Network-attached Storage - Implementation

Implementation

The way manufacturers making NAS devices can be classified to three types:

1. Computer based NAS—Using a computer (Server level or a personal computer), installs FTP/SAMBA/AFP... software server. The power consumption of this NAS type is the largest, but its functions are the most powerful. Some large NAS manufacturers like Synology, QNAP and ASUStor make these types of devices. Max FTP throughput speed varies by computer CPU and amount of RAM.
2. Embedded system based NAS—Using an ARM, MIPS... embedded system and RTOS to run a NAS server. The power consumption of this NAS type is fair, and functions in the NAS can fit most end user requirements. Marvell, Oxford, and Storlink make chipsets for this type of NAS. Max FTP throughput varies from 20 MB/s to 120 MB/s.
3. ASIC based NAS—Provisioning NAS through the use of a single ASIC chip, using hardware to implement TCP/IP and file system. There is no OS in the chip, as all the performance-related operations are done by hardware acceleration circuits. The power consumption of this type of NAS is low, as functions are limited to only support SAMBA and FTP. Layerwalker is the only chipset manufacturer for this type of NAS. Max FTP throughput is 40 MB/s.