QNAP Unveils Dual-core NAS TS-251A and TS-451A

[btarunr]

QNAP Systems, Inc. announced the release of the dual-core 2-bay TS-251A and the 4-bay TS-451A. These models feature a unique USB QuickAccess port to directly connect them to computers via USB 3.0, offering great plug-and-use convenience to access files stored on the NAS with up to 100 MB/s throughput. Coupled with NAS and iSCSI SAN features, it provides a complete storage solution for file backup, synchronization, and remote access. With two Gigabit LAN ports for delivering up to 211 MB/s throughput, 4K video playback and transcoding support, and an array of multimedia applications, the TS-x51A is an ideal NAS system for photographers and audiovisual enthusiasts.

The TS-x51A is powered by the latest 14nm Intel Celeron dual-core 1.60 GHz processor (burst up to 2.48 GHz) with a low TDP of 6 watts and dual-channel 2GB/4GB DDR3L-1600 RAM (upgradable to 8GB). It features two Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports AES-NI hardware-accelerated encryption to deliver up to 205.14 MB/s throughput with AES-NI full-volume encryption. "The USB QuickAccess port is the true highlight of the TS-x51A. It enables a direct connection between the NAS and a Windows/ Mac for file transferring," said Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "It provides users with a familiar USB plug-and-use experience to quickly complete the first-time installation and then to access NAS files in day-to-day use. It is an easy-to-use NAS packed with performance and functionality."



The TS-x51A combines many innovative hardware and excellent software features. VJBOD (Virtual JBOD) can expand the storage capacity of TS-x51A with the unused space from other QNAP NAS, and further capacity expansion can be attained by attaching a QNAP expansion enclosure (UX-800P or UX-500P). With Linux Station, the TS-x51A enables users to run the Ubuntu operating system, utilize its feature-rich apps, and develop IoT packages to enjoy a secure private cloud that combines storage and IoT applications.

The TS-x51A uses the QTS 4.2.2 operating system with many feature-rich and productive apps. Hybrid Backup Sync consolidates backup, restoration and synchronization functions into one app, making backup and restoration tasks incredibly easy and efficient. QTS Storage Manager provides a web-based snapshot tool that allows up to 256 snapshots for volumes/LUNs and timely data recovery when needed. Qsirch's full-text search engine enables quick searching for NAS files and supports searching through .eml files stored on the NAS. Virtualization Station allows for running multiple Windows, Linux, UNIX and Android based virtual machines on the TS-x51A. Container Station integrates LXC and Docker lightweight virtualization technologies and provides QIoT Containers which helps users quickly develop IoT stacks on QNAP NAS as a private IoT cloud platform.

More than a powerful and easy-to-use NAS device, the TS-x51A provides diverse multimedia entertainment. Users can connect the TS-51A to an HDMI TV or A/V receiver to enjoy up to 4K UHD videos and the rich multimedia collections stored on their NAS. With the OceanKTV app and the 3.5 mm microphone jack and a line-out port, the TS-x51A is turned into a karaoke system for an exclusive karaoke experience.

Key specifications

• TS-251A：2-bay tower NAS
• TS-451A：4-bay tower NAS
• Dual-core Intel Celeron 1.60 GHz processor (burst up to 2.48 GHz),
• dual-channel 2GB/4GB DDR3L-1600 RAM (upgradable to 8GB);
• 2x Gigabit RJ45 ports; 1x USB 3.0 Micro-B QuickAccess port;
• 1x HDMI-out port;
• 1x 3.5 mm microphone jack (dynamic microphones only);
• 1x 3.5 mm Line-out audio jack (for use with an amplifier)

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Octavean]

The front USB quick access port (Windows / Mac) is really just a USB to Ethernet connection. The QNAP software installed it automatically assigns an IP address to allow for file transfer. Therefore it shouldn't be any faster then the NAS units typical network connections.

 

[TheLostSwede]

The front USB quick access port (Windows / Mac) is really just a USB to Ethernet connection. The QNAP software installed it automatically assigns an IP address to allow for file transfer. Therefore it shouldn't be any faster then the NAS units typical network connections.

Was going to mention that, as well as the fact that even if you have a switch that can do link aggregation as well as two Gigabit Ethernet interfaces that can run in liked mode, you won't see the claimed speeds, as that's only for multi-client scenarios, so it's kind of misleading by Qnap.

 

[Octavean]

Right, that sort of thing is a check mark feature that has limited to no use for a typical consumer. Redundancy in the form of fall over is nice to have with respect to NICs. Generally speaking though, if one wants better performance then 1gbe then they would likely need to step up to 10gbe SFP+ assuming the HDDs transfer speeds aren't going to be a limiting factor.

Still QNAP is packing a lot of features into these NAS units. It's making wish my Synology DS1815+ came with some of these features too.