implementing NAS into a 'network'

[Wishiwasdead]

so im considering building a NAS that will basically be used to store movies / music (and other random docs / pics) that i would like to be able to access through 3 PCs and possibly my phone as well... i think i got a handle on most of it... but...

 

my question is, once the machine is built how does it connect to the other PCs in my house? does it go through my router? or do i need a NIC? or what?

 

EDIT: right now im just using external hard drives and plugging them into what ever PC i need...

[KuJoe]

You need a NIC to connect the cable to your network (either via a switch or router, whatever you have). It'll pull an IP via DHCP so you connect to it directly or setup DNS to setup an easy to remember name.

 

EDIT: It depends on the OS of the NAS also, what OS will it be running?

[Bittenfleax]

so im considering building a NAS that will basically be used to store movies / music (and other random docs / pics) that i would like to be able to access through 3 PCs and possibly my phone as well... i think i got a handle on most of it... but...

 

my question is, once the machine is built how does it connect to the other PCs in my house? does it go through my router? or do i need a NIC? or what?

You will plug it in via a network card/Ethernet cable. This will then be given an IP address (or you can make it static or "the same" by going onto your router settings). Then on your PC's you just use the software/look for the IP address of the NAS and the storage will come up. Depending on what the NAS is.

 

I recommend giving it a "static IP" because one the device turns off and back on, it will get a different one meaning that the users will have to type in that IP again (if that is how they connect to it). If you are not sure how to do it then Google "How to set static ip for ROUTER" where ROUTER is your router model. 

[Wishiwasdead]

You need a NIC to connect the cable to your network (either via a switch or router, whatever you have). It'll pull an IP via DHCP so you connect to it directly or setup DNS to setup an easy to remember name.

 

EDIT: It depends on the OS of the NAS also, what OS will it be running?

oh, i dono yet... windows home server?

[KuJoe]

oh, i dono yet... windows home server?

 

If you use a Windows OS then you'll talk to it just like you do the other Windows PCs on the network. If you have a Workgroup setup it'll be easier.

[Wishiwasdead]

ok, so i can use the on-board Ethernet Port and connect it right to my router then, right?

[mikat]

ok, so i can use the on-board Ethernet Port and connect it right to my router then, right?

yes, just like a normal pc

[KuJoe]

ok, so i can use the on-board Ethernet Port and connect it right to my router then, right?

Yes, for all intents and purposes your NAS is just another PC like your desktop/laptop. The term NAS or server is just a label of it's function and not it's design.

[Wishiwasdead]

kewl, thats what i thought just wanted to double check, thanks