🛠 Create an automated NAS with the CM3588

Objectives

This tutorial aims to configure the CM3588 module as a high-performance Network Attached Storage (NAS) server, capable of managing local storage and synchronizing data to the cloud via the 2.5 GbE Ethernet network. We will leverage the octa-core CPU's power for data processing and the NPU for future content analysis tasks.

Required Hardware

• CM3588 Module (Standard or Plus version)
• Compatible Carrier Board (e.g., CoreBoard)
• 5-20VDC Power Supply (min. 12V/2A recommended for stability under load)
• SATA Hard Drive or NVMe SSD (connected via PCIe interfaces exposed by the 100-pin connectors)
• RJ45 Ethernet Cable
• HDMI Cable (for initial configuration)
• USB Keyboard and Mouse

Steps

1. System Preparation: Install Ubuntu 22.04 or Debian 12 on the CM3588. Update the system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y. Verify the RTL8125B network controller is recognized: ip a. The interface eth0 or enp1s0 should show a 2.5 Gbps connection.

1. Storage Mounting: Connect your NVMe or SATA drive. Identify it with lsblk. Format it to ext4 (if new): sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/nvme0n1p1. Create a mount point: sudo mkdir /mnt/nas. Mount the drive: sudo mount /dev/nvme0n1p1 /mnt/nas. Add an entry to /etc/fstab for automatic mounting at boot.

1. Samba Configuration: Install Samba for Windows/Linux network access: sudo apt install samba -y. Edit the configuration file: sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf. Add a [share] section defining the path /mnt/nas, writable = yes, and guest ok = yes (or configure users with smbpasswd -a user). Restart the service: sudo systemctl restart smbd.

1. Automation with Rclone: For cloud synchronization, install Rclone: sudo apt install rclone -y. Configure your provider (e.g., Google Drive) via rclone config. Create a bash script to sync /mnt/nas to the cloud every night. Make it executable and add it to the crontab: 0 2 * * * /home/user/sync_script.sh.

1. Secure Remote Access: To access the NAS from outside without exposing ports directly, install Tailscale or ZeroTier. Follow the client installation instructions, log in to your account, and note the virtual IP assigned to the CM3588.

Verification

From another device on the network, open the file explorer and type smb://CM3588_IP/share. You should see the drive contents. Check transfer speed with a 1 GB file; it should approach 2.5 GbE limits (approx. 280 MB/s). Verify that Rclone synchronization is working by checking logs: tail /var/log/syslog.

Going Further

Leverage the NPU (6 TOPS) to install local AI services like Frigate for motion detection on stored video streams, or Nextcloud for a complete web interface.