To test performance, several tests were run using our standard NAS test procedure. Tests were run with 100 Mbps, 1000 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps with 4K jumbo frame network connections, using the version 1.2.0 Build 0626T firmware that came installed on the product. Figures 18 through 21 show the TS-101's performance using a 64 kByte record size and file sizes from 32 MB to 1 GB, plotted along with comparable previously-reviewed products.

The TS-101's read performance with a 100 Mbps network is at the bottom of the pack for smaller file sizes, but stays pretty even and moves to the middle for 256 MB and larger files.

Figure 18: 100 Mbps Ethernet read performance (click to enlarge)

Middle of the pack is again the watchword for 100 Mbps write, which doesn't experience the speed fall-off of the Buffalo Tera and Link Stations.

Figure 19: 100 Mbps Ethernet write performance (click to enlarge)

Performance with a Gigabit connection is more interesting. Figures 20 and 21 show three lines for the TS-101 representing normal frame Gigabit, 4K jumbo frame, and the "V0713" line. This last line represents the currently-released "20060713-1.2.0" firmware that Qnap released as testing was being wrapped up.

Figure 20: 1000 Mbps Ethernet read performance (click to enlarge)

Figure 20 shows that the current firmware really improved Gigabit read performance even without the boost that jumbo frames usually provide. Figure 21, however, shows that write performance doesn't benefit at all from the latest firmware, and lets the Synology DS-106e claim top honours, at least among this group. For a more complete comparison of the various NAS devices we tested in the last couple of years, check out the charts located here.

Figure 21: 1000 Mbps Ethernet write performance (click to enlarge)