Multiple non-RAID single drive NAS with HDX

Posted by: azjya on 22 March 2010

As a novice, am hoping others with more experience can clarify.

When I go to Amazon.com and read the often detailed user reviews of the NAS units listed as being 'approved' on the Naim list, almost all seem have have user complaints regarding either routine usage or loss of data when attempting to restore following a single drive failure. When I read the 'professional' reviews of these units, often reference is made to the impression that 'consumer-grade' NAS, with the inevitable consequences of being built down to a price, is significantly compromised in terms of design or quality.

It is truly difficult to understand how real these issues are.

Anyhow, with the advent of the HDX 1.5 software and, as I understand it, the ability of store ripped music to multiple network locations, has anyone contemplated using two, physically separate, single drive, non-RAID NAS units with the HDX set to write identically to both.

In this way, the NAS units are simpler and there may be less issues with set-up, usage, restore etc, and, if one of the single drive NAS units goes down, there is a second identical unit on the network already.

All comments appreciated!
Posted on: 22 March 2010 by SC
quote:
Originally posted by azjya:
... with the HDX set to write identically to both.

Can you do this with v1.5 then..? Very interesting if so...(although I would probably have more confidence in a mirror backup of a single working library/location that I know is working..?)

Steve.
Posted on: 22 March 2010 by David Dever
quote:
has anyone contemplated using two, physically separate, single drive, non-RAID NAS units with the HDX set to write identically to both.


Stick with a proper RAID1 solution such as the NETGEAR ReadyNAS Duo-there is no "identical" from a redundancy perspective when using two distinct drives on physically separate drive controllers.
Posted on: 23 March 2010 by PureHifi
quote:
In this way, the NAS units are simpler and there may be less issues with set-up, usage, restore etc, and, if one of the single drive NAS units goes down, there is a second identical unit on the network already.


It is possible to use 2 separate NAS drives and have one mirror the other using "RSYNC" (one runs RSYNC server and the other RSYNC slave)...however if you have 2 identical music stores on your network the HDX will find and index both...you will see 2 copies of all music files.

Stick with a RAID1 configured single NAS as suggested by David...simple is often best.
Posted on: 23 March 2010 by PBenny1066
Azya,

not sure if this helps since I am not running an HDX - instead a Mac Mini front-end. But I use a device called Drobo (Google it), which is similar to RAID but much simpler. Basically modular, expandable storage (based on 3.5" SATA drives which you plug into the unit) which the Mac "sees" as one drive. You need a minumum of two drives, using which it manages a back up of all data. Might be worth a look.

Paul
Posted on: 23 March 2010 by js
Most NAS complaints involve user error. That doesn't mean that many shouldn't be easier to configure or restore but usually it's about an improper sequence or using the wrong drive slot when recovering.
Posted on: 23 March 2010 by AV@naim
quote:
Originally posted by SC:
quote:
Originally posted by azjya:
... with the HDX set to write identically to both.

Can you do this with v1.5 then..? Very interesting if so...(although I would probably have more confidence in a mirror backup of a single working library/location that I know is working..?)

Steve.


Note the 1.5 software itself can only MOVE music. It cannot copy music to multiple locations (except to it's internal backup drive, which is a mirror of the primary internal store).

If you set up to rip to a NAS store, it's up to the end user to choose if you require "backup", beit RAID or another solution.