Looking for a network drive

[Michael Kammes]

Look into the SAN forum here.

https://forums.creativecow.net/sanetworks

Long story short:

You want a SAN. Storage Area Network. This is a centralized collection of drives and a software “layer” that enables clients to pull large packets of data (video) over Ethernet or fibre fast enough to edit with….and hopefully with some form of redundancy. These are usually more expensive than a NAS….

NAS: Network Attached Storage. While they, too, are centralized drives, they use the typical Ethernet protocol that you would find in a home or corporate facility. Sustained throughput for video is not guaranteed, and thus not recommended. Best as a file server for transferring files, not playing from.

I suggest determining the following:

1. What codec are you using for your footage?
2. How many hours of this codec do you need accessible?
3. After you calculate that, add 35% for RAID 5 overhead and keeping the drives with 30% free.
4. If uncompressed, is that necessary? This will HELP determine if you need Fibre or an Ethernet connection to each machine.
5. 3 systems, all pulling 1080 (I presume compressed) I would recommend no less than 12 drives. If doing a ton of layers, then 16 – 24 is great.

For a SAN for 3 machines, expect a pricetage over $10K, ballpark. However, I don;t think this will be enough for you. Most basic ones are alot more especially for a reliable, name brand which will meet your requirements. I gauge $25K+.

This is all very, very rough. When determining a SAN solution, there are a ton of factors, some I have not even touched on. I recommend turning to a SAN reseller to help you out.

.: michael kammes mpse
.: senior applications editor . post workflow consultant
.: audio specialist . act fcp . acsr
.: michaelkammes.com

[Chris Gordon]

I’ll just reiterate what Michael has said.

1. This isn’t cheap. Do it right the first time (spend the money) or what you spend will all be wasted and you’ll spending even more when you have to redo things the right way.
2. Get help. There is an entire profession of Storage Architects and Storage Administrators. These professions exist because this stuff can be complex. The various vendors can help design solutions and either have professional services people to do the work or should be able to point you to local consultants to help out. Get designs/quotes from several if you can to help ensure you’re getting a good solution and a good price.