NAS, Backup & Storage Tech Dictionary (F-M)



Covering Terms


Failover -

Failover is a redundancy feature that automatically switches to a backup system if the primary one fails. In NAS environments, it ensures continuous data availability and minimizes downtime during hardware or network failures.
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File Compression -

File compression reduces the size of digital files to save storage space and improve transfer speeds. It’s commonly used in NAS systems to optimize data storage efficiency and speed up file sharing across networks.
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File Sharing -

File sharing allows users to access, edit, and transfer files over a network. In NAS setups, it enables multiple users to collaborate seamlessly, whether on local networks or remotely via secure connections.
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Firewall -

A firewall is a security tool that monitors and controls network traffic to protect against unauthorized access. In NAS devices, firewalls help safeguard sensitive data from cyber threats and ensure secure remote access.
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Folder Permissions -

Folder permissions control who can view, edit, or delete files within shared directories. On NAS systems, setting proper permissions enhances data security and manages user access across teams or organizations.
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FTP (File Transfer Protocol) -

FTP is a standard method for transferring files between devices over a network. It’s widely used with NAS devices to upload, download, and manage large data sets securely and efficiently.
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Gateway -

A gateway acts as a bridge between different networks, managing data traffic and enabling communication. In NAS environments, it facilitates remote access, secure file transfers, and integration with cloud services.
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Gigabit Ethernet -

Gigabit Ethernet is a high-speed network standard that supports data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps. It’s essential for NAS systems, ensuring fast file sharing, smooth media streaming, and efficient backups.
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HDD (Hard Disk Drive) -

An HDD is a traditional data storage device that uses spinning disks to read and write data. It’s commonly used in NAS systems for large-capacity, cost-effective storage, ideal for backups and file archiving.
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Hot-Swappable -

A hot-swappable device, like a hard drive in a NAS, can be removed or replaced without shutting down the system. This feature ensures continuous uptime, making it essential for business-critical storage environments.
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Hybrid Cloud -

A hybrid cloud combines on-premises storage, such as NAS devices, with cloud services. It offers flexible data management, allowing businesses to balance security, cost-efficiency, and scalability for backups and disaster recovery.
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IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) -

IOPS measures how quickly a storage device, like an SSD or NAS, can handle read and write operations. Higher IOPS means better performance for tasks like virtualization, databases, and file sharing.
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IP Address -

An IP address is a unique identifier for devices on a network, allowing NAS systems to communicate with other devices locally or over the internet. It plays a key role in managing remote access and secure data transfers.
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iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) -

iSCSI is a network protocol that enables data transfer over IP networks, allowing NAS devices to function as block-level storage for servers. It’s commonly used for virtualization, backups, and centralized storage in business environments.
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JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) -

JBOD is a storage configuration where multiple drives are combined without RAID. Each disk operates independently, providing flexible capacity management for NAS setups focused on large-scale data storage.
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LAN (Local Area Network) -

A LAN connects devices within a limited area, like homes or offices. It enables fast data sharing, seamless file access, and smooth integration with NAS devices for efficient network storage solutions.
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Link Aggregation -

Link Aggregation is a networking technique that combines multiple Ethernet connections into a single logical link to improve bandwidth and redundancy. Many high-end NAS devices support link aggregation to ensure faster data transfers and network failover protection, making it ideal for businesses and power users managing large file transfers.
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LUN (Logical Unit Number) -

A LUN identifies specific storage volumes within a NAS or SAN environment. It allows precise data management and access control, especially in virtualized networks and enterprise storage systems.
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MAC Address -

A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a device’s network interface, such as a NAS or router. It helps manage device access within a local network and enhances network security through filtering and control.
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Metadata -

Metadata is data that describes other data, providing information like file size, creation date, and permissions. In NAS systems, metadata helps organize files efficiently, improving searchability, access control, and backup management.
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Mounting -

Mounting is the process of making a storage device or network folder accessible to an operating system. In NAS environments, mounting allows users to connect and interact with shared drives seamlessly across devices.
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MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) -

MTBF measures the average time a device operates before experiencing a failure. For NAS hardware like hard drives, a higher MTBF indicates better reliability and longer lifespan for continuous operation.
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Multi-Version Backup -

Multi-version backup stores multiple copies of the same file at different points in time. This method is common in NAS systems, allowing users to restore previous versions of files in case of accidental deletion or data corruption.
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