Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
NAS, aka Community Hooked up storage units, helps to beat storage issues and provides your information a centralized place. A spot the place individuals can entry and share information 24×7 by the community. Many corporations provide Software program + {Hardware} NAS containers, that are out-of-box NAS options; for instance, Qnap and Synology are two veteran NAS distributors.
The price of NAS containers relies upon on the options resembling the quantity of storage, RAM, CPU, and so forth. However if you wish to convert your outdated system right into a NAS field with out spending a whole bunch of dollars, right here is the answer. The Opensource Linux NAS functions are gentle Linux Distros with sufficient energy to deal with your storage drawback. You’ll be able to construct your individual NAS server in your small enterprise utilizing outdated or new server/PC {hardware}. Here’s a listing of among the greatest open-source NAS Linux Working methods out there on the Web.
You should use the NAS field and software program like OwnCloud to create a private dwelling cloud storage resolution. The private cloud resolution lets you sync your private recordsdata instantly from the desktop to cell units. You can even take heed to your songs and watch films in your cell phone these are saved in your NAS or private desktop, whereas on the go utilizing the web connection. Listed here are 6 open supply private cloud options.
Finest Free and Open Supply NAS for Small Enterprise & Enterprises
Working methods for a NAS server are particular software program that helps typical server duties. For instance, you allow file sharing for Home windows or macOS units; they stream content material to DLNA-enabled units and might function a mail server. They often have a command-line interface, however for administration, one can management the NAS server remotely from an area or different machine through the browser GUI internet interface. Right here is the listing of well-liked Linux Distros based mostly on Linux or FreeBSD meant for use for storage administration functions.
1. TrueNAS a.ok.a FreeNAS
TrueNas is without doubt one of the greatest free NAS server working system software program with ZFS Assist, it was earlier referred to as FreeNAS. It’s the preferred free and open-source NAS working system with enterprise-class options and an enterprise-ready ZFS open-source file system. TrueNAS is predicated on FreeBSD (for TrueNAS CORE) and Debian Linux (for TrueNAS SCALE). It may be put in nearly and on {hardware} to create a centralized information atmosphere. The interface it offers may be very intuitive (internet interface). It helps Home windows sharing SMB/CIFS, NFS and Apple file shares (AFP), FTP, and iSCSI. In addition to this, it additionally helps plugins to increase its performance, resembling CouchPotato, SickBeard, SABnzbd, Maraschino, HTPC Supervisor, and so forth.
One factor that needs to be observed earlier than putting in this OS on some Outdated-spec methods is that it wants quantity of RAM to work, particularly when planning to put in a ZFS file system.
Key Options of TrueNAS:
✅ File Sharing – Helps SMB, NFS, AFP, FTP, iSCSI, and WebDAV for sharing recordsdata throughout completely different units and working methods.
✅ ZFS File System – Offers information integrity, snapshots, and environment friendly storage administration.
✅ RAID Assist – Permits redundancy and safety towards drive failures.
✅ Virtualization & Docker – TrueNAS SCALE helps working VMs and Docker containers.
✅ Backup & Replication – Helps create backups, sync information, and shield towards information loss.
✅ Internet-Primarily based GUI – Simple-to-use interface for managing your NAS.
✅ Enterprise-Grade Options – Utilized by each dwelling customers and companies for high-performance storage.
TrueNAS Variations:
1️⃣ TrueNAS CORE – FreeBSD-based, dependable, and broadly used.
2️⃣ TrueNAS SCALE – Debian Linux-based, helps Docker, Kubernetes, and extra.
3️⃣ TrueNAS Enterprise – Enterprise-focused model with premium assist.
it’s an amazing resolution for private cloud storage, media servers (Plex, Jellyfin), enterprise backups, and virtualization. Let me know when you need assistance setting it up! 🚀
TrueNAS ISO Hyperlink
2. NAS4Free / XigmaNAS
NAS4Free, various to FreeNAS Options, is a Open Supply Storage NAS (Community-Hooked up Storage) distribution based mostly on FreeBSD. It was referred to as NAS4Free earlier, however in 2018, its developer renamed it XigmaNAS. XigmaNAS helps sharing throughout Home windows, Apple, and UNIX-like methods.
It consists of ZFS v5000, Software program RAID (0,1,5), disk encryption, S.M.A.R.T / e-mail experiences, and so forth., with the next protocols: CIFS/SMB (Samba), Energetic Listing Area Controller (Samba), FTP, NFS, TFTP, AFP, RSYNC, Unison, iSCSI (initiator and goal), HAST, CARP, Bridge, UPnP, and BitTorrent which is all extremely configurable by its WEB interface.
It helps ZFS and encryption providers. The online interface just isn’t very user-friendly, and one could discover it difficult to navigate and lengthen its performance by plugins.
Key Options of XigmaNAS:
✅ Helps A number of File Sharing Protocols – SMB, NFS, AFP, FTP, iSCSI, WebDAV, and so forth.
✅ ZFS and UFS File System Assist – Ensures information integrity, snapshots, and RAID configurations.
✅ Internet-Primarily based UI – Handle your NAS by a easy internet interface.
✅ Disk Encryption – Protects your delicate information.
✅ Virtualization & Plugins – Helps VirtualBox for working digital machines.
✅ Low {Hardware} Necessities – Can run on outdated or low-power {hardware}.
✅ Backup & Replication – Helps scheduled backups and real-time replication.
How is XigmaNAS Completely different from TrueNAS?
- XigmaNAS is light-weight, easy, and nice for fundamental NAS setups.
- TrueNAS (CORE/SCALE) is extra superior, with enterprise options, virtualization, and Docker assist.
- XigmaNAS is good for customers who need a easy, steady NAS with out the additional complexity.
Obtain XignMa NAS ISO
OpenMediaVault is a light-weight Debian-based Linux network-attached storage (NAS) resolution. It may be your alternative if you do not need ZFS. It offers SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS, Rsync, BitTorrent consumer, DAAP media server, and extra. It’s based mostly on Debian, which means you’ll get frequent updates and patches. Its plugin listing just isn’t huge however nonetheless evolves shortly and can hold dwelling customers joyful. The online interface it possesses may be very clear and user-friendly.
In case your {hardware} nonetheless helps the legacy USB boot methodology, you may obtain the most recent launch of OpenMediaVault as a picture. It’s at the moment best for UEFI methods to obtain the most recent Debian NetInst ISO and set up OpenMediaVault afterward.
The set up of this NAS software program works equally to Debian Linux, and after the setup, you’ll be requested to log in. By default, the username and password for OpenMediaVault are “root” and the password “openmedivault”.
OpenMediaVault or Debian Linux has an SSH server that provides directors full rights over the working system through a safe protocol. To do that, an SSH consumer have to be put in on the consumer.
Key Options of OpenMediaVault:
✅ Easy Internet Interface – Handle the whole lot from a browser; no Linux experience wanted.
✅ Helps A number of File Sharing Protocols – SMB/CIFS (Home windows), NFS (Linux), AFP (macOS), FTP, Rsync, WebDAV.
✅ RAID Assist – Configure RAID (0, 1, 5, 6, 10) for information redundancy.
✅ Docker & Plugins – Simply run Plex, Jellyfin, Nextcloud, or House Assistant functions.
✅ Person & Permission Administration – Management entry for a number of customers.
✅ Backup & Snapshot Assist – Integrates with Rsync and USB backup options.
✅ Power Environment friendly – Very best for low-power dwelling servers and Raspberry Pi.
Why Select OpenMediaVault?
🔹 Newbie-Pleasant – Simple setup, no deep Linux data wanted.
🔹 Light-weight – Works nicely on older {hardware} and Raspberry Pi.
🔹 Extremely Customizable – Helps plugins, Docker, and third-party integrations.
🔹 Energetic Neighborhood – Robust assist from builders and customers.
How is OMV Completely different from TrueNAS & XigmaNAS?
- OMV is Debian-based, whereas TrueNAS/XigmaNAS are FreeBSD-based.
- OMV is simpler for rookies, whereas TrueNAS/XigmaNAS is extra superior and optimized for enterprise use.
- OMV is nice for dwelling servers & media storage, whereas TrueNAS presents ZFS and enterprise-level options.
Obtain OpenMediVault
4. Rockstor: Opensource Personal Cloud & NAS Server
Rocktsor makes use of Linux and BTRFS, which offer NAS and cloud storage. Its model 4, which is the present one, is “Constructed on openSUSE” and provides ARM64 compatibility, e.g., Pi4, Ten64, and so forth. Whereas the older v3 was based mostly on CentOS and was X86_64 solely. It helps BTRFS, a filesystem like ZFS, to offer excessive information integrity and safety. Rocktsor can be utilized as a private cloud server and SMB Cloud Server with a clear and easy internet GUI
Private Cloud Server
Rockstor Private Cloud Server permits you to create your individual native non-public cloud to cut back the danger and price of the general public cloud.
Options
- Cut back value
- Successfully scale capability, handle privateness and efficiency
- Entry information from desktops, laptops, or cell units from anyplace.
- Transfer information between the general public cloud, Rockstor, and your units
SMB Cloud Server
Rockstor Small and Midsize Enterprise (SMB) Cloud Server is a novel construct for small companies that require the capability of a number of hundred Terabytes to seize the enterprise calls for. It can save you your essential enterprise information on Rockstor SMB cloud server and fewer delicate information on the general public cloud. This observe will lower the associated fee and improve the safety of information. Additionally, a corporation doesn’t must rely totally on an costly public cloud.
Useful useful resource: How To Set up Rockstor NAS On Ubuntu/Debian in Digital Machine
Options of SMB Cloud Server:
- Construct your Personal Cloud Storage with a hybrid workflow
- Seamlessly combine with public cloud storage
- Scale your storage as wants
Key Options of Rockstor:
✅ Btrfs-Primarily based Storage – Provides snapshots, RAID, self-healing, and information integrity.
✅ Internet-Primarily based UI – Simple-to-use interface for managing storage and providers.
✅ Docker & Rock-ons – Helps working containers and third-party functions like Plex, Nextcloud, and extra.
✅ RAID Assist – Native Btrfs RAID (0, 1, 10, 5, 6) for redundancy and efficiency.
✅ Computerized Snapshots & Rollbacks – Helps recuperate information shortly.
✅ NFS, SMB, and AFP Assist – Simply share recordsdata throughout completely different working methods.
✅ Scheduled Backups – Automate backups with Rsync and Btrfs instruments.
✅ Enterprise & Cloud Options – Helps cloud backups and multi-user administration.
Why Select Rockstor?
🔹 Btrfs Over ZFS – Not like TrueNAS and XigmaNAS, Rockstor makes use of Btrfs, which is built-in into Linux and has options like snapshots and checksums.
🔹 Light-weight & Versatile – Runs on minimal {hardware} however scales nicely for companies.
🔹 Rock-ons (Docker Apps) – Simply lengthen performance with pre-configured Docker containers.
🔹 Rolling Updates – Makes use of a Linux-based ecosystem, making updates clean and steady.
Get the Rockstor ISO
Nexenta’s free one is a group model of a industrial storage product. The free model can assist as much as 18TB of storage. It provides ZFS assist and is predicated on open Solaris known as Illumos. As it’s a strip model of the industrial product, you don’t have to fret about updates, stability, and assist.
It may be helpful for small companies and residential customers with restricted options. Nonetheless, if you would like appreciable enterprise grid performance, you will need to go for industrial Nexenta.
Key Options of NexentaStor Neighborhood Version:
✅ ZFS-Primarily based Storage – Offers excessive information integrity, compression, snapshots, and cloning.
✅ Enterprise-Class Efficiency – Very best for NAS and SAN environments with superior storage options.
✅ Internet-Primarily based Administration UI – Simple-to-use browser-based interface for configuring storage.
✅ SMB, NFS, and iSCSI Assist – Permits file and block-level sharing throughout a number of platforms.
✅ Excessive Availability & RAID Assist – Helps RAID-Z, mirroring, and redundancy options.
✅ Inline Knowledge Deduplication & Compression – Saves disk house effectively.
✅ Snapshot & Rollback Capabilities – Protects towards unintended information loss or corruption.
✅ Scalability – Can deal with petabytes of storage, making it nice for superior setups.
Why Select NexentaStor Over Different NAS Options?
🔹 ZFS File System – Provides higher information safety and reliability than conventional file methods.
🔹 Optimized for NAS & SAN – Not like TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault, which focus totally on NAS, NexentaStor helps each NAS & SAN environments.
🔹 Free Neighborhood Version – Whereas restricted in comparison with the industrial model, it’s a superb possibility for small deployments.
🔹 Excessive-Efficiency Storage – Designed for companies needing iSCSI or Fiber Channel SANs.
Limitations of the Neighborhood Version:
⚠️ Storage Restrict – The free model is restricted to 18TB of storage.
⚠️ No Business Assist – Not like the paid NexentaStor model, group customers depend on boards and documentation.
⚠️ Not as Person-Pleasant as OpenMediaVault or Rockstor – Extra suited to superior customers conversant in ZFS and enterprise storage setups.
Who Ought to Use NexentaStor Neighborhood Version?
✅ Customers Who Want ZFS with Enterprise Options (however don’t wish to pay for TrueNAS Enterprise).
✅ Companies Searching for a Free NAS/SAN Answer with iSCSI or Fiber Channel.
✅ Builders & IT Professionals who want a robust, ZFS-based storage platform.
✅ Superior Customers snug with OpenSolaris and command-line administration.
Get the Nexenta NAS ISO
6. Amahi
Amahi is a house server and media middle software program that turns any PC into a sturdy dwelling NAS (Community-Hooked up Storage) and media hub. Nonetheless, Amahi can’t be thought-about an correct NAS working system; as an alternative of NAS, it’s a well-known House server. It’s a group model constructed across the industrial model.
It’s a dwelling server with many apps and plugins to broaden its performance, resembling WordPress, Plex Media Server, OpenVPN, Personal Might, and extra. It handles your leisure, storage, and computing wants.
You’ll be able to retailer, arrange, and ship your recorded TV exhibits, movies, and music to media units in your community. It’s based mostly on the preferred distros, Fedora & Ubuntu. As it’s not a full-fledged NAS, please don’t use it in your vital or top-secret information. Additionally, we can’t rely totally on the cloud system they’re offering as a result of we don’t understand how safe it’s.
Obtain Amahi ISO
Key Options of Amahi
✅ Simple-to-Use Internet Interface – Handle the whole lot out of your browser.
✅ Community File Sharing – Helps SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV for cross-platform file entry.
✅ Automated Backups – Seamless Home windows, macOS, and Linux backup options.
✅ App Retailer (One-Click on Installs) – Set up media servers (Plex, Jellyfin), cloud storage (Nextcloud), and residential automation instruments simply.
✅ VPN Assist – Safe distant entry to your own home community through OpenVPN.
✅ Disk Pooling & RAID Assist – Mix a number of drives into one logical quantity.
✅ Power-Environment friendly – Very best for always-on dwelling servers utilizing low-power {hardware}.
✅ Private Cloud Storage – Sync and entry recordsdata from anyplace.
Why Select Amahi Over Different NAS Options?
🔹 Designed for House Customers – Not like TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault, Amahi focuses on ease of use somewhat than enterprise storage.
🔹 Constructed-in Media & Cloud Options – Helps Plex, Nextcloud, Transmission, and extra proper from the App Retailer.
🔹 Automated Community Storage – Again up recordsdata effortlessly while not having technical data.
🔹 Runs on Outdated or Low-Energy {Hardware} – Nice for repurposing an outdated PC into a house server.
Who Ought to Use Amahi?
✅ House Customers in search of an easy-to-use NAS.
✅ Media Fans who need a Plex or Jellyfin-powered dwelling theater.
✅ Households & Small Networks that want automated backups & file sharing.
✅ Anybody Who Needs a Private Cloud for accessing recordsdata remotely.
7. TurnKey File Server
TurnKey File Server is a pre-configured, light-weight Linux-based NAS resolution designed for straightforward file sharing, backups, and distant entry. In case you are in search of a easy file server with easy network-attached storage, then a pre-build turnkey resolution could be an possibility. It’s based mostly on Debian Linux and suitable with Home windows community file sharing, together with assist for SMB, SFTP, NFS, WebDAV, and rsync file switch protocols. Utilizing the Turnkey File server, customers can handle each non-public and public storage on Samba and SambaDAV. It has an easy-to-understand internet graphical person interface.
Key Options:
- SSL assist
- To handle SAMBA Webmin module integration
- WebUI and WebDAV entry
- UNIX and DOS codecs assist
- Entry the file server through Samba on the command line.
- Assist compression zip, rar, and bz2 instruments.
Key Options of TurnKey File Server
✅ Pre-Configured & Simple to Deploy – Comes with important providers pre-installed.
✅ Internet-Primarily based Administration (Webmin & Webshell) – Handle the whole lot from a browser.
✅ A number of File Sharing Protocols – Helps SMB/CIFS (Home windows), NFS (Linux), WebDAV, FTP, and Rsync.
✅ Constructed-in Backup System – Computerized backups with Duplicity and TurnKey Hub integration.
✅ TurnKey Core Safety Options – Comes with firewall, Fail2Ban, and OpenSSH for safe entry.
✅ Minimal System Necessities – Runs on outdated PCs, VMs, or cloud cases.
✅ Virtualization & Cloud-Prepared – Might be deployed as a VM on (VirtualBox, VMware, Proxmox), LXC container, or within the cloud (AWS, DigitalOcean, and so forth.).
Why Select TurnKey File Server Over Different NAS Options?
🔹 Fast Setup & Deployment – Very best for customers who want a file server with out advanced configurations.
🔹 Light-weight & Environment friendly – Requires fewer system assets than TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault.
🔹 Constructed-in Backup & Safety – Automated backups and security measures are included by default.
🔹 Nice for Small Companies & House Customers – Good for fundamental NAS performance and file sharing.
Who Ought to Use TurnKey File Server?
✅ Customers Who Need a Easy, Prepared-to-Use NAS with out advanced setup.
✅ Small Companies & House Customers needing fundamental file sharing and distant entry.
✅ Builders & IT Admins in search of a light-weight, pre-configured resolution.
✅ Anybody Who Needs a Cloud-Prepared NAS with backup integration.
Get a Turnkey File Server
8. EasyNAS
EasyNAS is a light-weight, open-source NAS (Community-Hooked up Storage) working system designed for dwelling customers and small companies. It’s based mostly on OpenSUSE Linux and presents a easy, easy-to-use resolution for organising community storage with minimal configuration. EasyNAS goals to offer a hassle-free NAS expertise with a clear internet interface and important options.
Key Options of EasyNAS
✅ Easy Internet-Primarily based Interface – No Linux data required.
✅ Btrfs-Primarily based Storage – Provides snapshots, self-healing, and information integrity.
✅ Helps A number of File Sharing Protocols – SMB (Home windows), NFS (Linux), FTP, WebDAV.
✅ RAID Assist – RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 for information safety and redundancy.
✅ Constructed-in Backup and Snapshots – Computerized information safety utilizing Btrfs options.
✅ Minimal {Hardware} Necessities – Can run on older PCs, dwelling servers, or low-power units.
✅ Plug-and-Play Setup – Fast set up and configuration.
Why Select EasyNAS Over Different NAS Options?
🔹 Newbie-Pleasant – Designed for customers who need a easy, GUI-based NAS with out technical complexity.
🔹 Makes use of Btrfs for Knowledge Safety – Not like OpenMediaVault or TrueNAS CORE, which use EXT4/ZFS, EasyNAS advantages from Btrfs’s built-in snapshots and error correction.
🔹 Low System Necessities – Can run on older {hardware} with minimal assets.
🔹 Centered on Simplicity – No pointless options, only a clear and easy NAS expertise.
9. ESOS – Enterprise Storage OS
Enterprise Storage OS is a quasi-Linux distribution based mostly on the SCST venture. It goals to offer SCSI targets through a suitable SAN (Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, iSCSI, FCoE). It’s a memory-friendly working system, which suggests the person can boot it from a USB flash drive, and the whole lot will likely be loaded into RAM to run in case it fails. A notification mail is pushed to a person by the ESOS.
Key Options of ESOS
✅ Two working modes: Manufacturing (default) and debug; in case any drawback seems, merely reboot in debug mode.
✅ Enterprise RAID controller CLI configuration instruments
✅ Textual content-based person interface (TUI)
✅ With the assistance of Linux software program RAID (MD) and Logical Quantity Supervisor (LVM2), customers can create superior back-end storage block machine configurations.
✅ Assist for Linux Ethernet bridging and NIC bonding
✅ Software program-based block layer cache options and presents superior ZFS storage subsystem
✅ Works with Symantec NetBackup, Symantec BackupExec, EMC/Legato NetWorker, Bakbone Netvault, Tivoli Storage Supervisor (TSM), and Bacula.
✅ Optimized for SAN Environments – Designed for iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand storage networks.
✅ Zoned Storage Administration – Helps Logical Quantity Supervisor (LVM) and multipath I/O.
✅ Excessive Efficiency & Low Latency – Very best for enterprise-level storage setups.
✅ Helps A number of RAID Ranges – Works with {hardware} RAID controllers and software program RAID.
✅ Enterprise-Grade Reliability – Designed for high-availability storage clusters.
✅ Command-Line Interface (CLI) Primarily based – Light-weight and minimalistic with no GUI overhead.
✅ Customizable & Extensible – Might be configured for particular storage wants.
Why Select ESOS Over Different Storage Options?
🔹 Optimized for SAN Storage – Not like NAS options like TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault, ESOS is constructed explicitly for block storage in enterprise environments.
🔹 Runs Fully from RAM – Not like conventional OS-based storage options, ESOS boots from RAM, offering high-speed efficiency with minimal latency.
🔹 Extremely Scalable – Helps large-scale storage deployments with multi-path I/O and Fibre Channel zoning.
🔹 Very best for Enterprise & Knowledge Facilities – Works nicely with virtualized environments like VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM.
Obtain ESOS
🔍 Open Supply NAS OS Options Comparability Desk
| Function | TrueNAS | XigmaNAS | OpenMediaVault | Rockstor | NexentaStor CE | Amahi | TurnKey File Server | EasyNAS | ESOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base OS | FreeBSD/Linux | FreeBSD | Debian | CentOS/AlmaLinux | OpenSolaris | Fedora | Debian | OpenSUSE | Linux (RAM-based) |
| File System | ZFS (CORE) / Btrfs (SCALE) | ZFS, UFS | EXT4, XFS, Btrfs | Btrfs | ZFS | EXT4, XFS | EXT4, XFS | Btrfs | EXT4, XFS |
| Finest For | Enterprise NAS & SAN | Superior FreeBSD Customers | House & Small Enterprise NAS | Linux & Docker Customers | Enterprise SAN & NAS | House NAS & Media | Primary File Server | Easy House NAS | Enterprise SAN (iSCSI, FC) |
| Internet UI | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure (Webmin) | ✅ Sure | ❌ No (CLI Solely) |
| Docker Assist | ❌ (Solely SCALE) | ❌ No | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure (Rock-ons) | ❌ No | ✅ Sure | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| RAID Assist | ✅ ZFS RAID | ✅ ZFS RAID | ✅ Software program RAID | ✅ Btrfs RAID | ✅ ZFS RAID-Z | ✅ Disk Pooling | ✅ Software program RAID | ✅ Btrfs RAID | ✅ {Hardware} & Software program RAID |
| Snapshot Assist | ✅ Sure (ZFS/Btrfs) | ✅ Sure (ZFS) | ✅ Sure (Btrfs) | ✅ Sure (Btrfs) | ✅ Sure (ZFS) | ❌ No | ✅ Sure (Duplicity) | ✅ Sure (Btrfs) | ❌ No |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Simple) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) | ⭐⭐ (Superior) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Simple) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Simple) | ⭐ (Superior – CLI Solely) |
| Open-Supply | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ❌ No (Neighborhood Version Solely) | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure |
🔹 Which NAS Ought to You Select?
✅ Go for TrueNAS– In the event you want ZFS-based enterprise-level storage with highly effective NAS & SAN options.
✅ Go for XigmaNAS – If you need ZFS-based storage in a extra simple FreeBSD-based system.
✅ Go for OpenMediaVault- In the event you want an easy-to-use NAS for dwelling or small enterprise setups.
✅ Go for Rockstor – In the event you choose Btrfs over ZFS and want Docker & virtualization assist.
✅ Go for NexentaStor CE – In the event you want a high-performance SAN & NAS with ZFS for companies.
✅ Go for Amahi – If you need a easy dwelling NAS specializing in media streaming & private cloud.
✅ Go for TurnKey File Server – In the event you want a light-weight, pre-configured file server.
✅ Go for EasyNAS – If you need a easy, beginner-friendly Btrfs NAS for dwelling use.
✅ Go for ESOS – In the event you want a CLI-based SAN storage system with iSCSI, Fibre Channel & InfiniBand.
Basic NAS/SAN Questions
| What’s the greatest free NAS software program in 2025? |
| ✅ The highest free and open-source NAS options in 2025 embrace TrueNAS CORE, OpenMediaVault, XigmaNAS, Rockstor, and EasyNAS. Every presents distinctive options based mostly on person wants. |
| What’s the distinction between NAS and SAN? |
| ✅ NAS (Community Hooked up Storage) is file-based and designed for dwelling & enterprise file sharing, whereas SAN (Storage Space Community) is block-based and used for high-performance enterprise storage. |
| Is there a very free NAS software program? |
| ✅ Sure! TrueNAS CORE, OpenMediaVault, XigmaNAS, and Rockstor are 100% free and open-source NAS options. Some premium NAS options provide restricted free variations. |
| Can I flip an outdated PC right into a NAS? |
| ✅ Sure! You’ll be able to set up OpenMediaVault, TrueNAS CORE, or XigmaNAS on an outdated PC to show it into a completely purposeful NAS. |
| What’s the greatest NAS resolution for rookies? |
| ✅ OpenMediaVault is the perfect beginner-friendly NAS attributable to its easy internet interface and simple setup. |
| Which NAS software program helps ZFS? |
| TrueNAS CORE, XigmaNAS, and NexentaStor CE provide ZFS assist, making certain information integrity, snapshots, and excessive efficiency. |
| What NAS software program helps Docker? |
| ✅ Rockstor, OpenMediaVault, and TrueNAS SCALE assist Docker & containers for working further apps. |
| Can I take advantage of a NAS for media streaming? |
| ✅ Sure! TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, and Amahi are nice for Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby media streaming. |
| Which NAS software program helps RAID? |
| ✅ TrueNAS, XigmaNAS, OpenMediaVault, and Rockstor assist RAID (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10) for redundancy and efficiency. |
| Can I entry my NAS remotely? |
| ✅ Sure! Most NAS options assist VPN, WebDAV, and Cloud Sync, permitting distant file entry. |
| Which open-source NAS is greatest for companies? |
| ✅ TrueNAS CORE, NexentaStor CE, and ESOS are perfect for enterprise & enterprise storage attributable to their reliability, safety, and efficiency. |
| How a lot RAM do I want for a NAS? |
| ✅ It is dependent upon the NAS software program:
OpenMediaVault / Amahi: 2GB minimal |
| Is Btrfs higher than ZFS for a NAS? |
| ✅ Btrfs is light-weight and versatile, whereas ZFS is extra highly effective for large-scale storage. Rockstor and OpenMediaVault assist Btrfs, whereas TrueNAS and XigmaNAS use ZFS. |
| What’s the greatest free SAN software program? |
| ✅ ESOS (Enterprise Storage OS) and NexentaStor CE are nice free SAN options supporting iSCSI and Fibre Channel. |
| How do I set up TrueNAS CORE? |
| ✅ Obtain the ISO file, create a bootable USB, and set up it in your devoted NAS system. Configuration is finished through an online interface. |
| Can I take advantage of a Raspberry Pi as a NAS? |
| ✅ Sure! OpenMediaVault and EasyNAS are optimized for Raspberry Pi-based NAS setups. |
| How do I backup my NAS information? |
| ✅ Most NAS software program helps Rsync, ZFS snapshots, and cloud backups to guard information. |
| Is NAS nonetheless related in 2025? |
| ✅ Sure! With rising information wants, open-source NAS software program stays a cheap and scalable resolution for dwelling customers, companies, and cloud storage alternate options. |
| Will AI influence NAS storage? |
| ✅ AI-powered NAS options might improve automation, safety, and storage administration within the coming years. |
| What’s the greatest NAS for AI workloads? |
| ✅ TrueNAS SCALE is the only option for AI-based NAS attributable to Docker/Kubernetes assist and high-performance storage. |
Different Linux open-source NAS/SAN initiatives
Other than the above-given options, listed below are just a few inactive, lively, and outdated initiatives to take a look at when you’ve got an in-house developer and wish to develop one thing your individual.
11. PetaSAN
PetaSAN is an lively open-source Scale-Out SAN resolution that depends on the Ceph storage engine (open-source SDS cloud storage resolution) whereas updating this text. PetaSAN is designed from the bottom as much as do one factor: present extremely out there clustered iSCSI disks. It makes use of fashionable cloud-based applied sciences to offer elasticity and agility. PetaSAN offers extremely out there clustered iSCSI disks and its digital IP tackle can establish every.
Similar to the NAS working system talked about above, the PetaSAN may also be operated utilizing the graphical person interface from non-Linux methods utilizing the browser. If you need a command line, then SSH is all the time there.
Obtain PetaSAN
10. OpenDedupe
OpenDedupe is one other open-source cloud storage gateway and filesystem. It has been out there since 2010 when it was developed by the filesystem SDFS and the Datish NAS equipment. It’s an inline deduplication file system-based NAS OS for native or cloud storage functions, together with superior attributes resembling storage optimization and scaling to safe and take care of giant quantities of information. It’s out there on OpenDedup Deduplication NAS Digital Equipment to shortly set up and begin working with it.
Get opendedup
Openfiler is one other enterprise-level NAS/SAN Distro like FreeNAS. It might simply convert your outdated system into IP-based storage. Openfiler offers precious options resembling iSCSI goal for virtualization, Fibre Channel goal assist, and block-level replication.
You may face some replace issues with it. Additionally, the working system on which it’s based mostly is rPath Linux distribution. It has not been up to date since 2008, which makes it not a really dependable alternative, however you may lay your arms upon it for studying or to fork out some new NAS software program distro.
Obtain Openfiler
CryptoNAS (DEAD)
CryptoNAS is a web-based NAS server OS previously referred to as CryptoBox. This NAS venture is primarily targeted on-disk encryption. It comes as a CryptoNAS stay CD and CryptoNAS-Server bundle.
CryptoNAS live-CD: The stay CD can use to encrypt information with out bothering about sophisticated technical points. A pc working on live-CD works as a file server (NAS) that encrypts your non-public information.
CryptoNAS-Server bundle provides a user-friendly, web-based entrance finish for arduous disk encryption to an current file server.
Be aware: The CryptoNAS has not been up to date for the final 7 years, so this is able to not be a reliable venture. For only a data function, it’s right here.
Different Helpful Sources:
