Network-attached storage isn’t just for big businesses. In most homes today you’ll find a plethora of desktops, laptops and mobile devices – so a central repository for your important files makes sense. It ensures that you can access your data from wherever you happen to be, even if you’re out on the road, thanks to the easy-to-use remote-access services that come as standard. And, if one of your hard drives fails, it’s good to know that a multi-disk RAID array is keeping your data safe.
More than this, modern NAS appliances can also run all sorts of useful network applications, from media servers to databases, wikis and security camera management systems. No matter what your needs, a NAS can help – so read on to find out which is right for you.
1. QNAP TS 251A NAS drive
Specifications:
- Intel Celeron N3060 dual-core 1.6GHz (up to 2.48GHz)
- 2x Gigabit Ethernet
- 2x rear USB 3.0 port, 1 x HDMI, 1 x front USB 3.0 port, 1 x USB 3.0 micro B port, 1 x SD card slot
- 1x 70mm fan
- Max capacity: 2x 8TB 3.5in SATA 3 disks
- 102 x 169 x 219 mm (HxWxD)
Pros:
- Powerful hardware
- Loads of features
- Easy setup
- Loads of features and apps
- Fast file transfers
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does not come with hard drives installed
- Low-quality video transcoding
- Sometimes buggy software
The QNAP is an undoubtedly impressive NAS drive. It is a high-end two-bay NAS, with a slew of features to make accessing your files easier, no matter where they’re stored. The USB QuickAccess port is particularly innovative since it means you can access your NAS’s files, and even its configuration interface and installed apps, over USB when there’s no network available.
2. QNAP TS 451A NAS drive
Specifications:
- Intel Celeron CPU
- Built in AES-NI hardware encryption engine
- 4GB memory
- HDMI multimedia output (4K, 1080p)
Pros:
- QuickAccess port offers great flexibility
- User-friendly interface
- Ease of setting up
- NAS which at the same time is DAS, too
- Comprehensive feature set
- Useful SD card slot
- Quick backup button
Cons
- USB 3.0A to Micro B cable not in the box
If you’re deciding to expand your current home entertainment setup or are interested in building up a decent local library of media then you should consider QNAP TS-451A. The TS-451A is simple to set up and configure and you can be up and running in a very short amount of time with zero technical knowledge required.
3. QNAP TS 453A
Specifications:
- Intel Celeron N3150 1.6GHz (Burst to 2.08GHz)
- Hardware Encryption AES-NI
- 4GB (2x 2GB) TS-453A-4G, 8GB (2x 4GB) TS-453A-8G
- Intel 8th Gen HD Graphics
Pros:
- Supports IoT solutions
- Impressive 128k sequential performance
- Versatile
Cons
- Weak CIFS performance
The TS-453A may garner special interest from IoT developers due to its versatility, especially since many vendors have yet to include such developers in their target market. The QTS App Center also provides access to IoT applications, in the event that users wish to simply implement IoT technology without necessarily innovating in that field. The TS-453A is capable of delivering reported transfer speeds of 414MB/s read, with almost no reduction in performance when its AES-NI hardware-accelerated encryption engine is used. As with many of QNAP’s NAS units, the TS-453A also provides real-time and offline 4k video transcoding. In addition to its video transcoding capabilities, several other features make the TS-453A a well-equipped media center, including QNAP’s OceanKTV karaoke app, two HDMI ports, and the built-in App Center.
4. QNAP TS 253A
Specifications:
- Intel® Celeron® N3150/N3160 1.6 GHz quad-core processor
- Hardware Encryption AES-NI
- 8th generation Intel HD Graphics
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports, Wake on LAN
Pros:
- Best performance
- Material design that can keep low temperature
Cons:
- Frequency of CPU is lower than predecessor
- Today’s best QNAP TS-253A Lazada Deals
The QNAP TS-253A Two-Bay NAS Enclosure runs on the QTS 4.2 operating system and is able to function as a NAS server for data backup, file archiving and synchronization, remote access, and home entertainment. It is designed for SMB users and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and UNIX systems. The TS-253A is also able to perform on-the-fly and offline video transcoding; including Full HD 1920×1080 content and playback of 4K content with 7.1 channel surround sound via the HDMI ports.
So, which is best for your small business?
It may be tempting to save a few dollars by buying a 2 bay NAS instead of a 4 bay device. Spending a few extra dollars now can save you a lot of headaches and cost in the future. So you ought to plan for the present as well as future demands. You can also consider buying a NAS device that offers the possibility of swapping the drives, so expanding the storage capacity will be an option.