Reviewed by Barry Little - March 10, 2008

Manufacturer: QNAP Systems, Inc.

Model: TS-409 Pro

Price: $599 at Mwave.com

For storing and sharing data and serving as a repository for streaming digital media, the NAS (Network Attached Storage) Device is increasingly becoming the must-have accessory of choice for home and office. Today, we’re going to take a look at a brand-new flagship entry into the growing and highly competitive NAS market—the QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo Station NAS.

NAS devices come in a wide range of configurations and prices from single disk entry-level models to high-dollar enterprise units armed with enough features and storage to rival conventional servers. With a growing awareness among consumers of backing up important data and the need to share files and digital media along with an increase in downloadable content (both in size and volume) the market for affordable NAS devices has grown exponentially over the last few years. Unfortunately, in an effort take advantage of this growing market segment, single large-capacity disks in external enclosures with USB and/or eSATA connections and amenities like user-friendly one-touch backup solutions are being sold as “NAS” devices.

A true NAS device contains multiple disks and RAID support for redundancy—one of the most important features of any NAS—something a single disk drive can’t offer. A single-disk NAS usually requires a host PC on the network to connect to. With the NAS connected via USB or eSATA, the host PC becomes a “server” for the NAS, with all shares and access administered and controlled through it. This means that the PC must remain up and running at all times for other PCs to gain access to the NAS. Another drawback to this configuration is that network throughput relies on the host PC, which may not be up to the demand of streaming large video files or music—particularly if it happens to be involved in resource-intensive computing activities. The typical multi-disk NAS with its built-in Ethernet connectivity, server and management capabilities has no such limitations. Its administrative features typically accessed through a web browser makes managing multiple user accounts, shares, disk space and security simpler, more robust and less problematic. They can also be upgraded with higher-capacity disk drives—often while the NAS is still up and running and without taking existing data offline. Nowadays, multi-disk intelligent NAS appliances have additional features like enhanced data backup and protection, and the ability to share music collections, photos and videos easier between networked PC and with home entertainment systems in the living room.

If there’s any drawback to what can be called the SOHO (Small Office Home Office) NAS, it’s price. However, the cost of these appliances have dropped considerably over the years, along with the price of large capacity disk drives—making them a much more attractive option to home users, small businesses and even larger businesses that need additional low-cost storage. In addition, you have the option of starting off with one or two drives (though you obviously won’t have the advantage of redundancy with a single drive) and adding more later as your budget permits.

About QNAP

QNAP Systems, INC. (QNAP) is a devoted and dominant provider of Internet Appliance products. With solid and integrated expertise on the Linux embedded platform, QNAP has delivered more than 30 models of network storage and surveillance products in the past 5 years. These products provide consumers with storage, backup, surveillance and many other professional applications that constitute the core competency of QNAP. Today, QNAP continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning servers. For example, TS-101 was honored “the best choice of Computex” and QBack-25 honored the 1st place by Chip Magazine. To keep the proud and success, QNAP is dedicated to providing top quality products and best support for customers.

What Makes QNAP NAS Different?

    ● The Most User-friendly User Interface

    ● Hot-Swappable Hard Disks & Automatic Data Rebuilding

    ● RAID Level Disk Configurations + Hot Spare

    ● Leading RAID technology - RAID Recovery

    ● LCD Display

    ● Hot-swappable & Redundant Power Protection

    ● Remote Data Management

    ● Data Backup & Remote Replication

    ● Embedded Linux

    ● Cross-platform Support

    ● Built-in DNS & DDNS Support

    ● Web Page Management

    ● User Quota

    ● Journaling File System

    ● SNMP Management & E-mail Warning

    ● WINS Server

    ● Backup/Restore User's Setting

    ● System Upgrade

Now that you’ve been introduced to QNAP, let’s take a look at the features of the TS-409 Pro.

Product Features

Advanced RAID Management with Hot-swap Design

To enhance the data security, TS-409 Pro supports hot-swappable HDD design, advanced RAID configuration for RAID 0/ 1/ 5/ 6/ 5+spare, single and JBOD. Advanced RAID 5 and RAID 6 are supported to maintain non-stop service of NAS even when one or two hard disks physically fail at the same time.

 

Online RAID Capacity Expansion and Online RAID Level Migration

With online RAID capacity expansion: Users can select to purchase the most cost-effective hard drives for initial server setup and upgrade to larger ones in the future. All the stored data will be kept and seamlessly moved to the newly installed hard drives. There is no need to turn off the server during the process.

 

With online RAID level migration: Users can start from one drive firstly and add more drive members to upgrade the RAID level in the future with the data retained. There is no need to turn off the server during the process.

 

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

TS-409 Pro 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 potential problems. This tool can offer a brief overview of the current status of your hard disk and inform users by email alerts to take precautions and prevent unexpected failure of hard disk. Meanwhile, HHS Technology (Bad Block Scan) is supported to check disk, bad block scanning and avoid potential data loss.

 

Comprehensive Event Log System

Logs of connections to TS-409 Pro via samba, FTP, AFP, HTTP, HTTPS, Telnet, and SSH, and networking services accessed by online users are all recorded. It offers great help for server managers to monitor the status of TS-409 Pro closely.

 

Complete Backup Solutions

The intelligent automatic backup software, NetBak Replicator, is provided for TS-409 Pro users to perform real-time synchronization or schedule backup from multiple PCs to TS-409 Pro. In addition, TS-409 Pro also supports data backup from internal hard drives to external USB storage device via auto-backup, one touch copy, and schedule backup mode.

 

Powerful CPU and 256 MB DDRII memory adopted

TS-409 Pro adopts Marvell 5281 500Mhz CPU chipset and big 256MB DDRII memory. With its stable quality and enhanced performance, TS-409 Pro is suitable for multiple users to access at the same time.

 

Professional Functions

TS-409 Pro supports Windows Active Directory, Cross-platform data sharing and storage for Windows, Mac, Linux and Unix (NFS), Encrypted Remote Replication in Block Level (for Disaster Recovery)

 

Enhanced Security Features

TS-409 Pro supports https, secure ftp (through SSL/TSL), secure remote login through SSH, Photo Album access control, and encrypted Remote Replication. Besides, TS-409 Pro supports IP Filter to block malignant access which is rarely available in most NAS of the same level.

 

Abundant Features

File server, ftp server, printer server (Max. 3 sets), DDNS support, web server (support php + MySQL or SQLite), built-in phpMyAdmin, Joomla, MySQL server, UPS support (APC and MGE), Web based file manager etc.

 

Enrich your digital life

TS-409 Pro also supports HTTP, FTP, BT download, UPnP/DLNA media streaming (built-in TwonkyMedia server), image files sharing, iTunes server, and so on.

 

Detailed documentation

No matter in manual or in the on-line help support, users can find the meticulous introduction of the functions in doubt.

 

Best User Interface

No more just directory and tree type function listing, TS-409 Pro's user interface is in bulk part graphics based and even in administrator setting, a panoramic view of all functions are available.

 

Environment Friendly

TS-409 Pro adopts the superior cooling airflow solution which provides the excellent heat dissipation and ensures the high stability of hard disk drives. With the quiet smart fan design and low power consumption, TS-409 Pro is the best choice for SMB and SOHO users.

The QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo Station also comes in a standard or “non-Pro” model, which is aptly called (drum roll, please), the QNAP TS-409 Turbo Station. The difference? The TS-409 lacks the NFS (Linux Client) and Microsoft Windows Active Directory support of the TS-409 Pro. Consequently, QNAP recommends the “vanilla” TS-409 for SOHO and home use, and the TS-409 Pro for business. If you don’t need Linux or Active Directory support, you can save some bucks by springing for the standard TS-409 and still get all the other features found in the TS-409 Pro.

Packaging

The TS-409 Pro comes in a heavy-duty cardboard box with a glossy black finish and foldout carrying handle. You would think that a NAS of this type would be noticeably hefty considering the size of the box and the inclusion of a handle. Lift it off a store shelf however, and you’ll find it surprisingly light. But that’s because the TS-409 Pro is sold without disk drives, so you’ll need to purchase your own. I would strongly recommend that you check QNAP’s Compatibility List first and make sure that any drives you’re thinking of using are on that list. To insure the proper operation of the NAS and to maintain data integrity, it is critical to use only the drives that QNAP has tested and approved on their Compatibility List for the TS-409 Pro. QNAP is always in the process of testing the latest drives as they become available, so be sure to check the Compatibility List on their site often for updates. You can also drop QNAP Technical Support a line if you have any questions about a specific hard drive being compatible with the TS-409 Pro.

500MHz CPU and 256MB of DDR2 RAM. Windows, Mac and Linux support. Gigabit Ethernet with Jumbo Frame support. Secure, remote replication. A Web Server with PHP and MySQL support. S.M.A.R.T. Hard Drive protection. Online RAID Capacity Expansion and RAID Level Migration. As you peruse the almost dizzying array of features listed on the box, no doubt you’ll find them impressive. QNAP has made the TS-409 Pro Turbo Station the Swiss Army Knife of NAS appliances.

You’ll find an extensive hardware, software and feature specification list with a bullet-pointed photo illustration of the TS-409 Pro’s layout and construction on one side of the box, and a multi-lingual feature listing on the other. Whether or not you are fluent in any of the other languages, the one thing that will probably jump out at you is the included iTunes and UPnP Media Server. For a “business” oriented NAS, the TS-409 Pro is certainly full of surprises. An E-Mail address and toll-free number for the U.S. and Canada is prominently displayed on a bright yellow sticker on the top lid of the box, with URLs for online support on the inside box flap.

Thankfully, there won’t be any surprises—at least not the unpleasant kind—when you get the box home and open it. You’ll find your QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo Station NAS well packed and protected from the usual shipping hazards. The TS-409 Pro is sealed in a plastic bag and sandwiched between two thick “plasti-foam” protectors, while the accessories box is strategically placed to provide additional support and protection. Inside, you’ll find the power adaptor and cord, a multilingual Quick Installation Guide. One Companion CD with utilities for the TS-409 Pro as well as the complete User and Application Guides in .PDF format. Hard drive mounting screws for the TS-409 Pro’s drive trays. And a Gigabit-ready CAT5e Ethernet Cable for connecting the TS-409 Pro to a PC, hub or switch.

The QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo Station

At 225 x 175 x 188mm (8.9 x 6.9 x 7.4 inches), the QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo Station NAS is a little over an inch taller and wider than the ReadyNAS NV+ I reviewed a year ago. Without drives (and the power adaptor), the unit weighs 3Kg (6 lbs 9.9 oz). The chassis is made of steel, and the cover has a durable, semi-gloss carbon silver finish. Unlike most NAS units, with the exception of the fan’s exhaust grille out back, the TS-409 Pro’s chassis is devoid of any ventilation holes or grilles. Instead, the aluminum drive bay door has a combo mesh and honeycomb design for enhanced airflow, which allows the Smart Fan to keep any installed drives and the TS-409 Pro’s circuitry nice and cool. If you store the TS-409 Pro in a dusty environment, you’ll have to clean it out with a can of compressed air more frequently than you would a NAS that has a foam filter installed, as the door on the TS-409 Pro doesn’t have one. It does however have metal hinges and latches, which gives it an advantage over NAS units that use plastic and are more prone to wear and breakage over time. A simulated brushed metal QNAP corporate logo made of plastic the bottom of the door. Below, is the TS-409 Pro’s recessed aluminum control panel. From left to right is the One Touch Copy Button, a USB 2.0 port; USB, Status, HD (Hard Drive) 1 through 4 and LAN Link LED indicators, and the Power Button. The buttons have good tactile feedback without feeling cheap. Although it might appear otherwise, the icon on the One Touch Copy and Power buttons are not LEDs, and do not light up when pressed.

Around back, we find the TS-409 Pro’s Smart Fan tucked behind a fan grille made into the steel chassis. Although the chassis appears to be large enough for a larger fan which could move more air with a further reduction of fan noise, I have no doubt that the fan QNAP’s engineers chose for TS-409 Pro provides optimal cooling and minimum noise. Moving south, we find the socket for the power adapter, and the Reset Button which can be pushed by a paper clip, and restores the following to the TS-409 Pro's default settings:

Finally, we have the RJ-45 jack for the network cable; two USB 2.0 ports and a slot for a Kensington lock.

The socket for the power adapter deserves some mention. Yes, the TS-409 Pro uses a 12V external “brick” style adapter with a separate power cord that plugs into it, which is similar to what some laptops and computer accessories use. There are two drawbacks to this design. First, there’s the additional bulk of the adaptor itself which takes up space and can contribute to “power cord clutter,” particularly when used with other devices which also have external adaptors. Second, the thinner cables and fragile connector tends to be easier to damage than a standard power cord. QNAP has tried to address the second problem with their “Anti-kick” power adaptor connector design. The adaptor and socket for the TS-409 Pro are designed to “click-lock” in place, making it somewhat more difficult (but not impossible) to accidentally kick the power adaptor’s cord out if it isn’t routed out of the way under a desk, and providing audible feedback when plugging it correctly.

There’s not much to see underneath the TS-409 Pro. It rests on four thick, rubber feet. As long as it is placed on a level, solid surface, capable of supporting its operational weight (which includes the maximum number of drives installed), sitting an additional TS-409 Pro or a smaller NAS on top of it shouldn’t be problem—though I certainly wouldn’t go higher than that.

Opening the front door, we find four lightweight steel drive trays appropriately labeled HDD 1 through 4, as the TS-409 Pro holds a maximum of four SATA II hard drives. The trays are secured to the chassis with steel spring-loaded thumbscrews, mounting the drives horizontally on steel guide rails. Power and SATA cables are organized and wire-tied out of the way. The TS-409 Pro is powered by a 500MHz Marvel 5281 Processor, with 256MB of DDR2 RAM soldered to the motherboard. Unfortunately, this means that the TS-409 Pro cannot be upgraded to 512MB or 1GB of RAM.

Overall, the QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo Station is solidly built. The simple and sturdy construction of the steel hot-swap drive trays insure fast and breakage-free operation compared to other NAS units that use plastic in their tray designs—particularly release latches. The solid cabinet and larger-than-average mesh of the drive bay door means fewer ventilation and cooling related issues compared to other NAS units with smaller mesh designs and ventilation holes or slots in their cabinets—important if you plan on placing the TS-409 Pro into a cabinet. While some may consider the appearance of the TS-409 Pro rather bland compared to other NAS units, the conservative color scheme and mesh design of the drive bay door bears close resemblance to an audio system speaker, making it much easier to “blend in” with most entertainment center gear. The minor inconvenience of a power brick adaptor is somewhat offset by the combined length of its cord and the power cord, which offers more flexibility in setting up the NAS where you want it compared to a standard power cord. And the “Anti-kick” power adaptor connector offers a small margin of additional protection against over-enthusiastic installation and good old-fashioned human clumsiness.

Setting Up

Setting up the QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo Station NAS is a simple and straightforward, thanks to the full-color Quick Installation Guide, which clearly illustrates and spells out each step. First, you’ll need to remove the drive trays by loosening the thumbscrews on each side and slide them out. If you’re just going to start off with one drive and add more later, its best to leave trays 2 through 4 secured inside the NAS until you need to use them. You’ll need at least one drive installed and have the TS-409 Pro connected to a network to install and configure it.

For the review, I selected the Seagate Model ST3500630AS SATA Hard Drive, which has an unformatted capacity of 500GB and spins at 7,200 RPM with a 16MB cache and is, of course, on QNAP’s Compatibility List. I’ll be using four of them. Since the drives worked so well for me in the ReadyNAS NV+, I figured they deserved a command performance in the TS-409 Pro.

All four drives shipped from the factory with Revision 3.AAK firmware, and jumpered for a 1.5GB/sec data transfer rate. While some SATA drives are capable of 3.0GB /sec transfer rates, not all devices they are connected to, are. Whether it’s a motherboard or NAS, unless it is explicitly stated that the device can support the faster transfer rate, you’re better off sticking with the default 1.5GB/sec rate. Connecting drives jumpered for 3.0GB/sec transfer rates to devices that can only support a 1.5GB/sec rate can cause all kinds of problems and lead to data loss.

Once the drives are installed in their trays, slide them back in place and secure them with the thumbscrews. Plug in the power and network cable, and fire it up. Since the hot-swap drive trays are secured directly to the chassis of the TS-409 Pro rather than locked in place via the usual quick-release latching mechanism used by most NAS appliances of this class, I initially expected there would be some minor hard drive-related vibration noise, but there wasn’t.

Courtesy of QNAP Systems, Inc.

The TS-409 Pro will beep once, and the LEDs will flash and blink as the NAS goes through its POST (Power-on Self Test). About a minute later—more or less depending on the number and unformatted capacity of the hard disks installed—the TS-409 Pro will beep one final time as it completes its POST. The LAN LED will glow orange and blink whenever the TS-409 Pro talks to your network.