Weekly Tech Digest – Week 43 (2025): Unifying NAS, Networking, Surveillance and Storage Intelligence

This week in the NASCompares Weekly Digest – Week 43 (2025), we explore the convergence of AI-driven networking, enterprise-grade surveillance, and smarter storage across the board. From UniFi’s Channel AI and 4K G6 Pro cameras, to QNAP’s virtualization HA beta and rugged NAS systems, the industry continues to push boundaries in reliability, bandwidth, and security. Key highlights include Synology’s ActiveProtect 1.1 for compliance-based backup, TrueNAS SCALE 25.10 Beta with remote system management, QNAP’s SSD700D caching drives, and TEAMGROUP’s ultra-fast Gen5 NVMe SSD. Plus, new debates have emerged around SMART data trustworthiness, HDD lifecycle models, and how vendors define hardware longevity.

UniFi Network 9.5 Launches with Channel AI and Port Anomaly Detection

Ubiquiti has released UniFi Network 9.5, bringing new AI-driven features and reliability tools to its popular platform. At the forefront is Channel AI, an automated system that analyzes RF interference and generates optimized Wi-Fi channel plans, significantly improving performance in large and multi-AP deployments. On the wired side, the update adds Port Anomaly Detection, which proactively identifies port flapping or loops to prevent network instability. Additional enhancements include better multicast support, roaming improvements for Apple devices, and new tools for forwarding services per AP. This release marks a shift toward more autonomous, intelligent network management across both wireless and wired infrastructure in UniFi environments.

Source: Ubiquiti

QNAP QSW-3000 Series Debuts Compact 10GbE Switch with LACP Support

QNAP has introduced the QSW-L3205-1C4T, the first in its new QSW-3000 series of compact 10GbE switches. This 5-port lightly managed switch includes four 10GbE RJ45 ports and one combo SFP+/RJ45 port, supporting LACP aggregation up to 20 Gbps, IGMP Snooping, QoS, and VLAN segmentation. Designed for creators and SMBs, it blends powerful throughput with an affordable, silent, fanless form factor. Paired with QNAP’s QSS switch management interface, users can control network behavior and firmware updates with ease. It’s an ideal upgrade for users moving from 2.5GbE or 5GbE infrastructure toward full 10GbE NAS and workstation integration.

Source: QNAP

Virtualization Station 4 Beta Adds HA for QuTS hero Users

QNAP has launched the Virtualization Station 4.1 Beta, now featuring VM High Availability (HA) between two QuTS hero NAS systems. The update enables real-time replication of VM snapshots using SnapSync, ensuring continuous operation in the event of hardware failure. Users can experience seamless failover and minimal downtime, a feature previously limited to higher-end virtual infrastructures. The beta is compatible with QuTS hero 5.3.0+ and is open to public testing, with incentives like the TR-004 JBOD giveaway for user feedback. This positions QNAP more competitively against traditional VM failover systems found in enterprise environments.

Source: QNAP

Orange Pi 6 Plus Launches with 12-Core ARM SoC and Dual SSDs

The Orange Pi 6 Plus has been officially announced, showcasing a powerful SBC platform based on the 12-core CD8180 ARM SoC. Key specs include support for up to 64GB LPDDR5, two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, dual 5GbE LAN, and a 30 TOPS NPU for local AI tasks. Graphics output is handled via DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 1.4, and the board includes USB-C, GPIO headers, and rich I/O for DIY or industrial projects. With ray tracing GPU support and high-speed storage, it targets AI development, robotics, home lab servers, and edge inference workloads. The board size is 115x100mm, fitting into most SBC chassis.

Source: Orange Pi (via Golem.de)

Toshiba Unveils 12-Disk Glass Platter HDDs, Targets 40TB+ Capacity

Toshiba has announced a major breakthrough in hard drive technology, revealing successful testing of 12-disk glass platter stacks for next-gen 3.5-inch HDDs. The innovation uses thinner and more durable glass substrates to allow tighter platter stacking, enabling capacities of 40TB and beyond. Toshiba also confirmed plans to combine this with MAMR and future HAMR technologies to improve areal density. The drives are being positioned for hyperscale and cloud deployments where density and power efficiency are paramount. Volume production is targeted for 2027, and this places Toshiba ahead of schedule in the race toward 50TB mechanical storage.

Source: Toshiba

DT Research Unveils Rugged NAS With Tamper-Proof Design and High Encryption

DT Research has launched a new military-grade rugged NAS system, engineered for field deployment in harsh environments such as defense, disaster recovery, and industrial sites. The system features tamper-proof encryption, hot-swappable NVMe SSDs, and a sealed, fanless aluminum chassis meeting MIL-STD-810G standards. Built for data security and mobility, it supports FIPS 140-2 validated encryption, multi-factor authentication, and remote data wipe functions. With dual 10GbE ports and optional Wi-Fi 6 modules, it enables fast edge computing and secure communication even under compromised conditions. DT Research continues expanding beyond rugged tablets into secure storage appliances for critical operations.

Source: DT Research via ZOL

Kioxia Open-Sources RocksDB Plugin to Optimize SSD Lifespan

Kioxia has released an open-source plugin for RocksDB, designed to significantly reduce write amplification on QLC and TLC SSDs. The plugin restructures data writes to align better with flash memory behavior, improving endurance and consistent performance under heavy loads. In testing, it delivered up to 40% longer SSD lifespan and improved write consistency. This development highlights the growing trend of co-optimizing hardware and software at the storage layer. It’s particularly relevant for databases, CDN providers, and AI applications where flash storage durability is often a bottleneck. The plugin is now available for community use and testing via GitHub.

Source: Kioxia

QNAP QXP-T52P: Add Dual 2.5GbE and USB-C via Low Profile PCIe Slot

QNAP has released the QXP-T52P, a PCIe expansion card that combines dual 2.5GbE LAN ports and a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on a single low-profile board. Ideal for both NAS and PC users, this upgrade enables enhanced network throughput and fast USB peripheral access without occupying multiple slots. The card supports link aggregation, reducing network bottlenecks during large file transfers or multi-user access scenarios. It also allows fast SSD backups or direct-to-disk transfers through its high-speed USB-C interface. Aimed at prosumers and SMBs, the QXP-T52P enhances I/O flexibility for QNAP systems.

Source: QNAP

Synology Drive 4.0 Adds Smart Sync, File Preview, and Bandwidth Control

Synology has officially launched Drive 4.0, a major update to its personal cloud and file syncing platform. The new version introduces smart sync rules, file preview in browser, and bandwidth control for sync tasks, helping users fine-tune how local and cloud files are synchronized across devices. IT administrators gain enhanced policy control for sync folders, device groups, and traffic limits. Drive 4.0 also improves cross-platform collaboration by supporting more file formats and real-time status updates. It positions Synology Drive as a more robust Google Drive alternative for teams needing on-premises control.

Source: Synology

ASUSTOR ADM 5.1 Refines UI, Previews Container Upgrades in ADM 5.2 Beta

ASUSTOR continues improving its NAS OS with the release of ADM 5.1.6 and preview rollout of ADM 5.2 Beta. ADM 5.1 brings faster UI responsiveness, better App Central integration, and improved indexing performance. Meanwhile, ADM 5.2 Beta introduces Docker Compose support, VPN enhancements, and multi-threaded backup handling. Users can also expect deeper snapshot control and future system monitoring dashboards. These updates aim to modernize ASUSTOR’s platform for power users and home labs, as the brand expands its software ecosystem to better compete with QNAP and Synology.

Source: ASUSTOR

Synology ActiveProtect Manager 1.1 Enhances Enterprise Backup and Compliance

Synology has released ActiveProtect Manager 1.1, strengthening its centralized backup solution with enhanced compliance, automation, and ransomware protection. The update introduces immutable backups, detailed audit logs, and more granular backup scheduling policies, making it ideal for regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and legal. With support for cross-site replication and integration into Synology’s CMS (Central Management System), administrators can control multi-NAS environments from a single panel. These features not only improve data integrity but also align Synology’s offerings closer to enterprise backup suites like Veeam and Acronis.

Source: Synology

QNAP QXP-10G2U3A Combines Dual 10GbE and USB 3.2 Gen 2 on One PCIe Card

QNAP has unveiled the QXP-10G2U3A, a PCIe 3.0 x4 card that integrates dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port. Designed for high-throughput network and peripheral access, the card enables simultaneous fast LAN transfers and USB connectivity from a single slot. With link aggregation, SMB multichannel, and USB DAS compatibility, it suits NAS and PC users seeking to expand bandwidth or add high-speed external drives. This is part of QNAP’s broader strategy to modularize I/O expansion and future-proof its NAS and workstation offerings.

Source: QNAP

QNAP Participates in Pwn2Own Ireland 2025, Reaffirms Security Commitment

At Pwn2Own Ireland 2025, QNAP showcased its growing focus on product security by inviting ethical hackers to test its systems under responsible disclosure frameworks. Although no critical exploits were demonstrated live, QNAP emphasized its bug bounty program, accelerated patch cycles, and upcoming secure boot enhancements in QTS and QuTS hero. The event aligns with QNAP’s recent push to improve transparency following multiple NAS-targeted malware incidents over the past two years. Public participation in such events signals a proactive approach to cybersecurity in the NAS sector.

Source: QNAP

TEAMGROUP NV10000 Gen5 SSD Offers 12GB/s Read, 4TB Capacity

TEAMGROUP has launched the NV10000, a PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD capable of 12,000MB/s sequential read and 11,000MB/s write speeds. Built with DRAM cache, graphene thermal layers, and an in-house controller, it is targeted at high-performance desktop users, content creators, and AI developers. The drive supports NVMe 2.0, LDPC ECC, and advanced wear leveling, and it ships in capacities up to 4TB. Positioned as a competitor to Gen 5 SSDs from Samsung and Corsair, the NV10000 offers an alternative for those building future-ready rigs.

Source: TEAMGROUP

Backblaze Report Challenges Traditional HDD “Bathtub Curve” Reliability Model

A recent Backblaze report has upended the long-standing bathtub curve assumption in HDD failure rates, which suggested a pattern of early failures, stable performance, and eventual degradation. Analyzing data from over 250,000 drives, Backblaze observed inconsistent patterns, with some HDD models experiencing mid-life failures unrelated to age. Factors like temperature, vibration, and workload cycles played a greater role than previously understood. The findings have implications for NAS users, enterprises, and warranty planning, potentially extending the useful lifespan of HDDs beyond traditional 3–5 year cycles.

Source: Backblaze via Golem.de

Heated Debate Emerges Over SMART Data Accuracy in NAS Communities

A post by user HeavyWisteriaSix has reignited discussion around the reliability of SMART data as a health indicator for NAS drives. Citing cases of early warnings and inconsistent behavior across Synology, QNAP, and TrueNAS systems, the article explores how different vendors interpret critical values like reallocated sectors, pending sector counts, and CRC errors. Community responses varied, with some users suggesting that SMART data is increasingly misleading due to aggressive thresholds or vendor lock-in policies. Others defended its usefulness when contextualized correctly. The debate reflects a growing demand for more nuanced diagnostics tools in home and enterprise storage environments.

Source: HeavyWisteriaSix on Note.com

QNAP SSD700D Launches with NVMe Reliability Features for NAS Caching

QNAP has unveiled the SSD700D series, a new line of PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSDs designed specifically for NAS caching workloads. These SSDs feature 3D TLC NAND, support Power Loss Protection (PLP), and are optimized with QNAP’s SSD Profiling Tool for QuTS hero and QTS systems. Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, they are engineered for high endurance and consistent low-latency access, suitable for both read/write cache tiers and virtualization. QNAP positions this series as a middle ground between consumer NVMe drives and costly enterprise SSDs, balancing performance and durability for mid-size deployments.

Source: QNAP

UniFi G6 Pro Dome Cameras Bring 4K Surveillance with AI Detection

Ubiquiti has launched its latest G6 Pro Dome series cameras, offering 4K resolution, advanced AI-based object detection, and support for IK10-rated vandal resistance. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, these PoE-powered devices support heat dissipation improvements, wider field of view, and seamless integration with UniFi Protect. Users benefit from motion zones, event tagging, and mobile push alerts without recurring license fees. This release complements UniFi’s expanding portfolio of surveillance hardware, focusing on usability, centralized management, and security for SMBs, campuses, and commercial installations.

Source: Ubiquiti

TrueNAS SCALE 25.10 Beta Introduces TrueNAS Connect, Better System Insights

iXsystems has rolled out TrueNAS SCALE 25.10 Beta, featuring TrueNAS Connect, a new remote management and monitoring service that allows administrators to track their systems, receive alerts, and push updates from a centralized cloud portal. Other key improvements include expanded ZFS telemetry, enhanced arcstat reporting, and more responsive UI-based alert systems. The release also prepares the framework for future enclosure-aware management and adds enhancements for Docker container orchestration. While the beta is not intended for production, it offers a solid preview of the upcoming stable release later in Q4 2025.

Source: TrueNAS

Storage Price Forecasts: SSD and HDD Prices to Rise Amid NAND Shortage

A recent ComputerBase report warns that prices for HDDs, SSDs, and RAM are set to rise due to an ongoing NAND flash supply constraint. Key suppliers including Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron are reducing output and transitioning production lines, limiting capacity for consumer-grade storage. As NAND demand surges from AI servers and enterprise applications, market analysts expect SSD prices to climb by 10–15% through Q4 2025. HDD prices are also seeing upward pressure due to raw material cost increases and a slowdown in helium-based drive production. For NAS users, this signals a strategic window to secure drives ahead of another potential price spike similar to late 2022.

Source: ComputerBase

TeamGroup Debuts Z54E SSD with Phison E28 PCIe 5.0 Controller

TeamGroup has unveiled the Z54E, the first consumer SSD featuring the Phison E28 PCIe Gen 5 controller, promising up to 14,000 MB/s read and 11,800 MB/s write speeds. Targeting gamers and content creators, the drive incorporates DRAM cache, active cooling, and high endurance ratings to support intensive 4K/8K workflows. The Z54E positions TeamGroup at the cutting edge of Gen 5 SSD development, rivaling high-end offerings from Samsung and Corsair. Initially offered in 2TB and 4TB capacities, the drive leverages 232-layer NAND and aims to set new performance benchmarks in enthusiast builds and high-speed NAS cache setups.

Source: ComputerBase

WD Black SN8100: 8TB High-End SSD with Integrated Heatsink Coming Soon

Western Digital is preparing to launch the WD Black SN8100, a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD that pushes the limits of capacity and cooling for gamers and creators. Leaks confirm an 8TB model will ship with a large integrated heatsink, positioning the SN8100 as a top-tier choice for heavy-duty installations, including NAS cache and gaming rigs. Though not a PCIe 5.0 drive, its use of high-density NAND and thermal management makes it ideal for sustained workloads. The SN8100 aims to build on the success of the SN850X, offering more capacity and improved performance consistency for demanding users.

Source: ComputerBase

Longsys Reinvents M.2 SSD Design with Compact mSSD Architecture

Longsys has introduced a bold new form factor dubbed mSSD, reimagining the classic M.2 interface for greater flexibility and thermal efficiency. The concept relocates the controller and NAND components, stacking them vertically and reducing PCB footprint. The result is a shorter, fatter SSD module that could benefit small form factor PCs and embedded NAS systems by lowering space and airflow constraints. Longsys claims the design improves both heat dissipation and signal integrity, while maintaining compatibility with existing M.2 slots via adapters. While still in prototype, the mSSD reflects a willingness to challenge legacy hardware constraints in the name of efficiency and density.

Source: ComputerBase

TeamGroup Revises Z54E SSD Spec Sheet After NAND Flash Confusion

Days after announcing the Z54E as the first SSD with Phison E28 and Micron’s 232-layer NAND, TeamGroup issued a correction: the drive actually uses YMTC NAND, not Micron. This walk-back, reported by ComputerBase, sparked criticism for a lack of transparency. While performance figures remain unchanged, concerns emerged around NAND sourcing implications—particularly for buyers wary of geopolitical risks or brand trust. The Z54E remains a powerful Gen 5 contender, but the episode underscores the importance of accurate disclosure in SSD marketing, especially as drive internals significantly impact endurance, thermals, and compatibility.

Source: ComputerBase

Unraid 7.2.0 RC2 Refines ZFS, Virtualization, and Device Management

Unraid has released version 7.2.0 RC2, introducing a wave of enhancements focused on ZFS pool integration, improved device assignment UI, and virtual machine customization. Notably, ZFS management is now more seamless, with easier multi-pool setup and expanded snapshot options. The update also brings better USB and NVMe identification, revised system logging, and broader support for SR-IOV network interfaces and GPU passthrough—vital for media transcoding and AI workloads. These features move Unraid closer to parity with Proxmox and TrueNAS for users needing a blend of Docker, VM, and high-availability storage workflows on consumer hardware.

Source: Unraid

Jellyfin 10.11.0 Boosts Stability and Performance for Home Media Streaming

Jellyfin has released version 10.11.0, marking one of its most performance-focused updates to date. The open-source media server now features faster database indexing, improved transcoding pipeline efficiency, and a fully reworked search and filtering system. Playback buffering has been reduced, especially for high-bitrate content, and mobile/web clients benefit from snappier navigation and live TV support enhancements. The update also includes security patches and groundwork for future DLNA streaming improvements. For NAS owners running Jellyfin on Docker or bare metal, 10.11.0 offers a significant upgrade in speed and user experience.

Source: Jellyfin

D-Link Launches DGS-1530 Series: 10G Smart Switches for SMB Networks

D-Link has announced the DGS-1530 series, a family of smart managed switches offering a mix of 1G, 2.5G, and 10G uplinks designed for SMBs and edge networks. With support for Layer 3 static routing, PoE+ options, and ACL-based access control, the series enables advanced traffic segmentation and secure deployment for modern NAS and surveillance setups. Built with web-based UI and SNMP monitoring, the switches allow for simple setup without sacrificing control. These models are ideal for businesses upgrading to multi-Gigabit NAS or IP camera environments, while keeping costs below full enterprise switch offerings.

Source: D-Link

D-Link Nuclias Controllers Bring Cloud Management to Local Networks

D-Link has expanded its Nuclias cloud platform with a new line of on-premises controllers, enabling hybrid deployment of Wi-Fi and wired networks. The new hardware includes embedded multi-core processors, dedicated SSD storage, and support for up to hundreds of access points and switches, giving IT managers full control without relying on third-party cloud infrastructure. The Nuclias platform also integrates with RADIUS, VLANs, and smart alerts, streamlining setup in hotel, education, or managed office environments. These controllers offer a compelling bridge between traditional controllerless Wi-Fi and full MSP-grade solutions.

Source: D-Link

TerraMaster Launches F4-425 Plus and F2-425 Plus with Dual 5GbE and Intel N150

TerraMaster has refreshed its popular 4-bay and 2-bay NAS models with the introduction of the F4-425 Plus and F2-425 Plus, now powered by the Intel N150 quad-core CPU and featuring dual 5GbE ports. These new hybrid NAS systems support hardware video transcoding (H.264/H.265), 16GB DDR5 RAM, and up to 72TB raw storage. Aimed at multimedia prosumers and SMBs, they also include TOS 6 support, enhanced SSD caching, and snapshot management. With a strong focus on value and performance, these units compete directly with Synology’s DS423+ and QNAP’s TS-x53D series for users needing higher-than-Gigabit bandwidth without enterprise pricing.

Source: TerraMaster

Hiksemi Showcases AI-Powered Storage Portfolio at GITEX 2025

At GITEX 2025, Hiksemi unveiled a new line of AI-accelerated storage solutions aimed at enterprise and surveillance markets. The lineup includes NVMe SSDs, U.2/U.3 drives, and edge storage modules optimized for real-time analytics, high-speed video capture, and machine learning workloads. These storage products are built around in-house firmware paired with multi-core AI processors, enabling on-drive inference and faster content indexing. Hiksemi also introduced hybrid flash systems with tiered storage management for AI datacenters. This marks a significant step toward intelligent, self-managed storage designed to offload AI tasks from CPUs and GPUs, reducing power consumption and latency for edge deployments.

Source: Hiksemi

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