QNAP TS-h686 NAS Tower by QNAP Systems

Delivering enterprise performance at SMB prices, the TS-h686 features an Intel® Xeon® D processor and DDR4 ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory (expandable to 128 GB) with dependable reliability. With the ZFS-based QuTS hero operating system, the TS-h686 ensures data integrity and supports block-level inline data deduplication and compression, near-limitless snapshots, and real-time SnapSync. The TS-h686 helps your business achieve reliable service-level agreement performance in various use cases, including mission-critical file servers, virtualization servers, collaborative video editing, or efficient data backup and recovery applications.

Powerful Intel Xeon D processor with up to 128 GB DDR4 ECC memory
The TS-h686 uses an Intel Xeon® D-1600 series processor and DDR4 ECC memory that can detect and correct single-bit memory errors as they occur to prevent downtime and data loss. Supporting up to 128 GB RAM to cope with higher workloads, the TS-h686 provides a high-performance and reliable NAS solution for demanding business IT environments.

Set SSD caching to boost IOPS with M.2 NVMe SSD
While SSD prices continue to fall, and SSD capacity and performance continue to increase, organizations can easily take advantage of SSD strengths. The TS-h686 comes with two 2.5-inch SSD drive bays and two M.2 NVMe Gen3 x4 SSD slots that allow you to flexibly configure SSD caching to increase IOPS performance and reduce storage volume latency. This is especially perfect for databases and virtual machine applications. Without occupying any 3.5-inch drive bays, the TS-h686 allows you to maximize both your storage capacity and performance.

Quad-port 2.5GbE meets today’s high-bandwidth demands
Featuring four native 2.5GbE RJ45 LAN ports (backwards compatible with 1G/100M), the TS-h686 allows you to use existing CAT5e cables to upgrade network speeds from 1 Gigabit to 2.5 Gigabit. The support of Port Trunking and failover further satisfies bandwidth and reliability demanding applications including virtualization, large file transfers, high-speed backup/restoration, and any real-time application. QNAP also offers numerous options of managed and unmanaged 10GbE/2.5GbE switches, assisting organizations in implementing high-speed, secure and scalable network environments without going over budget.

ZFS-based QuTS hero operating system enhances NAS performance and data integrity
QuTS hero combines the app-based QTS with the 128-bit ZFS file system to provide flexible storage management, comprehensive data protection, and optimized performance to tackle the complexity and performance demands of modern IT. From storage management, virtualization, to collaborative media workflows, QuTS hero streamlines your business-critical tasks.

Tiered storage configuration for a QuTS hero NAS
Follow these steps to acquire optimal storage efficiency and performance for QuTS hero.

Step 1: System Drive
The first Storage Pool you create is the system drive. Using an SSD RAID with at least two SSDs for the system drive is recommended.

Step 2: Read Cache & ZIL
Use more SSDs for read cache or ZIL. You can also install QM2 expansion cards to add M.2 SSDs for expanding cache space.

Step 3: Data Storage
Allocate HDDs/SSDs to create a RAID for storing files and application data. If needed, you can configure an all-flash configuration for optimal performance.

Inline data deduplication, compression, and compaction drives big data storage efficiency
QuTS hero supports advanced block-based data reduction technologies (including inline data deduplication, compression, and compaction) to reduce file sizes, conserve storage capacity, and optimize performance. For example, if 20 virtual machines on a NAS are replicated using the same template, then storage space requirements for all 20 virtual machines can be reduced by up to 95%. Whether acting as primary or backup storage, the TS-h686 optimizes storage utilization to provide a reliable storage cornerstone in the Big Data era.

Real-time SnapSync ensures minimal RPO with real-time disaster recovery
Real-time SnapSync ensures that both the primary and secondary NAS maintain identical data. When data is written to the source, it is immediately written to the destination. If the primary NAS goes offline, IT staff can simply adjust the privilege settings of the secondary NAS to ensure continuous operations. SnapSync provides the strongest support for nonstop business operations and helps users to reduce the risk of data loss.

Snapshots multiply backup protection
Attain peace of mind with near-limitless, instant snapshots. Copy-on-write technology makes snapshot creation almost instantaneous without affecting ongoing data writing. Snapshot Replica replicates snapshot files to the backup NAS, simplifying data protection with version control.

HBS simplifies 3-2-1 backup plans
HBS centralizes backup, restoration, and synchronization for easily transferring data in the TS-h686 to another QNAP NAS, remote server, or cloud storage space. HBS supports QuDedup technology that eliminates redundant data at the source and makes multi-version backup faster.

All-in-one virtual machine and container hosting solution
You can count on Virtualization Station and Container Station for comprehensive virtualization support. Coupled with the Network & Virtual Switch app that boosts interoperability between virtual machines, containers, QNAP NAS, and other physical devices on the network, you can flexibly allocate physical and virtual network resources to simplify network deployment.

PCIe expansion for upgrading 10GbE transmission or enabling GPGPU computing
The TS-h686 features two PCIe Gen 3 x8 slots (each slot provides up to 64 Gb/s bandwidth) and supports installing expansion cards to enable additional functions and greater application potential.

Move business data to the cloud and enjoy low latency access to cloud-based data
The TS-h686 perfectly integrates NAS with mainstream cloud services. By deploying cloud storage gateways and enabling local caching on the TS-h686 using M.2 SSD slots (M.2 SSDs purchased separately), organizations can seamlessly use the cloud for storage, backup, and data recovery with low-latency access. This greatly helps in realizing cost-effective, flexible and secure hybrid cloud applications.

Switch operating systems to upgrade current storage
The TS-h686 can also switch to using QTS - QNAP’s standard NAS operating system. This allows you to migrate drives from your current QTS-based NAS to the more powerful TS-h686 to upgrade your storage infrastructure.