20 NAS Storage Interview Questions and Answers

When interviewing for a position in IT, you may be asked questions about NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices. These devices are used to store and share data over a network. If you are applying for a position that involves working with NAS devices, it is important to be familiar with the most common questions that are asked about them. In this article, we will review some of the most frequently asked NAS interview questions and provide tips on how to answer them.

NAS Storage Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked NAS Storage interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is NAS storage?

NAS storage is a type of storage that is designed to be used with a network attached storage (NAS) server. A NAS server is a computer that is connected to a network and provides file storage and sharing services to other devices on the network. NAS storage is designed to be used with these types of servers, and it provides a number of benefits over other types of storage, such as improved performance and scalability.

2. Can you explain what a network-attached storage device is and how it works?

A network-attached storage device is a type of storage device that connects directly to a network instead of to a computer. This allows for centralized storage and easier access to files for multiple users. Network-attached storage devices usually come with their own software that helps to manage and organize the files on the device.

3. Why do we need NAS storage?

NAS storage is a type of storage that is designed to be used over a network. This means that it is easy to access and share data over a network, which can be very useful for businesses or other organizations. NAS storage can be used to store data that is accessed frequently, or it can be used to store data that is only accessed occasionally.

4. How does the read/write process work with NAS devices?

When data is written to a NAS device, it is first stored in a temporary location. Once the data has been verified as being correct and complete, it is then written to the main storage location. When data is read from a NAS device, the device will first check the main storage location for the requested data. If the data is not found there, the device will then check the temporary storage location.

5. What are some of the main applications for NAS storage systems?

Some of the main applications for NAS storage systems include file sharing, data backup and recovery, and media streaming. NAS storage systems are a great way to share files and data between multiple users or devices, and they can also be used to store large amounts of data for backup and recovery purposes. Additionally, NAS storage systems are often used for media streaming applications, as they can provide a fast and reliable way to access and stream media files.

6. What are some use cases where a NAS system would be preferred over direct attached storage or SAN?

There are a few key reasons why you might want to use a NAS system rather than direct attached storage or a SAN. One reason is that NAS systems are designed to be accessed over a network, so they are much easier to share data between multiple users or devices. Another reason is that NAS systems usually come with built-in redundancy and failover features, so they are much more reliable than direct attached storage. Finally, NAS systems are often easier to expand and scale than other storage solutions, so they can grow with your needs over time.

7. What’s the difference between an NFS server and an SMB server?

NFS servers are designed to be used with Unix-like operating systems, while SMB servers are designed to be used with Windows operating systems. NFS servers use a simpler protocol than SMB servers, which can make them faster and easier to use. However, SMB servers offer more features than NFS servers, such as the ability to support multiple users and to provide access to resources over a network.

8. What happens when multiple clients try to access the same file on a NAS device at the same time?

When multiple clients try to access the same file on a NAS device at the same time, the device will create separate instances of the file for each client. This ensures that each client can access and modify the file without affecting the other clients.

9. How are NAS devices connected to other networked computers?

NAS devices are connected to other networked computers via an Ethernet connection.

10. Is it possible to connect more than one host computer to a single NAS device? If yes, then under what conditions can this be done?

Yes, it is possible to connect more than one host computer to a single NAS device. This can be done in a number of ways, including using a network switch or router to connect the devices, or by connecting the NAS device directly to each host computer. However, it is important to note that the performance of the NAS device may be impacted if multiple host computers are trying to access it at the same time.

11. How does caching work in NAS systems?

Caching in NAS systems works by storing data in a temporary location so that it can be accessed more quickly. When data is requested from the NAS system, the system will first check the cache to see if the data is available. If it is, then the data will be retrieved from the cache and returned to the user. If the data is not available in the cache, then the system will retrieve it from the NAS system and store it in the cache for future use.

12. Do all NAS devices implement hardware-based RAID?

No, not all NAS devices implement hardware-based RAID. Some NAS devices use software-based RAID, which can be less reliable and may impact performance.

13. Are there any security concerns associated with using NAS devices instead of local hard drives?

Yes, there are some security concerns to be aware of when using NAS devices. Because NAS devices are connected to a network, they are more vulnerable to attack than local hard drives. Additionally, NAS devices usually do not have the same level of security features as local hard drives, so it is important to be sure that your NAS device is properly configured and secured.

14. How much data can a single NAS device store?

The answer to this question depends on the specific NAS device in question. Some NAS devices are designed for home use and only have a few terabytes of storage, while others are designed for enterprise use and can have several petabytes of storage.

15. How many users can a NAS support at one time?

The number of users that a NAS can support at one time will depend on the specific NAS model. Some NAS devices are designed for home use and can only support a handful of users, while others are designed for enterprise use and can support hundreds or even thousands of users.

16. What is a shared folder?

A shared folder is a folder that can be accessed by multiple users on a network. This allows users to share files and collaborate on projects.

17. What is the importance of RDMA in NAS storage?

RDMA is important in NAS storage because it allows for direct data transfer between two devices without involving the CPU. This can help to improve performance and reduce latency.

18. Can you explain what CIFS is?

CIFS is a protocol that allows for file sharing over a network. It is most commonly used in Windows environments.

19. What are the differences between FTP, SFTP, and SCP protocols?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the most common protocol for transferring files over the internet. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a more secure version of FTP that uses SSH for encryption. SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a command line tool that can be used for transferring files over SSH.

20. How is cloud storage different from NAS storage?

Cloud storage is a type of storage that allows users to store and access data over the internet. NAS storage, on the other hand, is a type of storage that is designed to be used with a network attached storage device. NAS storage is typically used for storing and sharing files over a network, while cloud storage can be used for both personal and business purposes.