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QNAP TS-509 Pro Turbo NAS Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Sunday, October 12, 2008
Introduction
For those of you that regularly use a computer network you know that it can do a great many things. The obvious reason for having one is to link computers together, but how does this change what the network does? At home a network is used so the whole family can have internet access. The small business is looking to have central file storage for security and easy access. Enterprise users usually have the greatest demand since they often host a variety of network applications, files, printers, email; it’s almost like having your own private internet from within the same building.
So what do all of these networks have in common?? Well they all need a way to host and share data, this is where a central server comes into play and where a full featured NAS (Network Attached Storage) device can really come in handy.
In this review we will be looking at the new enterprise ready NAS from QNAP called the TS-509 Pro. The TS-509 Pro is clearly aimed at the enterprise level not only from a cost standpoint but from the included hardware alone. I’m sure many of you have heard IT folks saying that the server as reached its capacity, but what does that mean? Well capacity can be measured in a variety of ways. In terms of application serving capacity relates to how many users you can service at one time, for this processor speed and memory are key. When serving up files you need to have plenty of HDD space and a way for you to expand storage while still providing redundancy in case of hardware failure. Both of these scenarios require a fast network connection since without bandwidth the most powerful machine will never seem to be that fast. You have to remember this is a network server not a desktop.
So what do all of these networks have in common?? Well they all need a way to host and share data, this is where a central server comes into play and where a full featured NAS (Network Attached Storage) device can really come in handy.
In this review we will be looking at the new enterprise ready NAS from QNAP called the TS-509 Pro. The TS-509 Pro is clearly aimed at the enterprise level not only from a cost standpoint but from the included hardware alone. I’m sure many of you have heard IT folks saying that the server as reached its capacity, but what does that mean? Well capacity can be measured in a variety of ways. In terms of application serving capacity relates to how many users you can service at one time, for this processor speed and memory are key. When serving up files you need to have plenty of HDD space and a way for you to expand storage while still providing redundancy in case of hardware failure. Both of these scenarios require a fast network connection since without bandwidth the most powerful machine will never seem to be that fast. You have to remember this is a network server not a desktop.
So what constitutes an enterprise solution over one targeted at small business? Well, simply put enterprise businesses typically have more money and demand more from their hardware while the small business wants bang for their buck. In a way the TS-509 Pro is both of these but clearly excessive on the hardware side. Here are some quick specs on the TS-509 Pro, for a complete set please consult the QNAP website.
Let's start with the specs
Processor: Intel Celeron Processor 1.6GHz
Memory: 1GB DDRII RAM, 128MB flash (DOM)
HDD Capacity: 5 x 3.5" SATA I/II HDD, up to 5TB (the standard system is shipped without HDD)
HDD Tray: 5 x hot-swappable and lockable tray
LAN Port: 2 x Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet port
LED Indicators: Status, HDD 1, HDD 2, HDD 3, HDD 4, HDD 5, LAN, USB
USB: 5 x USB 2.0 (Front: 1; Back: 4)
Support USB printer, disk, pen drive, USB hub, and USB UPS etc.
eSATA: 1 x eSATA port (Back)
Buttons: System: Power button, USB one-touch backup button, reset button
LCD Panel: Mono-LCD display with backlight Enter button, Select button for configuration
Alarm Buzzer: System warning
Form Factor: Tower
Memory: 1GB DDRII RAM, 128MB flash (DOM)
HDD Capacity: 5 x 3.5" SATA I/II HDD, up to 5TB (the standard system is shipped without HDD)
HDD Tray: 5 x hot-swappable and lockable tray
LAN Port: 2 x Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet port
LED Indicators: Status, HDD 1, HDD 2, HDD 3, HDD 4, HDD 5, LAN, USB
USB: 5 x USB 2.0 (Front: 1; Back: 4)
Support USB printer, disk, pen drive, USB hub, and USB UPS etc.
eSATA: 1 x eSATA port (Back)
Buttons: System: Power button, USB one-touch backup button, reset button
LCD Panel: Mono-LCD display with backlight Enter button, Select button for configuration
Alarm Buzzer: System warning
Form Factor: Tower
