up and going through their cloud service, and then the kicker was this small print:

"ReadySHARE Cloud Service is free until September 1, 2014 with purchase of WNDR4700 or WNDR4720 Router. Thereafter, annual fees or surcharges may apply."

I'll check out the ReadyNAS in more detail but from what I've read so far, they also only mention using their cloud service.

You must have missed the stuff on the ReadyNAS site. They have a Time Capsule module in their firmware that allows the ReadyNAS to be used directly. ReadyNAS is not originally from Netgear (but from Infrant), so there's a separate website.
See :http://www.readynas.com and http://www.readynas.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=71.

[dinggus]

Originally Posted by drsox

You must have missed the stuff on the ReadyNAS site. They have a Time Capsule module in their firmware that allows the ReadyNAS to be used directly. ReadyNAS is not originally from Netgear (but from Infrant), so there's a separate website.
See :http://www.readynas.com and http://www.readynas.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=71.

How good is Netgear NAS? I find this pretty cheap:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Netgear+...ear&cp=2&lp=20

But I heard Synology is the company to go with.

I'd love to get rid of all my externals!

[drsox]

Originally Posted by dinggus

How good is Netgear NAS? I find this pretty cheap:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Netgear+...ear&cp=2&lp=20

But I heard Synology is the company to go with.

I'd love to get rid of all my externals!

ReadyNAS firmware is very solid. The hardware is also very good, and gets better with each version. I've had 5 different types of ReadyNAS over the years.

[dinggus]

Originally Posted by drsox

ReadyNAS firmware is very solid. The hardware is also very good, and gets better with each version. I've had 5 different types of ReadyNAS over the years.

All I'm looking for is to clean up all the externals that I have and put them all in one enclosure. Plus, it would be nice to access media/documents/etc while I'm traveling. So you recommend Netgear or Synology, or is ReadyNAS a NetGear thing?

[drsox]

Originally Posted by dinggus

All I'm looking for is to clean up all the externals that I have and put them all in one enclosure. Plus, it would be nice to access media/documents/etc while I'm traveling. So you recommend Netgear or Synology, or is ReadyNAS a NetGear thing?

Two questions :

1. Do you want a JBOD or a RAID ?
2. Are your drives on the list of approved drives for either Synology or ReadyNAS ?
See : http://www.synology.com/support/hd.php?lang=enu
and : http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20641

If you want a JBOD, then any drive will probably be OK, if you want a RAID then only use approved drives.
I only have experience of ReadyNAS and then only in RAIDed configs. I've also always bought drives solely for use in the units. My guess is that if you only want JBOD, then there are other cheaper alternatives than either brand.

[uncleMonty]

Thanks drsox. There are two readyNAS add-ons I found that look like they would do what I want. I can't tell if one supersedes the other or if they're equivalent-tech.

On this site: http://www.readynas.com/?cat=52 it describes the readyNAS remote add-on: "second, with ReadyNAS Remote, you simply drag & drop files with File Explorer or Finder over CIFS/SMB — there’s no need to learn or start a different file manager, or deal with a clunky web interface; and lastly, all file permissions and share security settings are retained – just like you were on a LAN. OK, there’s also item four — all data are transmitted securely over an encrypted tunnel, so your data stays away from snooping eyes as it transfers to and from the ReadyNAS."

Then here http://www.readynas.com/?p=126 it describes the readyNAS webDAV add-on: "There’s something call WebDAV, or “Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning”, basically an extension to HTTP that allows you to access and store your files remotely over HTTP or HTTPS. The user interface is similar to your typical file explorer and you can drag and drop files for easy management of your data."

Is there any essential difference between these two methods?

Thanks again!

[blueroom]

Skip the ReadyNAS and check out Synology, just a better more Mac friendly NAS all around.

[drsox]

Originally Posted by uncleMonty

Thanks drsox. There are two readyNAS add-ons I found that look like they would do what I want. I can't tell if one supersedes the other or if they're equivalent-tech.

On this site: http://www.readynas.com/?cat=52 it describes the readyNAS remote add-on: "second, with ReadyNAS Remote, you simply drag & drop files with File Explorer or Finder over CIFS/SMB — there’s no need to learn or start a different file manager, or deal with a clunky web interface; and lastly, all file permissions and share security settings are retained – just like you were on a LAN. OK, there’s also item four — all data are transmitted securely over an encrypted tunnel, so your data stays away from snooping eyes as it transfers to and from the ReadyNAS."

Then here http://www.readynas.com/?p=126 it describes the readyNAS webDAV add-on: "There’s something call WebDAV, or “Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning”, basically an extension to HTTP that allows you to access and store your files remotely over HTTP or HTTPS. The user interface is similar to your typical file explorer and you can drag and drop files for easy management of your data."

Is there any essential difference between these two methods?

Thanks again!

I have only used ReadyNAS Remote (but not much) so I can't comment. I suggest this is a question that you should post on the OSX page of the ReadyNAS forum. See :http://www.readynas.com/forum/viewfo...6e36bc19306d2d.
I have found forum members mdgm and sphardy to be especially helpful in general.

[drsox]

Originally Posted by blueroom

Skip the ReadyNAS and check out Synology, just a better more Mac friendly NAS all around.

Yes, I've often seen forum members blather on about that. Is there a Synology webpage that specifically describes what this is ?

[dinggus]

Originally Posted by drsox

Two questions :

1. Do you want a JBOD or a RAID ?
2. Are your drives on the list of approved drives for either Synology or ReadyNAS ?
See : http://www.synology.com/support/hd.php?lang=enu
and : http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20641

If you want a JBOD, then any drive will probably be OK, if you want a RAID then only use approved drives.
I only have experience of ReadyNAS and then only in RAIDed configs. I've also always bought drives solely for use in the units. My guess is that if you only want JBOD, then there are other cheaper alternatives than either brand.

1. What is JBOD and RAID? RAID is more like a protection of files correct? Like mirroring a HDD?
2. I'd buy all new drives that are compatible.

I'm just trying to figure out how I can hide all these external HDD's but still have access to them. Is there such thing as like a USB Hub to Network?

[blueroom]

Originally Posted by drsox

Yes, I've often seen forum members blather on about that. Is there a Synology webpage that specifically describes what this is ?

Yes, under the DSM 4.1 pulldown they allow you to try out the interface and feature set.

[drsox]

Originally Posted by dinggus

1. What is JBOD and RAID? RAID is more like a protection of files correct? Like mirroring a HDD?
2. I'd buy all new drives that are compatible.

I'm just trying to figure out how I can hide all these external HDD's but still have access to them. Is there such thing as like a USB Hub to Network?

1. Here's a RAID101 : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID. Basically RAID is a way of giving some protection against drive failure. (Apart from RAID0 which for speed). Most RAIDs are variations of RAID1 (2 drives) or RAID5 (3+ drives).

JBOD is Just a Bunch Of Drives. Most RAID NAS units allow the option for all the installed drives to be accessed and used independently (i.e. they are just a bunch of drives). No drive failure protection. It's a way of reusing existing drives.

RAID on the other hand requires all drives to work together. So NAS manufacturers test drives for compatibility with their RAID controller. If they didn't, then an individual drive could "fall out of the array" - i.e. lose synch with their fellow drives. In that case the controller would falsely mark the drive as failed - with potentially catastrophic results.

2. Good.

Yes, there is a USB network server. I have one. The maker I use (don't know of more than one) is Silex. See : http://www.silexamerica.com/products...ity/index.html.

I have this one : http://www.silexamerica.com/products...ds-4000u2.html. There are also versions that work over Wifi.

It can be cascaded with a Hub (works best with a powered hub) to allow up to 12 USB devices to be available on a network. I use it on a Gigabit LAN. I have connected to it : Epson Scanner, iPhone etc, Camera, USB drive, Samsung DVD unit.

----------

Originally Posted by blueroom

Yes, under the DSM 4.1 pulldown they allow you to try out the interface and feature set.

Cheers, I'll check it out.

[dinggus]

Originally Posted by drsox

snip

Can I see your setup?

[drsox]

Originally Posted by dinggus

Can I see your setup?

For what ?

[maflynn]

Skip ReadyNas and go with Synology, it comes highly recommend here and is a solid performer with great features.

[drsox]

Originally Posted by blueroom

Yes, under the DSM 4.1 pulldown they allow you to try out the interface and feature set.

I'm looking at the DSM 4.1 page, but there's nothing specifically directed at OSX. Just looking at it briefly, I can do all these on ReadyNAS. What am I missing ?

[blueroom]

Which ReadyNAS are you recommending?

[drsox]

Originally Posted by blueroom

Which ReadyNAS are you recommending?

I'm not recommending anything. I'm just informing about my experiences with the 8 ReadyNAS units I've used over the last 6+ years.

[blueroom]

Here's a link to the live demo
http://demo.synology.com:5000
user: admin
password: synology

[drsox]

Originally Posted by blueroom

Here's a link to the live demo
http://demo.synology.com:5000
user: admin
password: synology

Cheers. I like the Control Panel layout - they have made an effort to make it look like an OSX layout. The layout of the Interface is better than ReadyNAS, but I know they are redoing the HomePage (Frontview). It hasn't been changed in 5 years or so. Next time I'm in the market for a NAS I'll compare more closely.

[cbb77]

Similar to drsox, I have been running my Netgear for years and have installed it in a small business environment as well. They have been rock solid. They also have great support in the community forum with actual techs monitoring and responding to questions and issues. They were one of the first that had the online raid expansion which was a primary reason for me selecting them. Now all the major players have it. In any case, I do think the 3 brands you should review are Netgear, QNAP and Synology. They all have pluses and minuses to each. It's important to review and list out what exactly you want to do with the NAS and then see which brand best meets your requirements at best price point. Don't forget to see how well the unit grows as well in regards to additionally capabilities you may want in the future but not really a necessity right now. Again for me the Netgear has been rock solid. I personally have the ReadyNas Ultra 6 plus http://www.netgear.com/home/products...RNDU6000.aspx# So far, it has done everything I wanted it to do.

Here is a good site that I used in my research. They have quite a bit of reviews on the different NAS devices as well as benchmark them. This way you can compare performance which is also important.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas

Good luck in your decision.