what is nas storage

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a file-level computer data storage server connected to a computer network, providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS devices are optimized for serving files either by their hardware, software, or configuration. They are often manufactured as purpose-built specialized computers and contain one or more storage drives, often arranged into logical, redundant storage containers or RAID. NAS typically provides access to files using network file sharing protocols such as NFS, SMB, or AFP. It is a valuable resource for users in various environments, including home, small business, and enterprise settings, as it enables simpler and lower-cost systems, load-balancing, fault-tolerant email and web server systems, and centralized storage for large amounts of data.