ASUSTOR AS-602T NAS Hands-On

Under Security and Storage, there were a few items that ASUSTOR suggested that I configure to prevent issues. I went ahead and set up Network Defender and the HDD Bad Block scans. Network Defender locks out IP addresses that try and fail to gain access after a preset number of attempts. I allowed for 10 attempts and banned for 1 day, similar to how my QNAP NAS is set up. This is a very nice feature, but I would suggest having this setup option added to the configuration process for the new NAS.

Let’s click on Services and see what kind of damage we can do there!

I turned on FTP and Web Server, changing the standard ports used.

Easy to do, and it worked fine managing the ports with my router.

Let’s look at App Central. Here is what is already installed:

I enabled the UPnP Media Server app before taking this screen shot. To do this, simply click on an option and choose Enable from the menu selection. Easy.

Here are all of the available apps:

That is a pretty good selection of apps for a brand new platform, and includes such popular ones as MyPHPAdmin, Plex Media Server, WordPress, Drupal, Gallery and Coppermine. I installed Plex by double clicking and choosing Install. I’ll load some files to it and try it out soon!

Conclusion

From start to finish, the ASUSTOR took about 20 minutes to install and configure. The hardware is impressive, with a brushed aluminum finish to the outside case and very durable spring-loaded hard drive caddies. With dual LAN ports, USB 3.0 support, and an HDMI Out port, this NAS unit has the features that discerning buyers will look for. A clean and simple approach to the administration dashboard make navigating this NASs unit a breeze, and with an Atom processor onboard, video and audio transcoding should not be a stretch. This is a well-built, well-executed NAS unit and is a strong first generation entrant from ASUSTOR. I wish that the quick installation guide had been printed and in the box, but that is not a very major issue. ASUSTOR should be on your radar screen if you are in the market for a NAS unit.  Online availability for this unit is a bit spotty, but I have seen it diskless for £399 in the UK.  Watch for this to be added to your favorite reseller’s site soon.

FULL DISCLOSURE NOTICE

ASUSTOR provided the reviewed hardware free of charge on a temporary basis.  Western Digital also supplied the two WD Red 1TB drives used in this review on a temporary basis.  Many thanks to ASUSTOR and WD for their support.