NAS (network attached storage) options

[Paul Unger]

I recently became interested in finding a simple, cost-effective, soho NAS solution. Ideally I'd be able to use my existing external USB drive enclosure with my WRT54GS (v.4 (w/ 3rd party firmware)). What I found was that it ain't so easy or cost-effective. So it's time to ask the experts what they do! I looked at the Linksys NSLU2 and some other HD enclosures with RJ-45 jacks, but none of them seem to use NTFS--it's all some kind of proprietary system (ext3, etc.; and that's not "simple"). Anyone heard of a way to hack a Linksys box and add a USB port? There are hacks to add serial ports and SD card readers out there, but wouldn't it be grand to have a USB port on the router to plug an external (NTFS) drive into so it's available over the network (and yes, I am aware of the WRTSL54G/GS with the storage link, but that's not "cost-effective" )?

[carbon_unit]

Here is what I use: http://www.serverelements.com/naslite.php
It is free and uses an old computer. I use it with a Pentium 90mhz 32mb ram and 3 old 30 gb hard drives. Been up for 5 years now, only going down when the power goes off. Making the floppy is the hardest part and it is not bad. I can send you one if you like.
Why does it matter what kind of filesystem it uses? If you need to preserve NTFS permissions zip it up first.

[Paul Unger]

Thanks, carbon_unit. I am aware of the option of a second computer running 24/7, and I could do that with one of my laptops, but it would be more 'cost-effective' (one of my criteria) to NOT have a computer running all the time when my router already is . . . I understand I wouldn't need a monitor for the "server", but there's still the power supply, case fans, etc. to power. It'd be nice to just plug into the already-running router.

As for 'file systems': I dunno why NTFS matters, but it just seems 'simpler' (another of my quirky criteria) to have one file system than having two. Maybe another criteria I should add is that I don't want to freak my wife out if something (ANYTHING!) goes wrong (read: "Why can't I view the pictures?!").

It seems the simplest approach is going to be to sell my current router and try to find something with a "storage link" during the Christmas sale season. Any suggestions (Buffalo? Linksys? Suggestions? I'd rather have something I could put 3rd party firmware on . . . )

[RealBlackStuff]

If you got money to burn, US Robotics make a router with NAS port
http://www.usr.com/products/networking/ ... ku=USR8200
RRP $289.-
Currently used on eBay (search 'USR8200') for BIN $115.-, or from $66.- (0 bids so far).

[Kaervak]

but none of them seem to use NTFS--it's all some kind of proprietary system (ext3, etc.; and that's not "simple")

NTFS is proprietary. EXT3, UFS, ResiserFS are Unix/Linux & BSD file systems and are completely open. Anyway, don't get too hung up on what file system the drive uses. For network sharing it will all be running through Samba/CIFS. I use a FreeNAS based setup which has worked quite well for me. If power use is an issue, VIA makes some very low wattage (15 watts or so) boards with everything that you need integrated onto it. As far as prebuilt NAS solutions go, a lot of people seem to like the Buffalo NAS setups and LaCie setups.

[Paul Unger]

Thanks, Kaervak--that helps. Basically what you're saying is that the 'file system' thing is going to be transparent. Correct?

I found this today. Interesting, but for a different router from mine. At least I know it's 'almost' possible.

[Kaervak]

Thanks, Kaervak--that helps. Basically what you're saying is that the 'file system' thing is going to be transparent. Correct?

I found this today. Interesting, but for a different router from mine. At least I know it's 'almost' possible.

Yep, the file system on the drive in the NAS is essentially irrelevant. In my FreeNAS setup the drive is formated as UFS which is the BSD default file system. I have two Linux systems and one Windows system that access the drive through the network without issue. Windows systems can't natively read UFS, however since it's a network drive, all the data transmission is run through Samba/CIFS. Linux can read UFS, but since it's a network drive it's all going through Samba/CIFS anyway. The only time the file system on a drive may matter is if you're putting in a preformatted drive with existing data on it. You may need to reformat it to whatever file system the NAS calls for. Other than that, it's pretty much a non issue.

[Paul Unger]

So my 80gb 2.5" drive in a USB 2.0 enclosure currently formatted as NTFS would have to be reformatted and then copy files to it? And could that be done in, say, Windows Explorer (i.e., drag & drop)? Sorry, quite new to this idea--thanks for bearing with me!

[carbon_unit]

Yeah, the filesystem is totally transparent. It is just a shared drive on the network.
The reason I used a Pentium 90 is so that I didn't use a lot of energy and it does not need a CPU fan. The only fan in the system is the power supply fan and it blows cold. The three hard drives spinning use more juice than the rest of the system.
As far as using it, all you have to do is go to "network places" and there they are. You can also map the drives so it is even easier to access them. Just open My Computer" and there they are. There is also a web view feature that allows read-only access so jr. does not accidentally delete all the family pics.

[Kaervak]

So my 80gb 2.5" drive in a USB 2.0 enclosure currently formatted as NTFS would have to be reformatted and then copy files to it? And could that be done in, say, Windows Explorer (i.e., drag & drop)? Sorry, quite new to this idea--thanks for bearing with me!

It might have to be reformatted if the NAS device doesn't support NTFS. If it's a Linux based NAS, then I'd say almost 100% it needs to be reformatted. If it's a Linux based NAS, formatting the drive to EXT won't be possible in Windows. Windows only supports FAT16/32 & NTFS. There will probably be formatting tools in the web based management for the NAS that will allow you to format it to whatever file system they recommend.

[dsvochak]

If you're thinking of storing very large files on the NAS, you should be aware of the 4gb file size limitation in Fat32 so you don't run into the problem described here:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=50948