DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE (NAS) SYSTEM USING COMMON INTERNET FILE SYSTEM FOR FEDERAL COLLEGE OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, APATA, IBADAN

This project presents the design and implementation of a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device utilizing the Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol to facilitate efficient, secure, and centralized file sharing over a local area network. With the growing demand for cost-effective and scalable storage solutions in both home and small-scale enterprise environments, NAS offers a reliable method for managing data storage independently of traditional server infrastructures. The system was developed using open- source tools and configured to operate on a Window-based platform, integrating CIFS to enable seamless file sharing with Window based Clients. This project focuses on the design and implementation of a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system a dedicated file storage device that allows multiple users and client devices to access and share data over a network The CIFS protocol, being an extension of the Server Message Block (SMB), ensures interoperability across diverse operating systems while maintaining support for authentication, file locking, and file permissions. Testing and evaluation were conducted to validate system performance, data accessibility, and network efficiency. The outcome of the project demonstrates that a low-cost NAS solution built with CIFS can effectively meet the storage needs of users, ensuring ease of access, reliability, and data security. With the growth of big data, remote work, and cloud integration, modern NAS systems often incorporate advanced features such as RAID configurations, snapshot backups, encryption, and hybrid cloud synchronization. This makes NAS a critical component in contemporary data storage strategies, balancing accessibility, reliability, and security in networked environments. This implementation serves as a foundational model for deploying NAS devices in academic, small business, or home office settings. The increasing need for efficient data sharing and storage management in small offices, academic departments, and home networks highlights the relevance of NAS solutions. FreeNAS, an open-source storage operating system based on FreeBSD, was chosen for its robust features, web-based interface, and ease of deployment. CIFS, a widely supported protocol compatible with Windows systems, was integrated to facilitate seamless file sharing and access across multiple users and devices. The system supports user authentication, permission control, and data integrity mechanisms. The NAS system was configured using a Windows 10 platform with Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol for file sharing and accessibility. The methodology involved system design, hardware setup, software configuration, and testing of storage performance and data accessibility. The NAS device provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for data management by enabling centralized storage, remote access, and improved data security. Results from testing demonstrated high accessibility, efficient data transfer rates, and seamless sharing across multiple users on the local network. This project serves as a model for implementing scalable storage solutions in academic institutions, small businesses, and personal computing networks