RAID Arrays

[notla49285 48]

I've so far been running two external USB HDD enclosures, one holding all my Emby content and the other one a backup. However, as my libraries are growing I need to get a couple more drives. Because of this, it's gotten to the point where using individual external enclosures is impractical, so I could do with some kind of external caddy that hosts multiple (preferably 4) drives.

 

I'm a little averse to getting a NAS because there is already a network switch to split one of my router's outputs to serve an additional 4 devices and one of those devices is the server itself, another is my network TV tuner, so I'd like to keep any additional traffic running through this switch as low as possible to keep it open for these two.

 

I have never done anything like this before and don't know too much about RAID arrays, any tips or guidance on what sort of hardware I should be looking at?

Edited January 14, 2019 by notla49285

[mastrmind11 722]

if it's sole purpose will be a NAS where CPU power doesn't matter, building your own using parts that fit your budget will be the most cost effective.  You don't need big power so a cheap CPU and mobo and a couple GB of ram will work fine.  Then spend the big bucks on drives and an enclosure to fit them all.

[notla49285 48]

Then spend the big bucks on drives and an enclosure to fit them all.

 

The enclosure to fit all the drives is what I'm after, apologies if this was unclear.

[1971camaroguy 32]

I really love the Fractal Design cases, they are visually nice to look and and will hold what you are looking for..I am using an 804 as my media sever / NAS and it's worked out great. I haven't found anything close to the price and features these offer. Personally, I would get the 804 so you have plenty of room for future expansion.

 

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/node-series/node-304-black

 

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/node-series/node-804

[KMBanana 116]

What kind of switch do you have?  A cheap gigabit switch should be able to handle traffic between a NAS, a server and a TV tuner no problem for ~50 streams (number pulled out of my butt).  It's unlikely the switch would be your bottleneck before your internet speed.  

 

If your server has a second ethernet port you could also maybe directly connect a NAS to it that way.  

[notla49285 48]

I have this switch:

 

 

https://www.netgear.com/business/products/switches/unmanaged/GS105.aspx#tab-techspecs

 

My only concern was that, for example, I want to watch Live TV remotely, so there's a data stream coming from the network tuner - to the switch - to the router - to the switch - to the server - to the switch - to the router and then out to wherever I am. I thought this may end up slowing down bearing in mind the amount of data that is being shifted through it all, especially with HD channels.

[BAlGaInTl 288]

I have this switch:

 

 

https://www.netgear.com/business/products/switches/unmanaged/GS105.aspx#tab-techspecs

 

My only concern was that, for example, I want to watch Live TV remotely, so there's a data stream coming from the network tuner - to the switch - to the router - to the switch - to the server - to the switch - to the router and then out to wherever I am. I thought this may end up slowing down bearing in mind the amount of data that is being shifted through it all, especially with HD channels.

A gigabit switch will handle all that no problem. Your internet connection would most likely be the limiting factor.

 

A NAS is probably the best solution. It will combine the enclosure and the operating system. If budget is a concern... look for a used one. I see them all the time around here cheap.

[notla49285 48]

Thanks for your help all, I think I will have to get a NAS and try to rearrange my network a bit, I think there's a port on my router I can free up to plug it in directly as the NAS I'm looking at can perform other functions for me also (including maybe running Emby server   )