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Contributor I
October 29, 2017
Answered

NAS recommendation - USB, ethernet, etc.

  • October 29, 2017
  • 17 replies
  • 1888 views
I'm moving from a dedicated PC to a NAS for holding my files. I've seen that historically folks like the WD My Book models for a stand alone NAS. Is that still the case? Is there a reason to prefer ethernet over USB? And I gather that I need to make sure the NAS still supports SMBv1. This NAS will exist only for SONOS and not act as a file server in other capacities. Any tips on make/model appreciated.
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Best answer by jgatie
The WD models are still the best bang for the buck, IMHO. You will want an ethernet NAS druve, a USB requires it to be connected to a USB port on a omputer or router, an NAS simply plugs into ethernet and is always available, even when your computer 8s off. They are also more configurable and USB drives connected to routers can be slow, and affect router bandwidth.

17 replies

October 31, 2017
Define "Much" in an objective way. 700 Gb? And you are still digressing from the question posed.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
November 1, 2017
Why am I not surprised?
November 1, 2017
Why am I not surprised?
Personal attack? Pathetic.
Express your point clearly and I'll address it. I've no time to waste second guessing you.
November 1, 2017
🆒Thank heavens for small mercies.
Avid Contributor I
November 21, 2017
I used to have NAS access to my music (32GB is enough for all my old CDs), but that was with the old Comcast-supplied router in CA. Now I'm in the woods in VA and have HughesNet. Scuttlebutt is that they don't support the USB connector on the back. I've also been told that going the ethernet plug-in route is better. I see some NAS ethernet to USB stick adapters (Addonics for $100, Cirago NUS1000 $44, etc). Anyone have experience, recommendations, or cautions about this type of device?
TIA Don
Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
November 22, 2017
I used a Raspberry Pi, just needing 32 GB you'd do fine with just a 64 GB SD card for storage. Your old memory stick would work too but it wouldn't be as pretty.

My Pi has been serving multiple streams here as well as some other light duty tasks without a glitch for several months. The Pi 3 is the one to get. Go for a 2 amp power supply, the 1.5 recommended one minimum is iffy.
Avid Contributor I
December 2, 2017
Thanx for the responses to my question. I went with Addonics box for ~$95. It was super easy to install. You plug it into any ethernet port and access the internal software by pointing your browser to http://addnas . Their 16 page user manual walks you through all the screens. I'm using a 200GB memory stick for music storage which already had all my CDs on it. You specify the folder with the music as a shared folder. It shows up in Windows explorer. You use the Sonos phone app to select it for your Music Library library, and it works. No more listening to Amazon Prime music with its dropouts (maybe a result of my satellite internet), and no more eating up my monthly GB allotment for music listening. One happy camper again!