Question

Which of the following hardware components and configuration options would be most important for a NAS server?

1) Processor speed and number of cores
2) Amount of RAM
3) Storage capacity and type
4) Network interface card
5) Operating system
6) Power supply

Answer 1

For a NAS server, the most critical hardware components are storage capacity and type, amount of RAM, and the network interface card.

Step-by-step explanation:

Network-attached storage (NAS) servers are specialized devices designed to store and share files across a network. When configuring a NAS server, certain hardware components and options are more critical than others.

• Storage capacity and type: This is perhaps the most important aspect of a NAS, as the primary purpose is data storage. Consideration should be given to the types of drives used (HDDs for larger capacity or SSDs for faster performance) and the total storage size needed.
• Amount of RAM: Adequate memory is necessary for smooth operation, particularly if the NAS server is expected to handle multiple simultaneous connections or intensive tasks.
• Processor speed and number of cores: While generally less critical for basic file storage, a faster processor with more cores can be beneficial for a NAS that runs additional applications or services.
• Operating system: The right OS can influence the efficiency and capabilities of the NAS, with some systems being specifically optimized for network storage purposes.
• Power supply: A reliable power supply is a must for data integrity and system stability but is typically not a differentiating factor in NAS performance.