What is a NAS, and which is the best NAS device in UAE for 2023?

A NAS is a Network Attached Storage device you can access across your network. Think of it this way – you’re used to plugging a USB drive into your PC to access your files and data. A NAS works similarly, but instead of plugging into your PC, it plugs into your network. You can then access the files the same way through your PC, mobile phone, tablet, or any other device on your network.

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The advantage of a NAS is that it makes storage accessible to anyone on your network, making it easy to share files and data, stream media, and backup files across multiple devices. A NAS does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to allocating network traffic to different users so that you don’t run into bottlenecks when copying over large files or streaming high-definition media.

Should you buy a NAS device for your home or office?

A great reason to invest in a NAS is to act as your own private backup solution. Instead of copying files onto USB drives or taking your time to upload them to paid cloud services, you can simply copy data to your NAS as a backup or even set it up to do daily or weekly automatic backups.

You also have full control over your NAS, including who has access to it, when files are deleted or accessed, and the ability to easily expand your storage as your needs change. On top of simply being a storage solution, most NAS systems come with app support for various uses, including media streaming, photo backup, remote file access, and building your private cloud.

Top Pick Synology DS920+

The Synology DS920+ is a powerful and versatile NAS with a user-friendly interface, excellent performance, and extensive app support. It supports up to four drive bays, has an Intel quad-core processor and has a good amount of RAM for media streaming.

The app ecosystem from Synology makes it easy to update and install new applications, and you can also run a variety of Synology apps for remote file access, photo sharing, file backup, and more. It’s also the most user-friendly interface we’ve seen on a NAS, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by setting it all up.

Runner-Ups for best NAS device in the UAE

The WD My Cloud EX4100 is a reliable and easy-to-use NAS that offers good value for money. It supports up to four drive bays, has a Marvell ARMADA 388 dual-core processor, and provides several data protection features. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a reliable data backup solution or have a limited media library for streaming. If all you’re looking for is a place to store and share your data with others, then this is a good NAS to pick.

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For a space-saving solution, the Synology DiskStation DS223 is a good pick. It’s compact enough to hide almost anywhere, and the 2-bay solution is good for no-fuss storage. You still get the breath of Synology’s app ecosystem, though the fixed memory might bring up some performance issues with streaming media through apps such as Plex. Still, it’s a good pick as a first-time NAS, with plenty of ways to store and share your data.

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If you’re looking for a NAS that can stand the test of time, the QNAP TS-453D is a great pick. It’s got an HDMI port for native media playback of content, making it much easier to access any of your media. There’s also super-fast networking connectivity that makes it ideal for home power users and the ability to upgrade more RAM in the future. This NAS excels in both departments, whether using this as a media box or simply for file storage.

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What should you look for when buying a NAS?

It’s important to remember that when you buy a NAS, you will mostly only be paying for the enclosure itself. You’ll still have to buy storage drives separately and install them in the NAS before using it.

The first thing to consider is how many hard drive slots you have on your NAS. A 2-bay slot is a great entry-level choice, as you can use one bay for storage and the other bay as a backup in case the first drive fails. Two-bay systems are also much smaller and easier to hide around your home.

You’ll also want to learn what software drives the NAS, as this will determine what applications you can run on it, if any. Some systems have their own app ecosystem to expand the use of your NAS further, while some brands only allow a NAS to be used for file storage purposes.

Next, as with any device, you should look at the NAS system specifications, particularly the processor’s make and model and whether you can add more RAM to the enclosure. For simple file storage, you won’t need a very powerful system, as the drive and network speed determine how quickly files are copied or accessed. But if you want to stream media across your network or use remote file sharing, you’ll want a slightly beefier processor and enough RAM to facilitate multiple-user access.

How do I set up and access my NAS?

The first step is buying the necessary drives in the correct capacity. If you want a second drive in the enclosure as a backup, ensure they are the same size and model. Once the drives have been physically installed, you must plug your NAS into your home network, usually into a network switch or router. A NAS cannot be set up wirelessly, so you need to ensure you can install it close to your router or an Ethernet port.

After physically connecting the NAS, just turn it on and use the NAS-supplied software to detect it on your network and initialize the software. Once detected, the NAS will install the operating system and walk you through setting up the storage drives. You can then start copying over your data and installing apps, depending on what you need to use the NAS for.

To access the NAS, you can do so via your PC or even through a dedicated app for the NAS, which will allow you to connect your NAS wherever you are in the world remotely. 

FAQs for purchasing the Best NAS device in UAE