Does a NAS have to be connected to a router?

Most network attached storages like the Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay, Synology DiskStation LS220D, WD My Cloud Mirror NAS drive offer unmatched benefits as those among the best devices in the market. They have both Ethernet connection and Wi-Fi wireless connection so it is not a must for the NAS to be connected to a router.

NAS being a dedicated file storage that enables multiple users as well as heterogeneous clients to retrieve data from a centralized storage, it has been made more effectual and reliable when it is wireless enabled. With your own router or internet modem as well as the NAS device which consists of engines that implements the file services- it is just a matter and plug and enjoy!

So does the NAS have to be connected to a router?Yes, the whole essence of having a Network-Attached Storage is for devices connected wirelessly can be able to access the files. But, do note that it is not mandatory to have it connected. If you want to connect it wirelessly it is possible but will be tiresome backing up files and storing.

Here is what you need to know about connecting NAS to a router:

Setting up a NAS connection via the router is not a technical thing at all. In fact, all you need isCustom-built HTPC or a PCthat will act as the streaming media player, NAS storage with adequate space and hard drives to store the files intended.

Let us delve deeper into these requirements for a complete set up with your NAS and router. First, is the Home Theater PC(HTPC) which is the central console for all operations.This is a very important device required when installing NAS. You will need a fast and super silent PC but it doesnot necessarily have to feature front with storage for media files, TV tuners or DVD drives. A simple PC will serve the purpose as the DIY media server does all the heavy lifting like recording live TV from streams.

Secondly is the Network Attached Storage (NAS) itself. This is the file server that can be accessed over a home network unlike to a single computer access allowing media sharing between several computers as well as other portable devices. Getting the right NAS device for you is also critical since we are dealing with soft data.

Here are some of the best NAS devices that can be connected to a router.

There are several NAS devices in the market with different speeds which can be connected to the router easily. They all come with different set of features so it can be quite confusing choosing the right NAS device can be confusing since they all deliver almost the best combination of features.

The devices that you willfinally requireare either the WD Green or WD Red hard drives or Ethernet Cables. Both options are exceptional but WD Red hard drives are more viable since you can easily attach to any NAS devices. Buying more than one hard drive might feel costly but you also losing your files will be extremely costly.

So, how do we connect the NAS to the router?

Important: Before doing any connections, ensure the NAS has been connected to the same IP address of the router.

As we have already stated, NAS works by being connected to a router so here are the steps you should follow when doing so.

How do you then configure the computer to the NAS?

This doesnot require you to know a lot about computing and all. Configuring files on the HTPC to share files and folders works over the LocalArea Network (LAN).
Right-click the computer icon then click on Map network drive option. Enter the IP Address of the Network Attached Storage and click on the Browse option. The IP Address of the router will pop up highlighted then double-click the address.
Select the name of the Network Attached Storage device and the files are free to any device connected to the wireless connection.

Can the NAS be connected directly to the computer?

If you are thinking of buying a NAS and hooking it up to your PC over the USB, well that is technically not possible. Once the NAS has been added as a network drive on the computer it will be on the drive list of the computer changing the primary function of the NAS.

Conclusion

Technology has been evolving over the years and you wouldnot want to be left behind. NAS devices have changed during the years and with different ways to connect it. However, connecting a NAS to a router has withstood the test of time. I would highly recommend the wireless way since may devices can access the files within the connection.

FAQs

Can you link the NAS to your gaming console?

The NAS can be linked directly to the consoles by the wireless connection access.

Can the NAS be plugged to a modem?

If the modem has an Ethernet port, then the connection will be possible.