Linux Server (NAS)

[oimi]

Hello,

I am becoming increasingly paranoid about the integrity of the data stored on my PC.

I have a wireless network set-up and I am considering creating a central server PC for data storage/backup from my PC and my girlfriend's laptop.

My PC contains huge amounts of data (over 1TB) and my girlfriend's laptop would benefit from being able to store/access files from another source and I could also make a backup image of her laptop on a monthly basis.

What I am basically looking for, is a computer which will transfer files quickly. As it will be a server, I require no peripherals, monitor etc. I will need a ? processor, ? psu and a motherboard with built in wifi, with sata connectors. The most important feature is hard drive capacity and I am looking for the most storage for the best price.

Small-factor case is preferable so that the server can sit somewhere and look tidy, although it will need to fit at least two hard drives.

I say Linux because it requires less powerful hardware and is more reliable, although at present I have no experience with Linux. I want the server to be as energy efficient as possible AND as quiet as possible.

If anyone has any recommendations regarding this system in terms of hardware (including links and/or suggestions) then please do let me know.

Thank you!

[mycarsavw]

FreeNAS

Minimum hardware requirements

The more RAM you add, the quicker file transfer will be.

[oimi]

Thanks for the software suggestion, now can I please have hardware suggestions?

[mycarsavw]

http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardwa...pc-server.html

http://forums.hexus.net/small-form-f...me-server.html

http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardwa...-good-nas.html

[oimi]

Thank you for the links!

The E5200 and GA-E7AUM-DS2H look like a good combination.

I want fast data processing (transfer speed and speed over network), so will I get this if I make my build using these pieces of hardware as the foundation? It will be used as a central hub for containing music, photos etc also.

[Singh400]

Thanks for the software suggestion, now can I please have hardware suggestions?

Sure can.

I'm running:

Mobo: ASUS P5QL-CM (mATX)
CPU: E5200
PSU: Corsair 400W
Case: Antec NSK4000
HDD: 2x1TB, 1x80GB (all Samsung)
RAM: 2GB (Corsair)
OS: WHS

And I would suggest that you plug this into your router and access it wireless via that. Also you do realise your wireless speeds are going to be terrible right?

[oimi]

Thank you for providing your computer specification.

Why would you suggest that I plug this into the router via an RJ45 cable and why do you say that the wireless speeds are going to be terrible?

[Singh400]

Thank you for providing your computer specification.

Why would you suggest that I plug this into the router via an RJ45 cable and why do you say that the wireless speeds are going to be terrible?

Because connecting via RJ45 will be far better and faster. And the wireless speeds are going to be terrible, thats a fact.

You can stream files over your wireless network fine. But don't expect to transfer any big files over wireless at a good rate.

[strike-down]

Ive got rid of all my wireless connections now (for my computers anyway) for the very reason singh400 pointed out. File transfer is way too slow. I have my NAS box, media server, and PCs/Laptop connected over gigabit ethernet to get a good transfer speed. The actual throughput of the wireless network is not 54mbps (assuming you are using the G standard) it is significantly less than that.
Still doable, but expect long waits

EDIT: If its just small files like word documents etc then it should be fine.

[oimi]

Well what about university networks? The one at ours is wireless and all files are stored remotely.

[Singh400]

Well what about university networks? The one at ours is wireless and all files are stored remotely.

Yes but I can't imagine that those files are that big. I'm sorry but it is a fact of wireless. The speeds are terrible for anything other than normal usage.

As strike-down said, normal files like word documents and the like are fine. Because thats one of the main uses my WHS box provides (sister is at uni).

[oimi]

Yes but I can't imagine that those files are that big. I'm sorry but it is a fact of wireless. The speeds are terrible for anything other than normal usage.

As strike-down said, normal files like word documents and the like are fine. Because thats one of the main uses my WHS box provides (sister is at uni).

How long would it take to transfer 500GB for example? Using a Netgear DGN2000 Wireless-N Router.

[mycarsavw]

Presuming both ends of your network were Wireless N capable, you're going to see about 74 Mbps (if this is to be believed)

500Gb will take around 15 hours to transfer at those speeds

[Singh400]

How long would it take to transfer 500GB for example? Using a Netgear DGN2000 Wireless-N Router.

Wow, you don't give up do you? I can't say off by heart, but it going to be a very long time compared to wired speeds.

[oimi]

Wow, you don't give up do you? I can't say off by heart, but it going to be a very long time compared to wired speeds.

So how would I install wires tidily for this system? The house is rented so I can't do any major work such as drilling holes in walls or ceilings... Hence the reason why I have a wireless router etc.

[strike-down]

What I have done for my cables is lifted up the edges of the carpets and tucked the cables under them, following the wall round. I have just enough clearance under the doors in my house to allow the cable to pass underneith them right up against the doorframe without any problem. This can easily be removed when you move out, and no one will know any different . Cat5e cable is fairly cheap, so easily doable under a budget.