Hey all
Perhaps this is old news, but I find a very cost-effective media server can be configured with a high-quality Wi-Fi router and portable SSD, connected via USB on the router.
My equipment in play here are:
AXN10
ASUS TUF AX3000 v2 gaming router
Samsung T5 250 GB SSD portable
I have experimented with direct SSD connection to AXN10, as well as via the USB port on the router.
When connected to router, one can configure a media server for the SSD and select the path to the root of one's music files. The ASUS supports iTunes and Windows media servers.
The router approach allows one also to use the SSD and media server for other available media, such as pictures and video. It is visible to the AXN10 (or any network streamer on the router network), as well as local computers as a media server (assuming Windows or Apple computers).
The AXN10 approach confines the media to music files. Of course, the AXN10 can also act as media server for music when such an SSD is connected direct to it. The AXN10 will appear in Windows network sources as a media server when it has an SSD connected to it via USB.
Small downside is that the Asus media server does not recognize the CD artwork files, whereas the direct AXN10 connection does.
Although this is not as elaborate or data safe as a connected NAS media server, it is much quicker and cheaper to buy and configure.