Storage solution...does it exist or can I build it?

[tcsenter]

I'm out of the loop on storage solutions...

I want a RAID storage solution for system backups, disk images, and also general purpose storage (e.g. photos, documents, anything) that can be accessed via wireless and wired GbE by several computers in a household (a few towers and a few notebooks). Would prefer to use 2.5" drives but not a requirement.

I intend to use this as a replacement to relying on internal drives and near-device (e.g. external SATA or USB) for backup and long-term storage of infrequently accessed files such as photos. Something that can be used wirelessly (with access/sharing control) instead of all clients having to plug, but I do want the option of going wired GbE if needed.

Edit: I realize I can just use a PC but I wanted something smaller and power efficient with an embedded CPU.

TIA

 

[Cr0nJ0b]

It's a rather expensive solution, but fits the bill pretty well. There are several flavors and sizes. The 4 drive unit can scale pretty large. It's fast and supports Gige and wifi...but you should use gig-e for speed.

http://www.readynas.com/

It supports drive spindown, which I would definitley use. It will spin off the drives when you aren't accessing them.

oh yeah, and there's an Intel home server (not sure how well it works) that is on sale. CHeck out the hot deals forum...it support 4 drives....$179 is a great deal. the readynas is like $500 with no drives.

 

[tcsenter]

Thanks, looking at the prices of home-oriented storage servers with WLAN, building a SFF PC with Linux isn't looking like such a bad option now. lol

 

[jvroig]

Edit: I realize I can just use a PC but I wanted something smaller and power efficient with an embedded CPU.

How about using a small form factor case built for an Intel Atom (like the Zeal case)? That would solve your concerns for small and power efficient (maybe).

That and your Linux plan would be cheap, power-efficient, and might just answer your networked-storage needs, without shelling out heavy dollars.

 

[tcsenter]

Thinking that may be the way to go, I might even be able to fashion my own little chassis without any optical or floppy bays, using SFX PSU or something.

I just thought the price of pre-built (with or without drives) server would be more decent, since they can forego the expensive chipsets, audio, video, and desktop CPUs, use smaller PSUs, et. al. Probably an economy of scale thing working against them to boot.

 

[jvroig]

Probably an economy of scale thing working against them to boot.

Most likely. When competing against commodity parts, it just looks like a no-win situation for them, so they most likely aren't concerned with pricing wars.