QNAP brings new router to CES that lets you build your own NAS
The company's first home Wi-Fi router has all you need to build a robust network storage server in a single box.
The TGX-150, showcased at CES 2017, is a compact sleek box that can work both as a Wi-Fi router and a NAS server.
QNAP is known as a popular maker of network storage servers (NAS), but today it ventured into the realm of home Wi-Fi routers with the TGX-150, unveiled at CES 2017.
Details of the TGX-150, including its Wi-Fi specs and the actual release date, are still sketchy. But for now its general specs include:
- A 14nm Intel Atom 2.0GHz processor (up to 2.5GHz) with 2GB DDR3 memory
- Hardware-based encryption when used as a NAS server
- Built-in 2.4GHz/5GHz Dual-band 11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi to work as either a Wi-Fi router or an Access point
- Two USB 3.0 ports (1x Type-C, 1x Type-A)
- Five 1-Gigabit network ports (one WAN and four LANs)
- Can host one 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s hard drive or solid-state drive
- Sleek, stylish and silent, with a space-saving vertical design and fanless cooling
This is a Wi-Fi router with a built-in hardware for a NAS server. In other words, you can just add one 2.5-inch hard drive or solid-state drive and you'll have a Wi-Fi router that's also a full-feature NAS server.
QNAP says the TGX-150 uses a light version of its QTS operating system, which is used in all of its NAS servers. This means the router will provide a comprehensive way for users to manage its features and network functions.
When used as a NAS server, it will provide some of the most useful features available in QNAP NAS servers, such as File Station and backup to cloud services including Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox. The device will also allow users to access files both locally and remotely via myQNAPcloud and CloudLink services.
The TGX-150 comes with the usual network and peripheral ports and a USB-C port.
In many ways, the TGX-150 is QNAP's answer to the RT1900AC from Synology, another known NAS maker that also makes Wi-Fi routers. QNAP says the TGX-150 will be available by April this year, check back then for a full review.