Best Solutions for Building a Home NAS Server

Introduction: This article was originally written by MarKA and published on Zhihu. It has been reposted to the WeChat public platform with the author’s consent. Although the author wrote it for beginners and general enthusiasts, the content seems more suitable for those with a certain level of computer skills. General enthusiasts can rely on services like Synology for building a home NAS server.

This answer was rewritten in May 2018, with the following maintenance records (updated irregularly):

2018.12.18: Updated Plex introduction; 2019.1.2: Updated Webmin introduction; 2019.1.10: Updated Linux environment web panel introduction; 2019.1.14: Added remote control ideas, added Windows Admin Center screenshots; 2019.1.18: Added Linux environment NAS building ideas; 2019.1.25: Added self-built MicroServer solutions; 2019.5.22: Added FreeNAS/XigmaNAS/OMV introduction;

Over the years, both hardware and personal understanding of NAS have been continuously updated, and there have been some new ideas to help everyone avoid pitfalls.

During my four years of tinkering with NAS, I have tried many solutions, including black Synology, Linux, Windows, OS X, various virtual machines, etc. Now I feel that the purpose of building a home NAS is to be simple and easy to use, rather than exhausting oneself physically and mentally.

Therefore, the core idea of this answer: the simpler, the better.

Basic Concepts

NAS stands for Network Attached Storage, which provides data access services through a network.

As NAS products become increasingly known to the public, many users might think of it as a personal/home product, but in reality, it is not aimed at home users, which is also why NAS systems have RAID modules.

Note: This answer is aimed at users with external access/remote control needs. For friends who only need internal network backup/file sharing/video playback, installing Windows is the most worry-free option, at most adding TimeMachine backup functionality through Docker.

Basic Requirements

1. Hardware – The NAS hardware needs to meet the following points:

• Stability: 24×7 stable operation without failure;

• Compatibility: Good hardware compatibility with the operating system (system power management, hard disk controller compatibility, etc.);

• Compact size: Small footprint, easy to place;

• Energy efficiency: A home computer consuming hundreds of watts is obviously not suitable for NAS under 24×7 operation;

• Quiet operation: Excellent workmanship, issues like resonance from cheap cases should not exist;

• Cost-effectiveness: Reasonable price while considering the above six points.

2. Software – NAS functional requirements:

• Must have remote control functions such as web panels for easy configuration and operation;

• Must support mobile apps;

• Download (PT/BT/eMule/cloud sync);

• Media server (for use with set-top boxes or local playback);

• Local and remote file sharing (personal/home cloud);

• File backup (TimeMachine, etc.);

• (Additional) Office use (CardDAV Server/Directory Server/Mail Server);

• (Additional) Other uses (DNS Server/small website server, etc.).

3. Remote Control:

• As a NAS, remote control (including within the local area network) should be a necessity;

• Remote control methods include remote desktop and WebUI:

• Remote desktop includes Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, JumpDesktop, etc., while WebUI refers to browser panels like Synology’s DSM, Linux’s Cockpit/Webmin, Windows’ Windows Admin Center, etc. Of course, Plex and Aria2 are also typical WebUI methods;

• Personally, I recommend using the WebUI method, as it can be done within the browser without needing to install client software, and NAS can be controlled via mobile/Pad.

Others: Some users hope that NAS will have HTPC functions, and this answer has fully considered that.

Before Writing 1:About DDNS

DDNS is a necessity for various remote operations. Here are a few that I have used:

• Asus router’s built-in asuscomm solution: stability is acceptable, but there have been interruptions;

• Synology QuickConnect: Only available for white Synology users, the highlight is the built-in internal network penetration, which is a blessing for internal network users;

• Peanut shell/peanut stick: acceptable, supports various operating system platforms (router/Windows/Linux/Synology);

• Aliyun DDNS: Highly recommended;

• Tencent Cloud DDNS: Recommended, but certificate verification is not as convenient as Aliyun.

Before Writing 2:About RAID and Backup

• Friendly reminder: It is not recommended to configure RAID for home use; the weak software RAID mechanism is not reliable;

• Gigabit network bandwidth can only reach single disk speed, and RAID0 is not very useful in a home environment;

• In RAID5 mode, any file operation involves all disks in reading and writing, which is very troublesome for home use;

• In RAID5 mode, the time to rebuild after a disk failure is very long, and there is even a possibility of damaging a second disk;

• Data is priceless. Instead of struggling with RAID, it is better to have cold backups.

• There is no backup problem that BackupPlus or MyBook 8TB cannot solve. If it cannot, then just get two (the price from overseas shopping can be surprising).

Before Writing 3:About Disk Selection

• “NAS hard drive” originated from WD Red drives. Due to the popularity of Red drives, Seagate and Toshiba also launched NAS drives. However, whether it is WD’s