Many mobile device users rely on Apple's iCloud or Google's cloud offerings to safeguard and retrieve their pictures from any location. Comparable platforms such as Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and Amazon Drive provide straightforward ways to arrange, retrieve, and distribute images, documents, and various files through the internet.
The majority of these cloud platforms include complimentary basic tiers that work well for limited data volumes, though costs escalate rapidly with growing needs. Notably, Amazon Drive grants unlimited photo storage to Prime subscribers, excluding video files.
A key drawback of cloud-based photo storage lies in the limited oversight users have regarding data security and access permissions. Privacy issues are legitimate, particularly influenced by the cloud service's base of operations or server placements, as governments might gain entry to personal information.
For those prioritizing data confidentiality, avoiding cloud storage for images makes sense for several compelling reasons. A viable option involves assembling a personal, cloud-style repository at home using a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system.
NAS refers to Network Attached Storage, which is essentially a unit equipped with one or more hard drives connected to a local network, such as home Wi-Fi, serving as a shared hub accessible to connected gadgets. Rather than sending files to external servers from Apple or Google, users can transfer them to their NAS, restricted to their own network devices.
Retaining data locally ensures exclusive access without external interference. Additionally, a personal NAS allows precise knowledge of data's physical whereabouts, unlike global cloud networks that scatter information across numerous sites and nations on diverse drives.
In essence, cloud services demand complete confidence in their security measures. Any uncertainty warrants establishing a NAS to function as a secure, private storage alternative.
When selecting a NAS for personal photo and data archiving, choose models with a minimum of two drive slots, often listed as '2-bay' or 'dual-bay' units.
NAS devices come either pre-loaded with drives or as bare shells requiring user-supplied compatible storage. For the latter, it's advisable to install matching drives of the same size and brand as the NAS, if feasible.
Fitting drives into a NAS is straightforward, with clear instructions in the user guide. Those preferring simplicity can select pre-configured models with drives included. For beginner units, standard 3.5-inch hard disk drives or solid-state drives serve as primary storage options.
To treat the NAS as a personal photo cloud, seek models featuring integrated photo organization tools that facilitate seamless transfers of images and clips from smartphones. Leading brands provide mobile applications for Android and iOS to handle uploads and view stored media on the NAS.
Photos on the NAS can also be viewed from computers through a browser-based interface or by mapping network folders in Windows File Explorer.
Contemporary NAS makers typically include straightforward remote connectivity features, enabling file access on the go. This requires a free account with the manufacturer, bypassing the need for complex router configurations.
Beyond photo storage, a NAS functions effectively as a networked disk, allowing direct editing and retrieval of files from linked computers. Home NAS setups support numerous practical applications.
Verify that the NAS includes at least one USB connection, preferably USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2 for optimal speeds. This port supports attaching external drives for backing up NAS data or importing content like images, videos, or files directly.
Basic NAS models deliver Gigabit Ethernet performance, topping out at about 950 Mbps or 118 MB/s, adequate for image backups, media streaming, and routine household tasks.
Advanced NAS units with 2.5 Gbps or 5 Gbps Ethernet ports cost more and necessitate compatible high-speed network gear, such as upgraded routers, switches, and computers.
If your network supports multi-gigabit capabilities, upgrading to a NAS with such a port is worthwhile for enhanced performance.
Affordable two-bay NAS enclosures with essential functions range from $130 to $200. Popular entry-level choices include QNAP's TS-233, Synology's DS223j, Asustor's AS1102TL, and TerraMaster's D2-320 from reputable vendors.
For superior specs, consider the Ugreen DXP2800 at over $350, which boasts a robust processor, ample memory, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, and two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
Opting for a drive-less enclosure means budgeting extra for storage; two suitable hard drives add $150 to $300 to the total expense.
During configuration, configure the two drives in a RAID 1 configuration, known as mirroring, to duplicate data across both. This protects against single-drive failure, preserving access to files. For 4 TB usable space in RAID 1 mirroring on a two-bay NAS, install two 4 TB drives.
Certain brands employ customized RAID 1 variants with unique labels; Synology's SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) and TerraMaster's TRAID (TerraMaster RAID) are examples.
It's recommended to purchase drives specifically engineered for NAS use from brands like Seagate, Western Digital, or Toshiba. These are built for round-the-clock use, with enhanced vibration resistance and error-handling suited for RAID environments.
Seagate's IronWolf, Western Digital's Red Plus, and Toshiba's N300 series are tailored for NAS applications. Synology now produces its own drives optimized for its hardware.
Initial NAS configuration, once linked to the router by Ethernet, occurs through a browser interface on a networked computer or the manufacturer's mobile app.
Access the setup via a dedicated URL like find.synology.com or a downloadable tool from the brand's site.
Upon first connecting, a wizard appears to guide basic configuration and OS installation. It also prompts for creating the primary admin account; record these details securely for future web access and folder connections from Windows.
The process often includes optional registration with the manufacturer's email account, enabling effortless external access to NAS contents, settings, and photo tools without router tweaks—ideal for novices.
Post-setup, use the new credentials to enter the NAS web interface.
Some units pre-configure storage and include a default 'Public' shared folder for remote use. Brands like Synology and QNAP require manual creation of a storage pool via an additional guided process.
QNAP's volume setup involves choosing 'thick' or 'thin' options for snapshot support, detailed in the QTS manual PDF available from their site.
Most entry-level NAS from major producers support the Btrfs filesystem with built-in snapshots; ensure it's selected during volume creation, as it's often preset.
Once the volume exists, establish shared folders with permissions for the admin account.
For Windows integration, confirm SMB protocol activation in the NAS settings. Use the search function with 'SMB' to locate it quickly in the interface.
Enable WS-Discovery if present, to make the NAS visible in Windows without extra steps.
Launch File Explorer with Windows key + E, then select 'Network' to view available SMB devices, including the NAS, under both 'Network' and 'Computer' sections.
Initial access to NAS folders from Windows prompts for credentials matching the NAS admin login used for the web interface.
Shared folders then appear in File Explorer for standard operations like viewing, modifying, saving, or copying files, akin to local drives.
For convenience, map specific NAS shares as lettered drives: right-click a folder in Explorer, choose 'Map network drive,' assign a letter, and complete the dialog. It will show under 'This PC' like a native drive.
This mapping aids compatibility with software that struggles with network paths, treating it as local storage—though it requires the PC and NAS to be online locally.
To enable photo handling, navigate to the NAS app store—QNAP/Ugreen's App Center or Synology's Package Center—and install the relevant tool: Synology Photos, Ugreen Photos, or QNAP's QuMagie. QNAP auto-installs the Multimedia Console prerequisite.
Launch the app from the web menu; it may query for a dedicated photo folder or designate an existing one. For QNAP, add QNAP AI Core for facial and object detection in photos.
Migrate existing desktop or prior cloud photos to the designated NAS folder.
iPhone HEIC files require Synology's Image Assistant for PC transfers; QNAP needs the paid CAYIN app for iOS media support. Ugreen and TerraMaster (TOS 6+) handle them natively.
The app generates thumbnails and applies AI for recognition, which may take time for extensive libraries.
For smartphone backups, download the brand's app and connect via home Wi-Fi for initial login and wizard-guided setup, choosing full library transfer or future-only uploads.
Options include auto-deleting phone copies to reclaim space and restricting transfers to Wi-Fi only, avoiding cellular data.
Remote viewing necessitates the manufacturer account login in the app, noted during setup.
Remote NAS access speeds lag behind commercial clouds like Google or Amazon, varying by mobile and home internet quality.
Further reading: The best NAS drives worth getting
This piece originated from our affiliate site PC-WELT, adapted and translated from its German version.