Getting a new NAS for your home or office is always exciting, but the setup process can also be a bit overwhelming with the sheer number of features and options thrown at you from the get-go. It’s fine to start with the basics during installation and explore advanced features later after you’ve familiarized yourself with the NAS. Even then, there are many useful NAS features that remain buried under flashier ones, which often take priority. So, here are some lesser-known NAS features you should start using to get the most out of your new device.
10 Link aggregation
Speed up your network
In a business setting, network congestion is often a major issue that leads to performance dips, especially when bandwidth is divided among multiple users. Link aggregation helps by combining two LAN ports to essentially double the throughput, improving efficiency and fault tolerance for everyone. If your NAS supports this feature, simply grab another LAN cable and connect the second LAN port on your NAS to your router. The NAS will automatically route traffic through both for better performance for multiple clients.
9 Snapshots
Granular data backup
As the name suggests, the feature periodically records ‘snapshots’ of your system storage. In case your system is hit by ransomware or other disasters, you can roll back to a previous snapshot without losing recent data. Unlike traditional backups that may not always be up to date, especially if you still rely on manual backups, snapshots offer a more granular and automated way to protect your files against a variety of threats.
8 SSD caching
SSDs aren’t just for storage
While there are some fantastic NAS-specific SSDs that you can use for primary storage, many NAS devices also support SSD caching to boost performance significantly. It acts as a temporary storage — one that is much faster than conventional spinning drives — to speed up read/write operations. If your NAS supports this feature, adding NVMe SSDs can enhance transfer speeds and even the overall responsiveness of the NAS, making it feel snappier and more efficient.
Western Digital Red SA500 M.2
The Western Digital Red SA500 M.2 is essentially an M.2 version of the same 2.-inch SATA SSD. It offers the same performance but is only available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.
7 Automated backups
Automation is the key here
Backups are crucial for your NAS, no matter what kind, but manual backups have downsides that you can avoid. You must remember to perform them regularly, and missing one could put your data at risk in case of an event. Most NAS brands offer automated backup options, allowing you to set a daily or weekly schedule. Once configured, your backups will always be up to date, ensuring data safety without any extra effort on your part.
6 RAID scrubbing
Minimize your chances of data loss by a lot
RAID helps protect against data loss in case one of the drives fails out of the blue, but it’s equally important to ensure data integrity even in redundant storage. RAID scrubbing routinely scans data sectors and fixes errors in the background, reducing the risk of corruption and keeping your data always ready for restoration. Many NAS brands, such as QNAP and Asustor, offer built-in tools for RAID scrubbing — something you should run regularly to keep your data safe.
What is RAID (and how to set it up in a NAS)
RAID is worth checking out if you desire fast transfer speeds or want to protect your data against drive corruption (or even both, at the same time)
5 Docker and virtual machines
Go beyond the basics with your NAS
Pre-built NAS devices from brands like Synology and Terramaster come with their own app stores that usually have all popular third-party apps, such as Plex. However, you can take things a step further by using Docker. This lets you install and run applications that may not be natively supported on your NAS. Additionally, virtual machines allow you to run entire operating systems on your NAS, which advanced users use to take their multitasking game to the next level. While you can use both on any NAS model, performance may vary depending on your hardware.
4 Remote access with VPN server
Cloud storage, for real
Your NAS is connected to your local network, whether you're at home or in the office, but that doesn’t mean remote access isn’t possible. There are quite a few ways to access your NAS from anywhere in the world, though using a VPN remains the most secure option. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your laptop and your home NAS, enabling secure access to your files without leaving your data vulnerable. You can even set up a VPN server on your NAS itself, providing an extra layer of security.
3 Cross-NAS syncing
Two is always better than one
Maintaining an off-site backup is a smart way to protect your data — it could be cloud storage or a second NAS device placed away from your main NAS. A good thing here is that if you own two NAS devices from the same brand, built-in tools allow seamless real-time syncing between them. This ensures that both devices have the latest copies of your files, providing redundancy and peace of mind for you and your team.
2 User access permissions
Double-check who can access what
Many users stick with default account settings when setting up a NAS, which can pose several security risks. A poorly configured user account with general access to the entire storage pool of your NAS could accidentally delete critical files, and an unchanged default admin account username is an easy target for hackers. Take the time to set granular user permissions to enhance security, whether for personal or business use. A good measure is to set up a separate admin account that you don’t use daily to minimize its exposure and potential data loss.
1 Surveillance station
Keep an eye on everything
Not many people know that NAS brands include built-in surveillance software that allows you to set up IP cameras without a monthly subscription. Unlike modern cloud-based security cameras, which lock features behind paywalls, a NAS-powered surveillance system gives you full control over your camera network with no recurring costs. If you have IP cameras, double-check that your NAS supports those models, and consider using it as a central hub for video storage and monitoring.
I saved money by building a NAS-powered home surveillance system
Creating your DIY home security system is easy with a NAS and IP cameras.
Unlock your NAS’s full potential
Once you’ve settled into using your NAS, there’s plenty more to explore beyond basic storage and Plex streaming. Your NAS can host email servers and websites and even function as your own private cloud. These versatile network storage devices offer a wealth of features that often remain a mystery — make sure you’re making the most of them.