The bar for a NAS can be lower than the ultra-expensive hardware it usually requires. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a hard drive or a DAS plugged into a Wi-Fi router via its USB port.

Yes, it's a USB port. Let's get that out of the way right off the bat, as if the big picture of a USB port on a router above wasn't enough to tip you off. In case you've never noticed, or thought to use it, if your router has a USB port on it there's a good chance you can actually use that router as a basic NAS.

If you have a big house, or if you just have thick walls, a mesh network is a really good way to make your network reach every corner of your home. But you'd be surprised by how many people mess up the installation.