How To Set Up Network Attached Storage (NAS) On Ubuntu

Team LN Webworks · 11 Sep, 2025

Overview Of Network Attached Storage (NAS)

A Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated file storage system that provides file access to multiple users and clients over a network. Unlike traditional external storage, a NAS offers.

Centralized Storage

A single, accessible location for all your digital assets.

Network-Wide Access

Files can be accessed from computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Data Sharing

Easy file sharing across different devices and platforms.

Backup and Redundancy

Simplifies data backup and protection strategies.

Prerequisites For Setting Up a NAS

Essential hardware, software, and network configurations needed to build a reliable and efficient NAS system.

Hardware Requirements

A dedicated computer or server running Ubuntu
Sufficient storage drives (HDD or SSD)
Stable network connection (Ethernet recommended)

Software Requirements

Ubuntu Server or Desktop (22.04 LTS recommended)
Minimum system requirements (2 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM, 20 GB available storage)

Network Preparation

Static IP address or DHCP reservation for the NAS server.
Network router with adequate bandwidth.
Firewall configurations

How To Set Up A NAS With Samba: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a NAS with Samba on Ubuntu allows you to share files across your network easily. Start by installing Samba on your Ubuntu server, then configure the Samba settings and create shared directories.

1. System Update and Samba Installation

# Update system packages sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -y # Install Samba sudo apt install samba -y # Verify Samba installation whereis samba

2. Configure Samba

Edit Samba configuration

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Add the following configuration

[global] workgroup = WORKGROUP server string = %h server (Samba, Ubuntu) security = user map to guest = bad user dns proxy = no

[Apps] path = /samba/apps browseable = yes writable = yes guest ok = yes read only = no create mask = 0777 directory mask = 0777

3. Validate and Restart Samba

# Check configuration testparm # Restart Samba services sudo systemctl restart smbd nmbd

4. Configure Firewall

sudo ufw allow samba sudo ufw enable

5. Create Samba Shared Directory

# Create directory with full permissions mkdir -p /samba/apps chmod -R 777 /samba/apps

Optimizing Your Client-Side Setup For Samba Access

A guide to configuring Samba access on Windows, Linux, and Mac for seamless file sharing.

Windows Access

Path: <Server_IP>Apps (example : \192.168.1.2Apps)
Requires Windows SMB/CIFS support

Linux Client Setup

# Install required packages sudo apt install cifs-utils samba-client -y

# Create mount point sudo mkdir -p /mnt/samba/apps

# Mount Samba share sudo mount -t cifs //<Server_IP>/Apps /mnt/samba/apps

Linux access :- Use :- > files

Enter : smb://<Samba_IP>/apps/

Mac Access

Use Finder > Go > Connect to Server.
Enter: smb://<Server_IP>/apps

Troubleshooting

Verify network connectivity
Check Samba service status: sudo systemctl status smbd nmbd
Confirm share configurations
Verify firewall settings

References

Samba Documentation : https://www.samba.org/samba/docs/
Ubuntu Server Guide : https://ubuntu.com/server/docs

Conclusion

Setting up a NAS system with Samba on Ubuntu provides a methodical way to centralize file storage and improve data sharing across devices. At LN Webworks, we specialize in IT solutions and can help you configure and optimize your NAS for seamless operation.

Ready To Discuss Your Idea?

Collaborate with us and bring your ideas to life.

Get Started