FreeNAS configuration for a OSX network

The next key part of our local network is our FreeNAS storage server. It’s primary use is to store encoded media files for projection on our home theater system. We source content from an EyeTV PVR recorder on the mac. Once the shows are recorded we transcode into a variety of codecs as the need arises, usually choosing some form of H264 that can play nicely in quicktime.

The basic setup couldn’t be easier. You need the following kit to get started:

PC hardware for server (any Pentium box should work)

iso disk burned from the FreeNAS image

reboot your pc with the cd and install!

Configure up your FreeNAS box

I have tested many different protocols for file sharing.

AFP seemed like an obvious choice… Nope it’s way to slow. It’s age can be clearly seen these days.

How about NFS, the MAC is a unix box right, so let’s use NFS. Well, NFS works and is very fast, but has some permissions issues that are a bear to work through across both Tiger and Leopard. So that was no joy also.

FTP – that’s nice and fast and drop dead easy, however the interface for non technical users is not that great on the MAC unless you add some 3rd party software.

SMB – This is what I finally settled on as the best compromise. It seems strange to be using a windows networking protocol on a network that has no windows computers, but hey use what works I say. It’s fast and easy and the Samba implementation on FreeNAS is top notch. All the MACs can easily browse to the server and connect with no issues.

FreeNAS supports software raid and many different types of disks and configurations. Check out the install guides for all the details. What’s neat is it also supports the most basic cheap solutions to help you get going with a NAS box. I simply picked up a 320GB ATA drive and plugged it in and was sharing in minuets. Give it a try and I promise you won’t go back to local storage!