Beginner NAS introduction

[Ash Champ]

I want to have a NAS to use it for CCTV and file storage like photos and backups. I initially wanted a synology NAS but it is quite expensive and I could make a small PC with more powerful components, this will then run Freenas. I dont understand networking much and I feel that Freenas requires a lot of knowledge to use. What are the differences of Freenas and synology like and which is better for CCTV?

[Electronics Wizardy]

How many tb do you need?

 

What cctv program are you using?

 

Id probably spend a bit more on the synology for the good software, low power and ready to use system.

[Ash Champ]

I think 6tb will be enough and then I presume add another 6tb for redundancy for a total of around 12tb.

My mum was considering buying a ring subscription but I thought that It would be wiser to have a NAS. I dont have a cctv program, in fact I dont have any cameras, I am really just researching. If I buy a synology NAS what type of cameras am I looking to buy? Should they be wireless or wired for security? Im pretty new to all this.

[Electronics Wizardy]

16 minutes ago, Ash Champ said:

I think 6tb will be enough and then I presume add another 6tb for redundancy for a total of around 12tb.

My mum was considering buying a ring subscription but I thought that It would be wiser to have a NAS. I dont have a cctv program, in fact I dont have any cameras, I am really just researching. If I buy a synology NAS what type of cameras am I looking to buy? Should they be wireless or wired for security? Im pretty new to all this.

Id go wired if you can for cameras, just less issues normally.

 

You normally want ip cameras, the exaact models depend on use budget, and software and exact needs.

 

The synologys have a pretty good security software built in, but you can run a vm on freenas/unraid and use seomthing like blue iris if you want.

 

Id probably just get a basic 2 bay synology here if it was me.

[Ash Champ]

Just now, Electronics Wizardy said:

Id go wired if you can for cameras, just less issues normally.

 

You normally want ip cameras, the exaact models depend on use budget, and software and exact needs.

 

The synologys have a pretty good security software built in, but you can run a vm on freenas/unraid and use seomthing like blue iris if you want.

 

Id probably just get a basic 2 bay synology here if it was me.

Thanks for your reply, I want to learn more about networking, I am finding it overwhelming with the terminology that I read everyone is using. Where is the best place to start?

[thegoonfather]

Check out Ed's video series for cctv on unraid. 

 

[thegoonfather]

I would recommend unraid as a NAS operating system for simplicity and good community support. 

[Haraikomono]

23 hours ago, Ash Champ said:

I want to have a NAS to use it for CCTV and file storage like photos and backups. I initially wanted a synology NAS but it is quite expensive and I could make a small PC with more powerful components, this will then run Freenas. I dont understand networking much and I feel that Freenas requires a lot of knowledge to use. What are the differences of Freenas and synology like and which is better for CCTV?

I dont know your skill level with linux or unix based systems,

but there are some options to choose from:

 

1. Pre-Build CCTV systems by some random companies  - Probally the easiest way, but also the most untrustworthy of all - Extremely cheap, but wouldnt reccomend
2. Buy a NAS System from Synology, Qnap, Asustor etc and their own Surveilance program, add the ip cameras, and call it a day - Expensive, but worth it
3. Build your own system, try to get all the parts of the cameras working, record everything with OBS  - probally the most expensive one