🛠 Setting up a lightweight NAS with Xerxes Nano

Objectives

This tutorial guides beginners through configuring a simple Network Attached Storage (NAS) using the Xerxes Nano carrier board. We will install an NVMe drive, configure Ethernet connectivity, and verify data access. The goal is to understand the interaction between local storage and network connectivity on this compact board.

Required Material

• Xerxes Nano carrier board
• NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super or Turing RK1 module
• M.2 NVMe SSD (2280 format recommended)
• RJ45 Ethernet cable
• USB-C or PoE power supply
• USB drive with OS image (Ubuntu Server or JetPack)
• HDMI monitor and keyboard (for initial setup)

Steps

1. Physical Installation : Insert the Jetson or Turing module into the Xerxes Nano connector. Ensure the power jumper is set to USB if using a standard adapter. Insert the NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot and secure it with the provided screw.
2. System Preparation : Connect the monitor, keyboard, and installation USB drive. Power on the board. Follow on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu Server or JetPack on the NVMe SSD. This ensures the OS resides on fast storage.
3. Network Configuration : Once the OS is installed, connect the Ethernet cable to the Gigabit port. Open a terminal. Identify the network interface with the following command :

ip a

Note the interface name (often eth0 or enP1p1). Configure a static IP for stable access.

1. Storage Mounting : Create a share directory and mount the SSD if necessary (though the OS is already installed, you can create additional partitions or shared folders).

sudo mkdir /mnt/nas

Verification

Verify the drive is recognized by the system :

lsblk

Ensure the network interface has a valid IP address :

curl ifconfig.me

From another computer on the same network, try pinging the Xerxes Nano's IP address to confirm connectivity.

Going Further

Explore the open-source 'Xerxes Home Lab' tool on macOS for graphical management. You can then install Samba to share files with Windows or macOS, turning your setup into a true home NAS.