Network Storage for Mac, Windows and Linux

Synology NAS.

 

Any of the DS21x models are very popular. I use a DS212j but newer / higher models are faster, USB 3, eSata, more drive bays etc...

Also check your app store, see if they have Synology apps for your Android device. Their iOS apps work great.

 

There are many choices out there but the key is that you seem to want to access the storage from anywhere which means that you will have to make your storage available via the Internet. - This requires setting up your system properly and appropriate software to handle the availability.

You should go visit the site - SmallNetBuilders. It has reviews of various NAS units along with other types of information that might prove very helpful. In your case, you need a good NAS and set up of router.

Synology and QNAP are the most likely players that you will want to investigate for NAS. As for router set up, it is about security and high availability of your data on the NAS. Learn about port forwarding, DMZ, and FTP services for your purposes. (Also might consider VPN while you are at it.)

While I use QNAP, many people prefer Synology and it works very well for them. They have similar included software and it would be wise to examine the features and ease of use/set up to see if it "jives" with the way you like to do things. Other NAS options are out there and the only other one I might suggest is Thecus which is somewhat less for home and more for businesses.

 

I have experience with the DS212J (I think that's the one) in a Windows only environment, but it's never given me even a hint of trouble. I highly recommend the Synology NAS's.

 

I have the DS213. This comes with a single core 2.0 ghz vs your 1.06 dual core.

The software is beyond amazing, it configures your router for you, has a lot of "apps" that make life easier.

I use it on my retina, my windows 8 PC, apple tv (via XBMC), my WDTV Live Hub and iPhone. It supports a variety of protocols and will work with any hardware you throw at it.

I sound like a synology salesman, but I kid you not, this is the best purchase I've made this year.

I have 6TB space, the NAS comes with 2 bays and I have 2x 3TB without raid set up.

Great stuff!!

Forgot to add.. it is very quiet. The only noise is the ambient noise from spinning HD's. But something to keep in mind, although I think you probably already know, if your internet upload speed is low, you will have trouble accessing your files, especially if they are large. I have 50/25mbps internet so it makes it worthwhile.

you can check the synology disk station manager (interface) at http://demo.synology.com:5000/webman/index.cgi username:admin password:synology