Raid enclosure or NAS?

[debun]

I have a media player that I would like to hook up to external storage. Currently I have it hooked via ethernet cable to a wireless repeater. I have 1 ethernet and 1 USB connection on the back of the player. I don't really need NAS capabilities so I was looking at this

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9135539&sku=ULR-102543840

The problem is it only comes with USB so if I plug it directly into the player which is not close to my computer getting new media on it is a pain. Is there some USB to Ethernet adapter that would allow me to plug the raid enclosure directly into the router for easy upload and media player access or do I need to go full NAS to plug it into the router (ethernet)? Whats the most economical option for me?

 

[stevech]

Try the on-line demos at Synology and QNAP.
The features you see there distinguish a home/SOHO NAS from a box of bytes.

The product you link to may use PC-software RAID at that price point. If you want external USB3 drives, best to use non-RAID systems.

And the usual reminder: "RAID is not a backup" theft, fire, flood, human error remain as risks.

 

[sfx2000]

RAID enclosure attaches to a device - PC or otherwise, it's local...

NAS is a network device/service...

One does not replace one with the other... so look at your needs/requirements...

 

[debun]

Very true about the theft, fire etc. I still need local access because of speed but really dont need all the features of NAS. Just the ability to read from the media player an add more media remotely. Does that mean full blown NAS or is there some intermediary?

 

[stevech]

Very true about the theft, fire etc. I still need local access because of speed but really dont need all the features of NAS. Just the ability to read from the media player an add more media remotely. Does that mean full blown NAS or is there some intermediary?

Want best speed? Have gigE network? Not using WiFi for speed? A NAS make sense if you, like me, want to have all my important files backed up automatically and not rely on the PC being malware free and flawless.

If you don't want a NAS, then just get two USB3 or eSATA (preferrably the latter, for speed) drives and connect to PC/laptop. BE SURE that each external drive has a backup somehow. And that you are protected if you get burglarized.

I get nervous as I see sale prices on 4 and 5TB external drives. And naive people buy them and it becomes the SOLE repository for family photos and financial info. I've had more than one friend/relative bring me a dead external drive and cry when I say: Was this your ONLY copy?
Same is true for naive people that think RAID in a NAS is a backup.