ASUSTOR AS4004T 10GbE SOHO NAS Review

OS and Software Features

The ASUSTOR AS4004T is among the units which support all the features of the recently released ADM 3.3.0. One of the best additions here is Btrfs support with snapshots.

ADM 3.3.0

ADM 3.3 is the latest version of the NAS OS at this time and it’s a brilliant piece of software. The interface is a bit different compared to other NAS vendors, but that’s not a bad thing. The system is designed to give a tablet-like experience and with settings grouped into their own apps. For the first few days, coming from another type NAS, this can be a little confusing. But you’ll quickly get the hang of it and never know the difference.

ADM supports different screen resolutions and users can choose between three desktop icon layout configurations (5×3, 6×3, 7×4). Grouping of apps is also part of ADM 3.0 and forward. There is a desktop icon list and also support for the creation of desktop snapshots along with a restore function.

The desktop background themes are customizable, and users can change them according to preferences. Users can also upload their own images to use those as the desktop background. The interface font and window button colours can also be customised.

Cross-Platform Sharing

Naturally, the ASUSTOR AS4004T supports cross-platform file sharing. Whether you have a Linux/Unix, Windows, or Mac OS system, you’ll be able to access all your files. Android and iOS devices also get a full list of available apps. With those, you can easily connect and manage the various aspects of your NAS – and that without any extensive knowledge in the field.

Migration from older devices is as easy as replugging the drives from the old unit into the new. The whole thing is a 3-step seamless system and nothing to worry about.

PC-Less Installation

ASUSTOR supports Mobile installation with AiMaster and takes only 3 steps. It isn’t everyone who has a PC these days as mobile systems can do so much more than let’s say 10 years ago. A NAS is just as useful for them as everything is possible through the ASUSTOR NAS mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Comprehensive Backup Solutions

The AS4004T provides a lot of different backup options and is connected to a variety of public cloud storage services. These include Amazon S3, ASUSWebStorage, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box.net, HiDrive, Ralus, WonderBox, xCloud, and CrashPlan. You can also use the built-in FTP Explorer, USB external hard drive enclosures, external hard drives and local backup to ensure proper backup for your data.

No matter if you are using Windows, Mac or Linux, ASUSTOR provides the proper tools for your backup needs.

MyArchive cold backup technology allows NAS hard disks to be turned into removable archive hard disks. Users only need to insert MyArchive disks into their ASUSTOR NAS, and it will act as an internal hard disk. That is an easy and fast way to back up critical data using local scheduled backups. Backup can be this simple, and done at full speed.

Application Central

The Application Central is where you add nearly unlimited features to your NAS. The basic file sharing functions are always there, but everything else is up to you. At your convenience, you can browse through and download any applications that pique your interest from App Central. Whether your interests lie in business, website construction or even digital home entertainment, App Central has got you covered. With over 200 unique Apps, App Central provides you with a vast variety of applications that you require to satisfy your digital lifestyle needs. Explore the unlimited potential of ASUSTOR NAS devices while creating a personalised NAS device for yourself.

Especially when creating a digital home, a NAS is essential. It is the central location for your files, capable of bringing them to all other connected devices. While the AS4004T doesn’t come with an HDMI port, you can stream via UPnP or Plex. Access to all your data from everywhere.

Surveillance System

With a system as powerful as the AS6302T, using it as a security station would be an obvious choice. That’s no problem either, in fact, it should only take you about 60 seconds to get through the 5-step setup. The NAS comes with four free camera channels, making it a cost-effective solution. More licenses can be purchased, and the system supports up to 36 channels. After installing Surveillance Center and its corresponding mobile app AiSecure, users will also be able to stream live surveillance feeds to their smartphones while on the go, keeping an eye on their most valued assets from anywhere.

New with ADM 3.3.0

ASUSTOR added a really awesome feature in ADM 3.3.0 and that is Btrfs support. The Btrfs file system comes with a lot of advantages such as the ability for Snapshots. That also means that ASUSTOR added a new app called the Snapshot Center. It allows you to manage both Btrfs volume snapshots as well as iSCSI LUN snapshots.

For a complete view of the new features, you can check out the changelog release notes on the new version.