Need some advice on setting up NAS

[pinchthings]

Hi all,

I would like to set up a NAS for backup purposes and would like some advice.

Here is my current network setup:

Cable modem for internet access
Asus RT-N16 as main router/Wifi
Router is wired into 3 main house PCs (HTPC laptop, work laptop, gaming desktop)
Also have an older Linksys WRT54G router wired into the Asus router, and is being used as a wifi access point (broadcasting a 2nd wifi SSID out in my detached garage)

So currently all my router ports are full, unless you count the open ports on the Linksys.

So a few questions-

1. Is my current network setup adequate? Although everything nominally is working, I haven't really checked to see if I'm getting the full ethernet speeds I should be, nor do I know how to check that .
2. Looking for a simple NAS recommendation as well as advice on some automatic backup software (which may or may not be bundled with the NAS). 2TB of storage is more than enough. UPNP for playing movies is a plus but not 100% necessary.
3. Would something like a NETGEAR ProSAFE 5-Port Fast Ethernet Switch (FS105) be okay to extend my number of ports off the main router be recommended, or can I plug the NAS into my extender linksys router's open ports?

 

[ch33zw1z]

1. Sure. Based on what you're using it for, and devices you've listed, it should function fine.

2. This question has more variables. I'd have to do some research.

I use Create Synchronicity for backing up a 2TB from one pc to another pc with a 2TB. It's free and light weight

3. Either option will work. The difference is how much traffic will hit the NAS. Personally, I would use the FS105 on the RT-N16 and keep the media traffic more consolidated.