NAS Boxes or Network Attached Storage boxes are becoming more and more popular not only for their uses but because they are getting more and more powerful and feature packed! When NAS boxes first came out they were your basic network storage solution but now they've got their own CPUs, ram and operating systems built into them so that they are basically a server that can do on a small scale what mutli-thousand dollar servers do. With these new breeds of NAS boxes you can even host your own website, stream media, and of course access your data from anywhere in the world just by typing in a web address.

A little bit ago I took a look at the Thecus N3200 NAS box and it was a nice choice overall, but today for review I've got the TS-109 Pro II Turbo NAS from QNAP that personally I like much better than the Thecus. One of the main reasons is that it only uses one drive, the other reason is because of the features and abilities of the TS-109 Pro II, this box is small but packed to the brim with numerous features that anyone will love and use. This box even has a 500Mhz CPU with 256MB of DDR2 ram built in to make sure the system runs smoothly and does what you want when you want it to.

So continue on to learn more about a very nice product from QNAP...

QNAP TS-109 Pro II Turbo NAS Review

Author: Kristofer Brozio

Sponsor: QNAP

Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:

QNAP TS-109 II Pro Turbo Nas

Features:

A reliable network-attached storage (NAS) is an important asset for most small business nowadays to keep their data safe and sound. The high performance, all-functions-in-one TS-109 Pro II is their best choice. The NAS adopts Marvell 500MHz CPU and 256MB DDRII memory which largely enhances system performance and remains highly stable even when there are multiple simultaneous accesses to the services. The friendly web-based interface enables users to easily set up a network system for all sorts of storage applications without MIS help.

TS-109 Pro II inherits the previous Turbo NAS generation as a powerful centralized storage centre. New functions that were only available in enterprise-class servers are now supported on Turbo NAS. For example, the HDD S.M.A.R.T. provides complete information of the hard drive status to prevent potential physical drive failure. The comprehensive log system summarizes the detailed data access records and connection status to the server administrator. All errors and warning messages can also be sent via e-mail alerts for ease of maintenance.

The Turbo NAS supports versatile functions for small business users, including File Server, FTP Server, Printer Server, etc. to satisfy the needs of small business and SOHO users. Windows AD (Active Directory) is supported to help create an easy-to-access environment and lower the maintenance cost by centralized management. With built-in phpMyAdmin, Joomla!, MySQL and SQLite, SMB and SOHO users can easily set up their own web and database server. Moreover, the editable php.ini support enables higher flexibility in creating web pages. TS-109 Pro II provides the most complete backup solution for secure data protection: Encrypted remote replication, auto-sync/ instant/ schedule backup by professional NetBak Replicator, and unique Q-RAID 1 mirroring for real-time data protection.

With its noise-free design and outstanding heat dissipation technology, TS-109 Pro II can run 24x7 silently at low power consumption of only 14.4W. It is undoubtedly an ideal choice for small business looking for a quiet and energy-saving storage application.

Specs:

Hardware Spec.

CPU Marvell 5182 500MHz

DRAM 256 MB DDRII

Flash Memory 8MB

HDD 1* 3.5" SATA I/II HDD, up to 1TB, expandable to 2TB via eSATA/ USB (the standard system is shipped without HDD)

LAN Port 1 * Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet port

LED Indicators Status, USB, LAN, HDD, Power

USB 3 * USB 2.0, support USB printer, disk, digital camera, pen drive, USB hub, and USB UPS etc.

eSATA 1x eSATA port

Buttons Intelligent USB auto-copy button

Power button

Reset button

Alarm Buzzer System Warning

Form Factor Portable desktop

Dimensions 210 (D)x 60 (W)x 182 (H) mm

Weight Net weight: 1.2 kg

Gross weight: 2.1 kg

Temperature 0~35 ?

Humidity 0~95% R.H.

Power Supply External Adapter, 36W, 100-240V

Power Consumption Sleeping mode: 6.6W

In operation: 14.4W

Energy-saving Design Fanless, HDD sleep mode

Low power consumption & noise-free

Thermal Solution Smart Fan

Secure Design K-Lock security slot for theft prevention

Software Spec.

Powerful All-in-one server

File server

File sharing across Windows/ Mac/ Linux/ Unix and centralized management

FTP server

Support data access from remote location via FTP Server. Support up to 32 concurrent connections

FTP with SSL/ TLS (explicit) mode

Passive FTP port range control

Backup server

Client-side backup software-NetBak Replicator supports Instant, Schedule, and Auto-sync backup

3rd party backup software support: Acronis True Image, CA Brightstor ARCserver Backup, EMC Retrospect, Symantec Backup Exec

Printer server

Network printer sharing via USB (support Windows & Mac platform)

Support all-in-one printer (max. 3 sets)

Remote Replication

Block-level remote replication supports instant, schedule backup management; support synchronization mode

Web Server

Establish users own web page and interactive websites with editable PHP.ini, SQLite and MySQL dual support, joomla!

My SQL Server

Support MySQL database server

UPnP Media Server

Support UPnP/ DLNA multimedia technology; share stored photos and home videos on TV, listen to music on Hi-Fi system via DMP

Enjoy more than hundreds of worldwide Internet radio (built-in TwonkyMedia)

Support DLNA media playing with PS3, Xbox360, PSP

Support Nokia N95 (DLNA control point)

iTunes Server

Act as an iTunes server on your network, and you can play all your music files by iTunes software on your PC/NB.

Multimedia Station

Image slide show and rotation (+90°, -90°)

Showing photo details: dates, exposure time, aperture, etc.

Auto generating thumbnails for easy browsing

Photo album access authority management

Multimedia files (video and audio) local play

Automatic file categorization

Download Station

New BT client: Support TCP, UDP, and encrypted BT download

Support BitTorrent/ FTP/ HTTP download (without PC)

Unique remote download control software: QGet (Windows-based application), allows you to control the download tasks of multiple Turbo NASes on one PC via LAN/ WAN.

BitTorrent download supports DHT

Download configuration (current seed number, configurable port range, bandwidth control, download percentage, UPnP NAT port forwarding for BitTorrent download)

Download task management (Automatic relaying if interrupted)

Download status list management (download percentage)

Support access from Mac by Mozilla Firefox

Software Specifications:

Operation System:Linux-embedded system

Networking:

TCP/IP, DHCP Client, DHCP Server, CIFS/SMB, AFP, NFS, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, DDNS, NTP, Gigabit Jumbo Frame

File System

EXT3 (Internal/ external HDD)

FAT (External HDD)

NTFS (External HDD, read-only)

Supported Clients:

Microsoft® Windows® 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/ XP/ 2003/ Vista 32-bit

Macintosh® OS X

Linux and Unix

Disk usage status management

Check disk (Check Linux file system)

HDD S.M.A.R.T.

Bad blocks scan

User Management:

User quota management (per user)

Windows AD Service support

User account management (max. 256 users)

User group management (max. 128 groups)

File System Management:

Network share management (max. 256 shares)

Share folder level ACL support

Unicode support

Journaling file system

Web File Manager

System Tools:

E-mail alert (SMTP authentication)

HDD standby mode

Disk usage alert

Automatic power on after power loss

System firmware upgrade

Change homepage logo

Back up, restore, reset system settings

Configurable management port

IP filter control

Secure remote login by SSH connection; remote login by Telnet connection

USB, SNMP UPS support

Network recycle bin

Event Logs:

Complete system logs (system events management, connection logs, current connection of on-line users)

Multilingual Support:

English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Polish

Backup Management:

PC-client backup software- NetBak Replicator: Instant/ Schedule/ Auto-sync backup

Encrypted remote replication: Remote file backup

Unique Q-RAID 1 mirroring: back up to external HDD via USB or eSATA

Flexible data backup to external storage device via USB port (Instant, Schedule and Auto-Sync Backup)

Powerful All-in-one NAS Server for Small Business Users

File Server

The principle purpose of file server is for data storage and sharing. Data security and access management are the major concerns of most users. The Turbo NAS allows server manager to create user ID and password, and define the authority and quota for each user. Thus, personal data stored on the Turbo NAS is well protected.

FTP Server

Having troubles with sending large files by e-mail due to the limited capacity? You can establish your own FTP server by using the Turbo NAS. You can manage the access authority of the FTP server and share your files with your friends or customers easily in a few steps.

Backup Server

QNAP's Turbo NAS brings you the enterprise-class technology to make backup extremely simple and efficient! The intelligent automatic backup software, NetBak Replicator, is provided for users to perform real-time synchronization or schedule backup from multiple PCs to the Turbo NAS. The NAS also supports third party backup software, e.g. Acronis True Image, CA BrightStor ARCserver Backup, EMC Retrospect, etc.

Encrypted Remote Replication

Encrypted remote replication provides high level of data protection. Files can be backed up from the Turbo NAS to other QNAP NAS products in remote locations. Advanced options including data compression, block-level incremental backup, and data synchronization are supported to optimize the bandwidth and time for data backup.

Web Server with Built-in phpMyAdmin, Joomla!

With the built-in phpMyAdmin, Joomla!, MySQL and SQLite, SMB and SOHO users can easily set up their own web server. With the editable php.ini support, there is no need of going through all the hassles of setting up a web server. You can either develop programs by yourself or download a variety of open-sourced applications, such as online shops, forums, blogs, etc.

MySQL Server

The Turbo NAS is the most affordable choice as a standalone database server for system integrators. It can be flexibly applied in various deployments such as a database server of another web server in remote site or as an additional backup database server to achieve system redundancy.

Printer Server

You can share your printer device over the network by simply connecting a USB printer (max. 3 sets) to the Turbo NAS's USB port and enabling the printer sharing function.

UPnP Media Server (with built-in TwonkyMedia Server)

The Turbo NAS is a perfect media storage center and works well with UPnP/ DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant DMA. You can use the Turbo NAS and the DMP to play the digital image or video on TV or listen to music or Internet radio without using any PC. The upgrade in DLNA TwonkyMedia version 4.4.5 on QNAP NAS supports the most popular DivX video streaming to and playing by Sony PS3. The music, image, and video sharing function of PS3 on the network is further exerted. Moreover, the Turbo NAS Pro series all supports NFS and NFS high-definition (HD) DMA player connection to stream and play HD videos. The NAS can also be connected to XBMC (modded from Xbox gaming console) via samba for media playing. The high compatibility, energy-saving and reliable features have made QNAP NAS the first choice for setting up the digital home multimedia centre.

Image Files Backup

Now you can share photos with your customers by the Turbo NAS. By uploading your photos to the Turbo NAS, the server automatically generates a web-based photo album with thumbnails and details, such as date, resolution, focal length, and aperture. You can browse and share the digital photos in a convenient way!

Download Station

The Turbo NAS serves as a continuous download machine without turning on your PC. The Turbo NAS supports download through BitTorrent, FTP, and HTTP. For BitTorrent download, brand-new BT Engine is embedded with the Turbo NAS. Users will enjoy the super high speed through TCP/ UDP, and encrypted BT download function. Meanwhile, DHT (Distributed Hash Tables) is also supported.

iTunes Server

Music fans and Apple enthusiasts will be certainly rocked by the coolest music-sharing feature of the Turbo NAS! All your MP3 music can be collectively stored and streamed to Mac or Windows PC. It supports the playlist which users can just turn on the iTunes program and enjoy all the music around your home network!

Surveillance Station

The Surveillance Station enables users to configure and connect two IP cameras simultaneously and remotely manage the functions, including real time monitoring, recording, and playback by IE browser over the Internet. Users can flexibly define the recording settings: continuous recording, motion-detection recording, and schedule recording according to their security plan. All the files are stored in AVI format with time stamp, users can easily search and play the files by Windows Media Player.

The most comprehensive support for numerous brands of IP cameras

The Surveillance Station of QNAP NAS supports all the leading network camera brands such as AXIS, D-Link, IPUX, LevelOne, Linksys, Panasonic and Vivotek etc. By using particular models, users can use two-way video and audio monitoring and recording, and smart PTZ control to control the monitoring direction via the web interface. Each of the supported cameras has been put through stringent tests with the NAS series in QNAP's laboratory to guarantee 100% compatibility and reliability with all these camera brands.

Software expansion via QPKG Center

The QPKG software package platform enables the users to maximize the usage of Turbo NAS by installing additional software packages developed from the users and community worldwide. This can be done by simple "download & install" clicking without going through any complicated process.

Available QPKG software packages:

MLDonkey

MLDonkey is a door to the 'donkey' network, a decentralized network used to exchange big files on the Internet and present most features of the basic Windows donkey client. (e.g., eMule)

Slim Server on Turbo Station (with SqueezeCenter 7)

Squeeze Center is the server software from Slim Device that manages common digital audio formats (.mp3, .flac, .ogg, etc.) and streams them to its players. Slim Server On Turbo Station (SSOTS) developed by flipflip is an add-on to the Turbo Station's firmware which provides the environment to run Squeeze Center 7 on it.

Optware Ipkg (Itsy Package Management System)

Ipkg, or the Itsy Package Management System, is a lightweight package management system designed for embedded devices. It is used in the Unslung operating system for the Linksys NSLU2, in OpenWRT, OpenMoko, Gumstix, iPAQ and now on QNAP NAS too.

Exclusive Q-RAID 1 Data Backup

The Turbo NAS supports exclusive Q-RAID 1 advanced data backup function. The data on NAS can be synchronized to the external USB or eSATA drive. If the internal hard drive on the NAS should fail, users can install the external SATA hard drive to the NAS to restore the data and normal system operation.

S.M.A.R.T & Advanced HDD Health Scanning (HHS)

The Turbo NAS supports Hard Disk Drive S.M.A.R.T (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) which enables users to monitor the status of hard disk drive and check the potential problems. This tool helps to prevent the unexpected failure of hard disk and avoid critical data loss. Moreover, the Turbo NAS is embedded with HHS Technology which supports disk checking and bad blocks scanning to prevent potential data loss.

Comprehensive Event Log System

Logs of connections to the Turbo NAS via samba, FTP, AFP, HTTP, HTTPS, Telnet, and SSH, and networking services accessed by online users are all recorded. Server managers can monitor the status of the Turbo NAS closely.

Support Windows AD

With Windows Active Directory (AD) support, you can deploy your Turbo NAS in small business environment easily! It enables Windows domain users to easily access the shared data with the Active Directory authentication. This not only saves server manager's time and effort in creating duplicated groups and accounts, but also lowers the maintenance cost by centralized management.

Sharing files across Windows, Mac, Linux and UNIX

The Turbo NAS is specially designed for different users to share the files across Window, Mac, Linux, and UNIX environment.

Secure data storage, access, and sharing

Personal data stored on the Turbo NAS is well protected: Server manager can create user ID and password, and define the authority and quota of each user.

* IP filter control: Users can allow or deny specified IP connections to the Turbo NAS.

* SSL Security (HTTPS): The Turbo NAS can be accessed and configured by web browser securely.

* Remote login your Turbo NAS by SSH (secure shell) or Telnet connection.

* Secure FTP: Share and transmit your data over SSL/TLS (Explicit) encryption. Passive FTP port range setup is also supported.

* Smart FTP policy control: The maximum number of all FTP connections and a single account can be configured.

* Encrypted remote replication: Data on the Turbo NAS can be backed up to another QNAP NAS over the Internet securely.

Share Folder Management

Server Managers can hide or show certain folders in the directories for some security reasons while creating the folders for the first time.

One touch USB auto copy

When a USB device such as digital camera, digital camcorder, or pen drive is connected to the front panel USB port, data in the USB device can be backed up to the Turbo NAS automatically by simply pressing the USB copy button. In the meantime, an external storage device can be connected to the Turbo NAS via USB port for alternative data backup.

No fan design

The fan used inside a device is for the purpose of cooling system, no matter how quiet it is, the fan has to be activated for air ventilation. Somehow, it is inevitable to generate intermittent chirping noise which distracts your work or diminishes your enjoyment. TS-109 Pro II adapts no fan design approach by using silver/ black aluminum case for thermal dissipation. It provides an absolute quiet working environment for you!!

UPS Support

The key function of UPS is to provide the power for a period of time during power failure. The Turbo NAS supports both APC and MGE UPS devices which help users store the data in time and avoid critical data loss when power outage occurs during data transfer.

Web File Manager

The Turbo NAS provides Web File Manager for you to easily download, upload, and manage the files on the server by web browser.

Remote management of download tasks on multiple Turbo Stations

QGet is powerful P2P download management software provided with QNAP's Turbo Station series. QGet can be installed on any Windows computers for users to simultaneously manage BitTorrent, FTP and HTTP download tasks of multiple Turbo Station servers.

Network Recycle Bin

Can you imagine if you delete an important file on the NAS by mistake and lose it forever? You don't need to worry now! The files deleted from the network shares of the Turbo NAS will be moved to a particular recycle bin folder. You can restore your data anytime in case of unintended file deletion.

Built-in DDNS support

The Turbo NAS supports dynamic DNS (DDNS). You can register a unique domain name from a DDNS service provider and assign it to your Turbo NAS. There is no more need to remember a lengthy IP address!

Establish a PC-less Home Multimedia Center by Using QNAP NAS and PS3 or Xbox 360

All the multimedia contents stored on QNAP NAS can be automatically shared to a PS3 or an Xbox 360 in the home network. Users can play their stored photos and videos on a TV, or listen to the music via their Hi-Fi system. QNAP NAS can be a perfect home storage and sharing center for establishing a PC-less, HD video-playing (via PS3, video resolution up to 1080p), highly accessible, and power-saving digital home theatre.