Question 1

Can this be used as a DLNA, Airplay server like the QNAP TS-451?

Accepted Answer

I think it can do both.... I don't use it as a DLNA server, but I hav installed their QAirplay app and the Plex Server app on it and they work just fine streaming video to my Apple TV and Roku 3 on my network.

Question 2

What is 'diskless' vs. hot swappable hard drive arrays?
What is an SMBs?

Accepted Answer

All 'diskless' means is that the unit is empty, not populated, no hard drives included, nada, zip, etc.

This allows you to build your array custom for your needs.  Use this website to calculate your potential yield of drive space -
raid-calculator dot com

Most multi bay NAS/SAN (Network Attached Storage / Storage Area Network) units are 'hot swappable'. This means that the unit (should) tell you when and which drive has 'died' or started malfunctioning and 'hot swappable' allows you to replace said drive with the unit ON versus having to bring it down (turn it OFF) in order to replace the damaged drive.  This feature is HUGE when you are using your array live on your network, it allows for continuous operation even in the event of a drive failure. To (try) and avoid such crashes you should make sure to visit the manufacturers website and only use drives that they have been tested and approved for use in their NAS/SAN appliance.
Look under support > compatibility > 3.5 HDD on their (QNAP's) site.

In computer networking a Server Message Block (SMB) is one version of which was also known as Common Internet File System (CIFS, /?s?fs/), it operates as an application-layer network protocol mainly used for providing shared access to files, printers, serial ports, and miscellaneous communications between nodes on a network. A NAS/SAN attaches to the SMB, which in most (all) cases is a separate appliance.

Hope this helps.

Question 3

can this be used as a print server?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the QNAP TS-669L-US will work as a printer server. There are 6 usable USB ports on the device for printers and/or additional USB storage devices (as well as SVGA & HDMI for video, and 2 eSATA ports for attaching eSATA devices)

Question 4

Can this be used as a VPN server as well?

Accepted Answer

absolutely.  it has openvpn capability built in.  i use it for just that - and i can vpn into my qnap box (and, thus, my network) all with just a click.

Question 5

how do you use it for backups?

Accepted Answer

Andrew L:

I've had a 4-bay system for almost 3 years, and it has been extremely reliable.  I think the GUI is overkill - I just use mine for storage.  I also have a 4-bay ReadyNas nv+ which has been as reliable, but they discontinued that product and the reviews on the "upgrade" version have not been all that great, although the GUI on the ReadyNas is simpler.  By the way, although the Western Digital Black drives are not on the "recommended" list, I've been using them for almost 7 years and had only 1 drive go down (luckily within the 5 yr warranty period).  I simply contacted WD and they sent me a new drive.  Those drives are very rugged, have a great warranty, and in most cases the drives will be more problematic than the enclosure.  I'm about to buy the 6 bay QNAP enclosure that I'm going to use specifically for backing up the other 2-NASs that I own.  I'll keep you up to date periodically on how things go.

Question 6

I looked at the hard drive compatibility list and the largest compatible drive is 6 TB.  Has anyone successfully used any 8 or 10 TB drives?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 8TB drives work. I'm using the Seagate 8TB 5400rpm Archive drives. Please keep in mind, these are not ideal for anything other than archive storage. If you plan on doing frequent simultaneous read/writes from multiple devices, the performance falls through the floor due to the SMR technology.

Questions & Answers