Network Attached Storage (NAS) provides centralized, file-level access to shared data across a network. In this episode, we dive into how NAS differs from SAN, focusing on the protocols used (such as SMB and NFS) and how NAS integrates with standard Ethernet infrastructure. You’ll learn how NAS appliances offer simplified storage management and are ideal for applications like backups, file sharing, and multimedia streaming.

We also explore access control mechanisms, multi-user access, and how to troubleshoot issues such as performance degradation or permission errors. Unlike SANs, NAS is easier to set up and manage, making it popular in both SMB and enterprise environments. Understanding NAS is essential for managing shared resources and supporting departments that rely on centralized data access. This episode clarifies what NAS is and where it fits in your networking toolbox.