Storage Limit: hardware or software problem?

[vectorsigma]

Hi to all!

I´m reading some articles about NAS (domestic, mostly) and I´m seeing that a lot of that have a limitation about the total storage capacity installable.

I know that some hardware (controllers) cannot handles HD bigger than 2 TB due to the process of addressing, but in many NAS the limitation is 3TB (one HD) or 6 TB (2 HD).

So, my guess is that in these cases the limitation is software/firmware and, I also suppose that, with another firmware (maybe open source), the problem will be solutioned.

I am thinking right?

Thanks to all,

ale

 

[thiggins]

Yes, filesystems have limits on address space. As drives have gotten larger, many NAS vendors have made changes to handle larger drives.

However, do not ASSUME that a vendor will make the change. Also, do not assume that you can just load a different open source OS on the NAS.

 

[azazel1024]

Agree 100%. A lot of the NAS the limit is in the firmware. Depending on the firmware/manufacturer, I would not necessarily expect it to be changed.

Especially if you were looking at a real budget NAS, I'd assume the advertised limit is the hard limit and will never be changed.

 

[stevech]

Stick with the best of breed vendors: Synology, QNAP, Thecus.

 

[mdgm]

Take a look at the compatibility list for the NAS you are interested in.

Also check that the NAS is running the latest generation of firmware.

If it's not a current device it may be less likely to support higher capacity disks especially if it isn't running the latest and greatest OS provided by the NAS manufacturer.

New NAS units with Intel CPUs may be less likely to run into limitations as soon as to what capacity can be handled.

Some NAS units out there from various manufacturers using cheap ARM hardware can create a volume with high capacity disks but have run into performance issues over time.

If you want longevity it is better to buy something that is better than what you need now than what is just enough.

 

[vectorsigma]

thanks to all!

ale