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Forum Discussion
HeatherABC
Nov 04, 2015Apprentice
ReadyNAS 316 Worth Purchasing?
Newegg has a deal where I can purchase the ReadyNAS 316 and a 4tb drive for $558. This seems like too good of a deal to pass up. Currently I'm using a Dell PC as a media server (Plex/Kodi) and have ...
StephenB
Nov 04, 2015Guru - Experienced User
It is one of the Os 6 platforms - which is the most recent ReadyNAS OS. So I think it is a safe purchase. However, I don't work for Netgear and I have no inside info on upcoming launches.
If you plan to run plex, another option would be the RN214 (which was just released). But at current newegg pricing, the RN316 is a better deal.
StephenB
Nov 04, 2015Guru - Experienced User
One last tip - if you use the NAS for primary storage, make sure you have independent backups. RAID is useful, but it not enough to protect your data.
- HeatherABCNov 05, 2015Apprentice
Really? I thought that was the main reason for using RAID and giving up storage space to do so? Now I'm really confused. Why wouldn't I just make backups rather than using RAID? What's the benefit?
I think I need to go find RAID for dummies.
- meverzNov 05, 2015Apprentice
RAID is for redundancy. So if a disk fails, you can keep working without losing any downtime. Depending on the amount of data, it can be quicker / easier to recover from a disk failure. Just swap the disk, and wait for the resync. No need to track down the (offsite) backup, or wait for it to download from the cloud. You can continue with very little down time.
But a RAID array won't help you if your ReadyNAS unit dies, or if your house burns down, or if the entire unit is stolen. That is why you need a backup. A backup will also cover you if you have a disk die during a resync, or if you accidentally delete a file.
RAID and backups are complementary.
- StephenBNov 05, 2015Guru - Experienced User
I agree, but have a couple comments.
meverz wrote:
RAID is for redundancy. So if a disk fails, you can keep working without losing any downtime.
Another way to say the same thing: RAID keeps your data available during routine disk replacements and during storage expansion. If you are running a business, then this is a critical feature - loss of availability is down time that costs you. For most home users, it is more of a convenience. However, it still is nice to be able to continue accessing data when manipulating disks.
But a RAID array won't help you if your ReadyNAS unit dies, or if your house burns down, or if the entire unit is stolen. That is why you need a backup. A backup will also cover you if you have a disk die during a resync, or if you accidentally delete a file.
Yes. Though I'd add that the OS6 snapshots can also give you protection from a file deletion.
RAID and backups are complementary.
Yes. Backups keep the data safe; RAID keeps it available. If you can only afford to do one, then do backups.Also - you can use a ReadyNAS for storage consolidation even if you don't care about RAID.
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