QNAP TS-531P
5-bay energy-efficient quad-core business-class NAS with optional 10GbE support

Overview:

The 5-bay TS-531P is a powerful quad-core network storage system, providing the potential for 10GbE expandability at a budget price to maximize ROI, and doubles the encrypted file transfer performance with a strong hardware-accelerated encryption engine. The energy-efficient ARM Cortex-A15 processor provides ultra low power consumption for daily business operations to save cost in the long run. Powered by the QTS operating system, the TS-531P provides versatile all-in-one server functionalities as well as unique features including Container Station, which allows you to run multiple isolated Linux systems and containerized applications on the same device. The TS-531P is a cost-effective storage solution designed for growing businesses looking for backup, restoration, private cloud, storage for virtualization, and to future-proof their IT infrastructure for 10GbE networks.

• 10GbE readiness, quad LAN ports and SSD cache
• Hardware-accelerated encryption engine for efficient cryptographic performance exceeding 400 MB/s
• Enjoy LXC and Docker lightweight virtualization technologies with the Container Station
• Manage, share, and back up business data with Real-time Remote Replication (RTRR)
• Qsirch, a near real time full-text search engine, helps quickly find specific NAS data (supported by TS-531P with 8GB RAM)
• Scales up to 21 drives with QNAP UX-800P expansion enclosures

Quad-core CPU and hardware-accelerated encryption

The TS-531P is equipped with an Annapurna Labs Alpine AL-314 quad-core 1.4 GHz ARM Cortex-A15 processor with 2GB/8GB DDR3-1600 RAM (upgradable to 16GB), SATA 6Gb/s, and four Gigabit LAN ports (expandable to 4x GbE + 2x 10GbE ports) for lightning-fast multi-tasking performance with SSD cache support. The TS-531P's hardware-accelerated encryption engine provides unmatched encryption performance in its class, up to 400 MB/s with AES-256 bit full NAS volume encryption, boosting system performance & security while ensuring the safety of sensitive business data stored in the TS-531P.

Test Environment
NAS:
OS: QTS 4.2.0
Volume type: RAID 5; 5 x Intel SSD DC S3500 240GB SSD: NAS and PCs are connected.

Client PCs:
Intel Core™ i7-4770 3.40GHz CPU; DDR3L 1600Hz 16GB; WD 1TB WD10EZEX; Intel Gigabit CT( MTU 1500 ) ; Windows 7 Professional 64bit SP1
IOMeter configuration: Transferring 8GB file continuously to NAS for 3 minutes. Block size: 64KB for SMB2.0 (Throughput)

* Tested in QNAP lab. Figures could vary by environments.

Flexible 10GbE connectivity

The TS-531P offers 4 inbuilt Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports 10 Gigabit high-speed networks by installing a 10GbE SFP+ or 10GBASE-T network adapter (optional purchase). The 10GbE-ready TS-531P delivers lightning-fast data throughput for businesses that demand higher bandwidth for virtualization and fast backup and restoration for an ever-growing amount of data. Coupled with its large storage capacity potential, the TS-531P is perfect for companies to store massive data and excels in fast data transmission.

High Efficiency with quad LAN support

The TS-531P supports multiple port-trunking modes, enabling IT administrators to set up link aggregation to increase total data transmission capability. Failover and dual IP are also supported to ensure continuous system operations. The supported port-trunking modes include: Balance-rr (Round-Robin), Active Backup, Balance XOR, Broadcast, IEEE 802.3ad, Balance-tlb (Adaptive Transmit Load Balancing) and Balance-alb (Adaptive Load Balancing).

Energy-efficient

The TS-531P utilizes an energy-efficient quad-core ARM processor that features low voltage and low power consumption, maintaining high performance in system operations and suitable for an always-online business cloud without running up a high electricity bill. Additional energy-saving features include S3 sleep mode, hard disk standby, scheduled power on/off, and Wake on LAN.

Test Environment:
TS-531P installed with 5 WD Red 1TB hard drives in RAID 5 array

Expand storage capacity easily

The TS-531P supports online capacity expansion for archiving rapidly growing data by connecting 2 QNAP expansion enclosures. With the QNAP scale-up solution, the raw storage capacity can be expanded on demand*, making the TS-531P an ideal file center with large storage capacity for storage-intensive business applications such as video surveillance, data archiving, TV broadcast storage, and more.

With the support of QJBOD Express (JBOD enclosures roaming)**, you can just connect a large capacity QNAP expansion enclosure to the TS-531P, and migrate data to another NAS through the JBOD enclosure without network connectivity.

The maximum raw storage capacity available by connecting QNAP expansion enclosures:

*To expand the storage space with an UX expansion enclosure, please create a separate static volume or storage pool on the UX expansion unit.
**RAID groups of storage pools cannot cross multiple enclosures.
***The maximum capacity is calculated by using 8TB HDDs.

Features:

QTS - Simple and efficient

Thanks to the intuitive user interface of QTS, your NAS experience is smarter, smoother and spectacular. Its modern flat design streamlines loading times, and the intelligent desktop allows you to find desired functions quickly, create desktop shortcuts or group shortcuts, monitor important system information on a real-time basis, and open multiple application windows to run multiple tasks concurrently, bringing greater operating efficiency.

Qsirch – A smarter, faster way to search

TS-531P with 8GB RAM supports Qsirch, QNAP's unique, powerful, Google Search-like search tool that helps you find what you need on the NAS. You can quickly and easily find documents, photos, videos, and music. Simply type in as much as you know about what you are trying to find, including parts of the file name or even words/phrases in the document, and Qsirch will display a list of matches – complete with thumbnails – as you type. Qsirch even remembers your search history so you can quickly navigate to files you've previously searched for. Qsirch is a huge productivity boost that greatly reduces the time spent looking for files on the NAS, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

SSD cache acceleration

The TS-531P supports SSD caching which can greatly boost IOPS performance of storage volumes to increase operational efficiency. It is perfect for improving overall workflow of IOPS-demanding applications and allows the best of both cost and performance by combining SSDs with HDDs.

Container Station – LXC and Docker Containers inclusive

QNAP Container Station exclusively integrates LXC and Docker lightweight virtualization technologies, allowing you to operate multiple isolated Linux systems on the TS-531P as well as download apps from the built-in Docker Hub Registry. It supports container import/export and permission settings, and features an informative dashboard and flexible user interface for you to manage multiple containers. You can experience the amazing Container Station and enjoy the playground of virtual containers with the TS-531P. Container Station also supports Online Document app, which allows you to directly view, edit and store files of various types anytime on your NAS, including Office documents, images and text files.

Cross-platform file sharing, centralized data storage

The TS-531P supports SMB/CIFS, NFS, and AFP protocols for file sharing across Windows, Mac, Linux/UNIX networks. Data, logs and ISO images of CDs and DVDs can be centrally stored on the TS-531P and protected by an integrated antivirus solution. The Windows AD and LDAP services enable system administrators to configure user permissions by using an existing Windows AD server, LDAP server or built-in LDAP service. The TS-531P supports SAMBA v4 and can act as a Windows domain controller to manage privilege settings.

Well-rounded backup solutions to secure data

QNAP NetBak Replicator supports real-time and scheduled data backup on Windows including Outlook email archiving. Apple Time Machine is also supported to provide Mac OS X users with a solution to effortlessly back up data to the TS-863U. A wide range of third-party backup software such as Acronis True Image and Symantec Backup Exec are also supported.

Disaster recovery solutions brings peace of mind

The TS-531P offers various data recovery options. RTRR (Real-Time Remote Replication) supports real time or scheduled data backup to a remote QNAP NAS or FTP server and synchronizes files to a remote folder from a local folder with better backup efficiency. You can enjoy backup versioning to preserve a certain amount of versions, with options of simple versioning to schedule how many versions should be retained and for how long, or smart versioning with a rotation scheme that automatically replaces earlier backup versions. The TS-531P also supports the rsync protocol to back up data to another remote server on a scheduled basis. Data can also be backed up to and restored from a range of cloud storage services, including Amazon S3, Amazon Glacier, Microsoft Azure, ElephantDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, and more

File synchronization across multiple devices and clouds

Qsync utility turns your TS-531P into a safe, large-capacity data center for file synchronization. Any file uploaded to the TS-531P will be made available for all linked devices, such as computers, laptops or mobile devices. Qsync is especially useful for frequent travelers to manage files and always have the most up-to-date files on different devices. You can also install the Cloud Drive Sync app from QTS App Center to easily sync files with Google Drive and Dropbox cloud storage.

Comprehensive security options

In open network environments, business data may be exposed in a potential hack. The TS-531P provides numerous security options, such as encrypted access, IP blocking, and more. IT administrators can also control the access rights of each user to different folders, preventing unauthorized access to important files. The TS-531P supports AES 256-bit encryption, preventing sensitive business data from unauthorized access and breach even if the hard drives or the entire system were stolen.

Comprehensive surveillance solution providing 24/7 security

Surveillance Station is a professional network surveillance Video Management System (VMS) that offers a user-friendly management interface, over 3,000 compatible IP camera models, and expandable IP camera channel licenses. It supports real-time monitoring, video & audio recording and playback with a wide range of customizable settings. You can also install the Vmobile app on your iOS or Android devices to manage the monitored channels anytime and anywhere to safeguard your office environment, or install the Vcam mobile app to turn your device into a network camera to instantly record to your TS-531P. The TS-531P offers 2 free IP camera channels and you can expand up to 30 channels by purchasing additional licenses.

Install-on-demand apps to extend NAS functionality

The built-in App Center provides various install-on-demand apps developed by QNAP and third-party developers, including tools for backup/sync, business, content management, communications, download, entertainment, and much more. It is also a centralized location for managing & updating installed apps. In addition, QNAP's development platform embraces the open-source spirit to enable developers to create their own apps, adding potentially limitless potential for the TS-531P.

Additional SMB-ready features

The TS-531P supports various business applications as an all-in-one Turbo NAS with cost-efficiency

FTP Server
The Turbo NAS supports FTP server to share large size files, coming with user-defined settings including bandwidth limitation, number of connections, and write-only permission.

Web Server
The Turbo NAS supports Web server which allows numerous websites built on the same server conveniently. Administrators can manage up to 32 websites on the single one Turbo NAS with reduced IT cost.

RADIUS Server
The Turbo NAS supports RADIUS server which provides centralized authorization management for computers to connect and use a network service.

VPN Server
The Turbo NAS supports VPN server which provides an easy way for IT administrators to build up a secure private network and allows the staff to log on from outside the office and access business resources securely such as files and Internet connections.

Print Server
The Turbo NAS can be used as a Printer server to send remote printing request via the Internet (max. 3 USB printers), and supports IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), Samba, print job management and Bonjour printing for Mac OS X.

Surveillance Station
The Turbo NAS supports Surveillance Station to connect and manage multiple IP cameras remotely, including real-time monitoring, video recording, playback, and event notifications.

Specifications:

Software Specifications:

(1). Not all services are supported.
*The data encryption functions may not available in accordance to the legislative restrictions of some countries.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Optional Accessories:

Optional Accessories
Expansion Unit
8-Bay Expansion Unit UX-800P	5-Bay Expansion Unit UX-500P
RAM
2GB DDR3L RAM Module RAM-2GDR3L-SO-1600	4GB DDR3L RAM Module RAM-4GDR3L-SO-1600	8GB DDR3L RAM Module RAM-8GDR3L-SO-1600
LAN card
Single-port 10GbE 10GBASE-T NIC LAN-10G1T-D	Single-port 10GbE SFP+ NIC LAN-10G1SR-D

Utilities:

Various handy utilities are available for you to work smartly with your Turbo NAS. These utilities help increase your productivity and make it absolutely easy with connecting the Turbo NAS, setting up the system, data backup and synchronization, downloading files, and so on.

Qfinder

Connect and set up NAS easily
Qfinder is a utility, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, to quickly find and access the Turbo NAS over the LAN. Install the Finder on your computer, open it, and double click your Turbo NAS name, and the login page is ready for you.

Easily access the NAS by Storage Plug & Connect
Windows version of Qfinder provides a convenient way to connect to the Turbo NAS and map a network drive or a virtual disk. By creating a shared folder on the Turbo NAS and mapping it as a network drive, you can use it as an additional drive and store files on it as it is a local drive of the computer.

myQNAPcloud Connect

NAS Connection by VPN
myQNAPcloud Connect helps you access the published services of the Turbo NAS quickly and securely on the Internet. myQNAPcloud Connect application is designed for Windows PC users. By installing the myQNAPcloud Connect, you will be able to connect to the Turbo NAS and easily manage files by drag-and-drop within the Windows Explorer.

Qsync

Synchronize files anytime, anywhere
Qsync is a useful tool to synchronize files in multiple computers. It creates a specific “Qsync folder” in your devices that you can simply drop files in, and synchronizes the files to all your devices linked to the Turbo NAS.

Sync in multiple ways

Full Sync
Whenever you add, edit, delete or rename a file on one computer, the change applies to all others linked with the Turbo NAS, so you have exactly identical contents on all your devices.

Smart Sync
It allows you to remove files on one computer without affecting the copies stored on others that are linked with the Turbo NAS. However, when someone updates the files you deleted from another computer, you can still retrieve them in the Qsync folder.

Advanced Selective Sync
With both Full Sync or Smart Sync options, you can choose to only sync specific sub-folders within the Qsync folder, useful if your computers have limited storage.

Share files and folders easily

Quickly share files with download links
You can create download links to share files with people, even if they don’t have an account on the Turbo NAS. This greatly reduces the time in creating user account and password for users.

Share folders for collaboration
Your life is connected with different groups of people. You can create sub-folders within the Qsync folder, and share each with different groups of Turbo NAS users as a file exchange center. Everyone in the same sub-folder is always kept up-to-date with the latest version of the files.

QNAP NetBak Replicator

Backup data on PC
The QNAP NetBak Replicator, provided with any Turbo NAS unit free of charge, helps you easily back up files from Windows PC - entire disk drives, documents, pictures, music, videos, fonts, emails, and more - to the Turbo NAS. The operation is very simple. You can do the backup task in just a few clicks using NetBak Replicator by the setting of real-time synchronization, scheduled backup and auto-backup from multiple PCs to the Turbo NAS.

NetBak Replicator also supports backing up to a remote server via FTP and WebDAV through the Internet. Imagine that you can backup new photos whenever on vacation. Even you are away from home, the convenient backup supports your memories.

vsphere Client plug-in

Manage QNAP NAS within vSphere Client
The Turbo NAS supports vSphere Client Plug-in that allows managing VMware datastores on the Turbo NAS directly from the vSphere client console. In a large-scale server virtualization environment, management is centralized and straightforward. Administrators can easily control the status of the Turbo NAS and datastores and create additional datastores to multiple ESXi hosts in just a few clicks.

Note: The TS-x51 series doesn’t support vSphere Client plug-in.

Q'center Virtual Appliance

Deploy Q’center as virtual appliance
Q’center is a powerful QNAP NAS management system. The Q’center Virtual Appliance can be easily deployed in Microsoft Hyper-V or VMware ESXi to increase its flexibility and connectivity for large storage environments.

Minimum requirements：108 GB free disk space, 1 GB memory and 4 virtual CPUs
Supported platforms: VMware ESXi (ESXi 5.0, ESXi 5.1, ESXi 5.5), VMware Fusion 7, VMware Workstation 11, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 with Hyper-V 3.0.

Use Q’center to monitor multiple NAS.
With Q’center, you can view the status and system information of multiple QNAP NAS units at the same time, inspect system resource usage, monitor disk/volume health and perform other management tasks. With these features, Q’center can better assist IT administrators and QNAP NAS users in system resource allocation and future capacity planning.

QNAP Snapshot Agent

In QTS 4.2, the Storage Manager's Snapshot function supports iSCSI LUNs to rapidly back up and restore data. When creating a LUN snapshot, QNAP Snapshot Agent for Windows Server or VMware vCenter allows the NAS to communicate with the remote server when taking snapshots and ensures Application-consistent LUN snapshots.

VSS Hardware Provider also allows NAS ROW (Redirect on Write) instead of Windows COW (Copy on Write) to increase backup efficiency and to offload the snapshot to the NAS for reducing the performance impact on the Windows server.

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Documentation:

Download the QNAP TS-531P Datasheet (PDF).