To Server or not to server?

[sealdan]

Wonder if you guys can help-

 

I run a small signage and graphics design business in the UK. I have been trying to find a better way to manage my storage needs. I have around 2TB of client files currently on the desktop workstation I use.

I have been thinking of adding something like a NAS to the network using a cheap ebay server or some-sort of older desktop pc (I'm on a tight budget!)

I have been looking into freeNAS but have little to no experience with this kind of setup. Also would be handy if I could access these files remotely for working from home

 

What would your recommendations be?

 

Long time follower of LTT :)

 

 

 

[Nano Adam]

FreeNas is very simple, and when I first used it, I was able to catch on very easily. Now, if you are deciding on just file sharing, then you can share those files from windows. To access files from your home, you would need to port forward the port that the File System runs on. 

 

Apologize for the short answer. Will respond in greater detail to any questions you may have. 

[Windows7ge]

Your application and desires sound appropriate for a NAS/File Server. If you're on a budget you can use an old computer for the hardware. It's just server equipment comes with more bells & whistles that the application would find appealing.

[sealdan]

I have a spare Dell T7500 with 2x Xeon x5470 and 64GB ECC Ram. I was thinking of using this with 4x 4TB Seagate Barracuda drives - I will have to try the freenas and see if its suitable. Also I notice redundancy is discussed, is this a case whereby 3x drives are in RAID with 1x drive as a backup?

[doommood]

Hi,

Quote

Also I notice redundancy is discussed, is this a case whereby 3x drives are in RAID with 1x drive as a backup?

Am I right that you have asked about 1 drive as a hot-spare?

 

Having 4x 4TB you can have:

RAID 10 - 8TB usable space, 2 drives failure (open per mirror), 4x read and 2x write speed gain

RAID 5 - 12TB usable space, 1 drive failure, 3x read speed, 1x write speed.

RAID 5 - 8TB usable space, 1 drive failure, 2x read speed, 1x write speed, 1x HDD as a host-spare.

RAID 6 - 12TB usable space, 2 drive failure, 2x read speed, 1x write speed.

 

Both RAID 10 and RAID 6 have higher resiliency, however, only RAID 10 has efficient performance.

Go either one that would fit your capacity to performance to resilency preferences.