Dual Ethernet + other queries

[mutley]

Hi

Have been reviewing the specs and noticed that the TS-239 and the 4 bay NAS's have dual gigabit sockets

I currently have 2 adsl lines with discrete networks (i.e. 2 routers) in the house. Am I right to think that I can assign 2 IP addresses and use the NAS to backup both networks?

If so - can I set the NAS up so users can see / retrieve files stored on the QNAP from both networks?

Whilst my usage isn't high at the moment, I reckon my storage of image / music files will increase significantly, so scalability is a good thing. If I go with a 4 bay can I configure with 2 drives and backup both networks in raid 1 and then add further drives at a later date?

I'm currently tossing up between a TS-239 (which I understand is faster and also has encryption) against the TS-410 / 419

Aside from standard network backups (appx 500gb data and growing) I will use the NAS to stream audio files. I've seen somewhere that the ts-239 can transcode FLAC files on the fly (useful as I have a PS3 and I wouldn't then need to buy something like a squeezebox or sonos system) but the general view seems to be it can't be done - which is right?

If it can't be done will the speed of the 410 be sufficient to serve a slimserver / sonos with flac?

Many thanks for your help

[schumaku]

I currently have 2 adsl lines with discrete networks (i.e. 2 routers) in the house. Am I right to think that I can assign 2 IP addresses and use the NAS to backup both networks?

Strongly vote against this approach. Invest in a router capable of integrating both DSL links into one network. Much less hassles.

If so - can I set the NAS up so users can see / retrieve files stored on the QNAP from both networks?

Some functionality works with two individual interfaces (e.g. SAMBA or Web UI access) - other features don't work (e.g. TwonkyMedia Server - interface used is non-predictable). As well, only one interface can have the default gateway.

If I go with a 4 bay can I configure with 2 drives and backup both networks in raid 1 and then add further drives at a later date?

Yes, you can either execute an online migration from a RAID 1 to a RAID 5 or RAID 6 after adding more drives. Alternatively, you can also create (an) additional volume(s) on the newly added drives, e.g. RAID 0, RAID 1, or JBOD.

I'm currently tossing up between a TS-239 (which I understand is faster and also has encryption) against the TS-410 / 419

TS-239 will be speeded by the even faster TS-259 announced for the CES 2010. If you go for a TS-x39 models, ensure to get an appropriate discount.

Do not overestimate the value of the drive encryption - it slows down the operations massively in any way - this makes no sense e.g. for media files. On a four/six/eight bay unit, you can dedicate a volume (e.g. a two disk RAID 1 or a three disk RAID5) to volume encryption to store critical files.

Aside from standard network backups (appx 500gb data and growing) I will use the NAS to stream audio files. I've seen somewhere that the ts-239 can transcode FLAC files on the fly (useful as I have a PS3 and I wouldn't then need to buy something like a squeezebox or sonos system) but the general view seems to be it can't be done - which is right?

There is no out-of-the box option to transcode on the fly. There is comparable simply way to include FLAC conversion on the Intel Atom based (x86) units to the Twonky Media Server. Alternatively, you have to work installing a 3rd party / open source sharing server for the PS3. But hey - how does a PS3 with it's military jet-style cooling unit match to stick on the (non-data-reduced) FLAC?

If it can't be done will the speed of the 410 be sufficient to serve a slimserver / sonos with flac?

I would opt for a TS-419 at least - due to the bigger memory, as the slimserver is very resource intensive overall.

Enjoy your product selection.

-Kurt.

[sl1000]

i dont know if the 419 uses the same cpu as the 219p (i thought they did, but not sure), but i traded my 219p in for 239, because i noticed that the cpu wasn't strong enough to transcode internet radio streams to my squeezebox duet. every few seconds the stream would stutter because of cpu constraints.

imho invest a few bucks more fore a strong (intel atom) cpu. you will enjoy it later on.