What is network attached storage

This episode of Techsplainers explores network attached storage, or NAS, and explains why this long-standing storage approach still matters in modern infrastructure strategies. It walks through how NAS provides centralized file storage over a local network, making it easier for teams to share files, manage backups and maintain control over data. The episode follows NAS from the basics to the bigger picture, covering core components like HDDs, SSDs, controllers, operating systems and file-sharing protocols. It also explains the difference between scale-up and scale-out NAS, and compares enterprise NAS with smaller business or consumer setups. Along the way, clear comparisons between NAS, DAS and SAN architectures. The discussion also looks at where NAS fits today, including cloud integration, edge use cases and support for some AI workflows. Finally, it addresses the tradeoffs, the benefits, and the real-world use cases that keep NAS relevant. Learn more in https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/network-attached-storage Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers Narrated by Matt Finio