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Network-attached storage (NAS) is a common term for a storage hard drive that is set up to be used by multiple computers over a shared home or office network.
Connection
An NAS will be connected to a network through either an Ethernet cord (connected to the network's router or switch) or will have wireless capability in order to access a wireless network.
Types
NAS can come as a single drive, which tend to be much cheaper, or as a multiple drive RAID array, which provides enhanced file security or access speed and offers larger storage space from the combined drives.
Internet Sharing
Set up correctly, NAS can even be shared over the Internet. It is, however, more common for it to be used for sharing documents within an office setting or media files in a home network.
Printers
Some NAS units allow printers to be connected to the network as well, allowing all users of the network to print from the same printer.
Streaming
Network-enabled TVs can also read from the NAS and stream media files directly from the unit.
Common Confusion
NAS is commonly confused with Storage Area Network (SAN), which only provides a space for files to be stored, and not a structure for them, as NAS does.
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