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Forum Discussion
Need help choosing a Readynas for Home
Hi.
I'm an average++ user who know a thing or two about computers. I have 2 Macsbooks (used by family members for social networking and games), a PC laptop (which I personally use), an iPod Touch (for my music, video and podcasts that I take on the road with me) and an iPad 2 (shared by my wife and son for more of their social networking, etc).
I use my PC laptop behind a private network (Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400). I use this for online trading (which I'm just starting to learn), saving webinars, lots of videos, music, audiobook. I have a 1TB connected as a share via my private network router and another 1TB (Seagate GoFlex) via a USB port on my laptop. I use the latter for my active backup drive. Sad thing is I'm a "file hoarder" and I'm running out of space and I'm thinking of getting a real NAS and move all the backup and media files to it.
I've browsed the ReadyNAS community and so far I've narrowed my choices down to either the Ultra or NV models. But which one? I have a limited budget and would like to see what my options are. If I'm missing out on my choices please feel free to suggest which one will suit me needs (and budget) best. :-)
Here are some of the things I'd like to do with the NAS:
1. Backup storage
2. Media storage to share with my devices and stream to my HDTV. I have a Roku and I have no idea what options I have available with regards to media streaming, etc.
3. Provide DLNA services.
Some questions come to mind like:
4. Will I be able to backup some of my data from the ReadyNAS to an online backup server?
5. Can I access my iTunes Library while I'm on the road? What about stored videos?
And then I've got technical questions:
6. Upon looking for the Ultra 4 Plus to purchase, I see RNDP400U and RNDU4000. What's the difference and which one should I go for? This is the same for other models: [Ultra 2 Plus: RNDP200U, RNDU2000, RNDU2120]
Having a limited budget, I am thinking or hoping to 1st go for the Ultra 2 Plus with 2 hdd of 3TB each and just get another Ultra 2 Plus later.
7. Will I be able to nest the two? What are my options for this?
8. Will I be better off to get an Ultra 4 Plus with 1 hdd of 3TB and just add on later?
9. Which would be the most economical way of going at this?
Thanks in advance for the help and suggestions.
Cmaker3
I'm an average++ user who know a thing or two about computers. I have 2 Macsbooks (used by family members for social networking and games), a PC laptop (which I personally use), an iPod Touch (for my music, video and podcasts that I take on the road with me) and an iPad 2 (shared by my wife and son for more of their social networking, etc).
I use my PC laptop behind a private network (Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400). I use this for online trading (which I'm just starting to learn), saving webinars, lots of videos, music, audiobook. I have a 1TB connected as a share via my private network router and another 1TB (Seagate GoFlex) via a USB port on my laptop. I use the latter for my active backup drive. Sad thing is I'm a "file hoarder" and I'm running out of space and I'm thinking of getting a real NAS and move all the backup and media files to it.
I've browsed the ReadyNAS community and so far I've narrowed my choices down to either the Ultra or NV models. But which one? I have a limited budget and would like to see what my options are. If I'm missing out on my choices please feel free to suggest which one will suit me needs (and budget) best. :-)
Here are some of the things I'd like to do with the NAS:
1. Backup storage
2. Media storage to share with my devices and stream to my HDTV. I have a Roku and I have no idea what options I have available with regards to media streaming, etc.
3. Provide DLNA services.
Some questions come to mind like:
4. Will I be able to backup some of my data from the ReadyNAS to an online backup server?
5. Can I access my iTunes Library while I'm on the road? What about stored videos?
And then I've got technical questions:
6. Upon looking for the Ultra 4 Plus to purchase, I see RNDP400U and RNDU4000. What's the difference and which one should I go for? This is the same for other models: [Ultra 2 Plus: RNDP200U, RNDU2000, RNDU2120]
Having a limited budget, I am thinking or hoping to 1st go for the Ultra 2 Plus with 2 hdd of 3TB each and just get another Ultra 2 Plus later.
7. Will I be able to nest the two? What are my options for this?
8. Will I be better off to get an Ultra 4 Plus with 1 hdd of 3TB and just add on later?
9. Which would be the most economical way of going at this?
Thanks in advance for the help and suggestions.
Cmaker3
16 Replies
Cmaker3 wrote: Here are some of the things I'd like to do with the NAS:
1. Backup storage
2. Media storage to share with my devices and stream to my HDTV. I have a Roku and I have no idea what options I have available with regards to media streaming, etc.
3. Provide DLNA services.
All of the NAS' will have these options. (I have a Duo and an Ultra2 at home doing the same thing.)Cmaker3 wrote: Some questions come to mind like:
4. Will I be able to backup some of my data from the ReadyNAS to an online backup server?
5. Can I access my iTunes Library while I'm on the road? What about stored videos?
There are many backup options that some people refer to as cloud backup or online backup. The two common online back ups that I see are Egnyte or ReadyNAS Vault. I know there are others, so keep us posted on one that you may have looked at to see if the ReadyNAS will work.
There are a few things that you can do with the ReadyNAS for your "on the road" concept. There is ReadyNAS Photos II that will have remote access to viewing your photos, but it sounds like you may want more than that... The ReadyNAS Remote will allow remote access to the ReadyNAS (internet connection required), and you can download what you need and play your music or videos. Haven't seen a remote steaming option for that part.
http://www.readynas.com/remoteCmaker3 wrote: And then I've got technical questions:
6. Upon looking for the Ultra 4 Plus to purchase, I see RNDP400U and RNDU4000. What's the difference and which one should I go for? This is the same for other models: [Ultra 2 Plus: RNDP200U, RNDU2000, RNDU2120]
The main difference with the Ultra and Ultra Plus is the processor. You will have an upgraded processor with the Plus for an extra boost. You will get a little better performance and helps out with resources with the addons.Cmaker3 wrote: Having a limited budget, I am thinking or hoping to 1st go for the Ultra 2 Plus with 2 hdd of 3TB each and just get another Ultra 2 Plus later.
7. Will I be able to nest the two? What are my options for this?
8. Will I be better off to get an Ultra 4 Plus with 1 hdd of 3TB and just add on later?
9. Which would be the most economical way of going at this?
There is a few ways to view this part. I like the two 2-bay units so I can have a backup. If you have an issue with one unit you will have a backup to the second unit and not have to worry about the data down the road. Some people say that RAID is not a backup, but only one extra measure to prevent a failure. Since disks do fail it is nice to have the second unit for the backup.
On the other half... If you would like to have more storage and the Ultra 4 Plus would be the best option. You would not have to worry about two disks being lost for redundancy. You can always back up your critical to an external USB drive.
I did notice you would want one disk in the Ultra4Plus... I would recommend to have a redundant drive in the unit, so you don't worry about the disk failing.
Either way, the disk expansion is both vertical and horizontal with this units. If you did not have the money for the 3TB now and you get 2x 2TB you can add more 2TB drives or upgrade to the 3TB.
XRAID2 expansion: http://www.readynas.com/?cat=53
I hope these comments were helpful in making your decision.- If you're in the UK, the four-bay NV+.v2 is currently on offer at Dabs for £159.99.
- Hi OOM-9,
Thank you for the reply. As a follow up, if you don't mind...OOM-9 wrote: There are many backup options that some people refer to as cloud backup or online backup. The two common online back ups that I see are Egnyte or ReadyNAS Vault. I know there are others, so keep us posted on one that you may have looked at to see if the ReadyNAS will work.
I actually use Acronis TrueImage for my backups which I save onto the 1TB drive connected to my laptop via USB. I haven't tried their online service so I'll check how this works out and see my other options.OOM-9 wrote: The ReadyNAS Remote will allow remote access to the ReadyNAS (internet connection required), and you can download what you need and play your music or videos. Haven't seen a remote steaming option for that part.
http://www.readynas.com/remote
I read the above link and it says, and I quote:http://www.readynas.com/remote wrote: First, the requirements. You’ll need to be running RAIDiator 4.1.5+ for the ReadyNAS Duo/NV+/1100/600/X6 and RAIDiator x86 4.2.4+ for the ReadyNAS Pro.
There's no mention of the Ultra Series. So can I use the ReadyNAS Remote on the Ultra 4 Plus?OOM-9 wrote: ... I like the two 2-bay units so I can have a backup. If you have an issue with one unit you will have a backup to the second unit and not have to worry about the data down the road.
Just to make sure I understand, if I go with a 2-bay unit, I will only have 1/2 the capacity of storage (or 2TB) if for example I use 2 x 2TB HDD. And since my concern tend to be in favor of having more storage space, the better option for me is to go for the Ultra 4 Plus and just add on additional hdds.OOM-9 wrote: Some people say that RAID is not a backup, but only one extra measure to prevent a failure. Since disks do fail it is nice to have the second unit for the backup.
But doesn't the ReadyNAS Vault (or other online backup service) solve the issue of having 2 units with 1 used for storage and another for it's backup? And since I have an issue with having a limited budget, a 2-bay unit with 2 x 3TB will be fine since I will have redundancy + ReadyNAS Vault (or another online backup storage service), and my data will be protected.OOM-9 wrote: I hope these comments were helpful in making your decision.
They are. In my attempt to reply to your post, I have been going through different scenarios in my head and I believe I've come up with a very --- solution. Since I have a limited budget, I could start with purchasing an Ultra 2 Plus and a 3TB hdd. I will replace my current 1TB USB connected to my router with the 3TB drive and move all my data there and then put both of my 1TB drives into the ReadyNAS which I will then use for backup storage. And then just build up from there. Thanks.
Cmaker3 spinaltap wrote: If you're in the UK, the four-bay NV+.v2 is currently on offer at Dabs for £159.99.
Hi spinaltap,
That's very affordable. Unfortunately I'm here in the U.S. I wish I could find some bargain like that.
Thanks.
Cmaker3Cmaker3 wrote: http://www.readynas.com/remote wrote: First, the requirements. You’ll need to be running RAIDiator 4.1.5+ for the ReadyNAS Duo/NV+/1100/600/X6 and RAIDiator x86 4.2.4+ for the ReadyNAS Pro.
There's no mention of the Ultra Series. So can I use the ReadyNAS Remote on the Ultra 4 Plus?
When that was written there two x-86 based units, the Pro and the NVX. Today there are 9 x-86 based units in the family that includes three lines, the Ultra, Ultra Plus and Pro.Cmaker3 wrote: Just to make sure I understand, if I go with a 2-bay unit, I will only have 1/2 the capacity of storage (or 2TB) if for example I use 2 x 2TB HDD. And since my concern tend to be in favor of having more storage space, the better option for me is to go for the Ultra 4 Plus and just add on additional hdds.
I also prefer the 4 bay units for they can support an array three times the one supported by a two bay unit (with the same size drives). In addition there is the LCD message panel that will tell you what is happening during booting and expanding. It will also display alerts.Cmaker3 wrote: But doesn't the ReadyNAS Vault (or other online backup service) solve the issue of having 2 units with 1 used for storage and another for it's backup? And since I have an issue with having a limited budget, a 2-bay unit with 2 x 3TB will be fine since I will have redundancy + ReadyNAS Vault (or another online backup storage service), and my data will be protected.
Various online backup services have various costs associated, and in my opinion, most are really aimed at what I would call the critical/important data backup. In this category would certainly fall the financial data you keep, such I keep in Quicken and bank statements/recons as well as photos, especially of the family. Video is problem child as it takes up so much disk space, backing it up on the cloud could be expensive. Until I stared keeping video on my NAS, my volume was less than 500GB, and is now 2.5TB. My critical financial files occupy less than 2GB!
Two years ago, I finally got myself in a position that I was able to acquire a second ReadyNAS to back up my primary one. (Originally it was an NV+ v1 and an NVX, but after getting a good sale on a second NVX, pending the announcement of the Ultra series, I now have two NVX units and the NV+ was rehomed). However, I still keep a separate offsite backup of my critical/financial data.
Make sure your current 1TB drives are on the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).Cmaker3 wrote: But doesn't the ReadyNAS Vault (or other online backup service) solve the issue of having 2 units with 1 used for storage and another for it's backup? And since I have an issue with having a limited budget, a 2-bay unit with 2 x 3TB will be fine since I will have redundancy + ReadyNAS Vault (or another online backup storage service), and my data will be protected
ReadyNAS Vault is probably not a good choice if you have a limited budget. 1 TB of vault storage costs $859.50 per year.
You can find more affordable on-line storage, though it requires a fast internet connection to be practical (and even then takes quite a while if you have a lot of data). It took me a couple of months to get my entire NAS uploaded (about 6 TB of data). Download would probably be about the same. I use it as my disaster recovery, and have local backup for the more usual cases.- PapaBear, thanks for sharing your ideas. I'm going to give it a little more time before I decide on whether to go for the 2-bay or 4-bay unit(s). I have to let the "dust" settle in my "cloud". :-)
And also, thanks to StephenB for the info on ReadyNAS Vault. One of the reasons why I haven't subscribed to any of the online backup services as of yet. It's an option that I can explore.
Cmaker3 - Cmaker3 - just my opinion. I have never been enamored with on-line or "cloud" storage. While it does provide the "off site" backup that is necessary for your data, it is rather expensive, with even the least costly still fairly expensive and then you have the fact that some one else is responsible for your data security. A few years back there was an on line storage company that went under and just turned off the servers without notification. While not a problem for those for whom it was a true backup, some were storing live data there and it was suddenly gone.
For years, while I was working, I used a portable drive to back up my critical data and took it to work and kept it in my desk at the office 26 miles away. Since I retired, I no longer have a desk in an office 26 miles away, so now I use the SD box at my bank which is also 26 miles away. I use small WD Passport drives and swap them every month. Again, this is my aw shucks backup in case something takes out the house. Of course if I have time to evacuate, the second thing loaded in the car will by the primary NAS, right after the dogs.
While ferrying a small portable drive back and forth periodically is a bit of a pain, for you have to remember to update it and take it with you, it is far less expensive than cloud storage.
Some are very affordable. Crashplan+ costs $50 per year for unlimited storage (one computer/NAS), and $120 for a family license (unlimited storage for 2-10 computers). Though the speed issue of course remains.PapaBear wrote: While ferrying a small portable drive back and forth periodically is a bit of a pain, for you have to remember to update it and take it with you, it is far less expensive than cloud storage.
You do need to do your research though, esp. if you are planning to back up a NAS.- Another factor is internet connection speed. To back up my 60GB of critical files via internet would take 54 hours at my 3Mb/s connection speed. I live in a rural area and am actually appreciative of the 3Mb/s DSL after having to use satellite for a number of years. Backing up that same 60GB to a USB2 external drive takes a little over 21 minutes. Obviously if I was as fortunate as some of my friends living in large cities with an internet connection speed of 20+ Mb/s my solution might be a little different.
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