8

Storage

8.1 Overview

Several NSA features require a valid internal volume. This chapter covers the management of volumes and disks (both internal and external).

Use the Storage screen (Section 8.2 on page 162) to display information on all volumes, create internal and external volumes, and configure the volume’s properties.

8.1.1 What You Need to Know About Storage

Disk

SATA or Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is a computer bus technology that allows high-speed data transfer to and from hard disks.

1-bay NSA models include an eSATA port. An eSATA (external SATA) hard disk has the same specifications as a SATA hard disk but is attached to the NSA using a cable. It can be used either to expand storage or backup data. The eSATA hard disk is optional. You can attach one SATA and one eSATA to the NSA hard disk tray. Both SATA and eSATA hard disks are treated as internal disks/ volumes (refer to Section 8.3 on page 165).

USB-attached storage disks are treated as external disks/volumes.

Volume

A volume is a storage area on a disk or disks. You can create volumes on the internal disks and external disks attached to the USB port(s). You can spread a volume across internal disks but not between internal and external disks.

Storage Methods

The NSA uses the following storage methods:

•RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

•PC Compatible Volume (1-bay models)

•JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks)

The storage method you use depends on how many disks you have and how many volumes you want to create. It’s important that you consider this carefully as all data is deleted when you recreate a volume. See Figure 8.6.2 on page 170 for details on choosing a storage method.

 

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Media Server User’s Guide