Network-attached storage

Network attached storage (or NAS) is a computing solution. It means that storage (like a number of hard disks) is put on a computer network, so different users can access it. Today, boxes that already can do this are available rather cheaply. Also, such boxes can be built easily using a small or old computer. NAS is similar to, but easier to set up than a Storage area network.

Comparison of the different systems: The left picture shows a normal system with local storage; The middle picture shows network attached storage; the right picture shows a storage area network