11-10-2023, 01:37 PM
First off, kudos for diving into the world of NAS setups! It can be overwhelming, but you're on the right track. Let's break down your questions:
Networking Setup:
You're correct about connecting the modem to a router, and then connecting both the router and NAS to a switch for multiple connections. A simple unmanaged switch would work for your scenario. You can find affordable options with enough ports for your needs.
Compatibility:
For a beginner-friendly combo, consider a QNAP NAS like the TS-464, which you've mentioned, and pair it with a reliable router like the TP-Link Archer C7. These are popular choices with good user interfaces and support. It's important to check compatibility, and these options generally work seamlessly together.
NAS Expandability:
If you start with fewer drives, it's recommended to add drives of the same size when expanding. Most NAS devices allow you to swap drives one at a time, rebuilding the RAID array after each swap. This minimizes downtime. For instance, in a 4-bay NAS, you could start with two 8TB drives and add more as needed.
Now, considering your needs:
Media Server NAS: The QNAP TS-464 is a good choice, and pairing it with Jellyfin is a solid plan for a media server.
Storage Needs: For your movie collection, starting with 2 x 8TB drives is a good idea. You can expand as your collection grows.
Budget: With a $1000 budget, allocate a portion for the NAS, drives, router, and switch. Look for deals and bundles to maximize your budget.
For expansion, remember, QNAP NAS devices usually support hot-swapping, making it easier to upgrade your drives over time.
Networking Setup:
You're correct about connecting the modem to a router, and then connecting both the router and NAS to a switch for multiple connections. A simple unmanaged switch would work for your scenario. You can find affordable options with enough ports for your needs.
Compatibility:
For a beginner-friendly combo, consider a QNAP NAS like the TS-464, which you've mentioned, and pair it with a reliable router like the TP-Link Archer C7. These are popular choices with good user interfaces and support. It's important to check compatibility, and these options generally work seamlessly together.
NAS Expandability:
If you start with fewer drives, it's recommended to add drives of the same size when expanding. Most NAS devices allow you to swap drives one at a time, rebuilding the RAID array after each swap. This minimizes downtime. For instance, in a 4-bay NAS, you could start with two 8TB drives and add more as needed.
Now, considering your needs:
Media Server NAS: The QNAP TS-464 is a good choice, and pairing it with Jellyfin is a solid plan for a media server.
Storage Needs: For your movie collection, starting with 2 x 8TB drives is a good idea. You can expand as your collection grows.
Budget: With a $1000 budget, allocate a portion for the NAS, drives, router, and switch. Look for deals and bundles to maximize your budget.
For expansion, remember, QNAP NAS devices usually support hot-swapping, making it easier to upgrade your drives over time.