QNAP TurboNAS VPN Server: Useful Feature?
June 13, 2012 by Jim McCarthy 
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When QNAP released TurboNAS 3.6, they included a VPN server as standard functionality. Is this a useful feature for a home user? I took it for a ride around the block to find out!
QNAP has continued to add features to its TurboNAS line of NAS units. One such addition was a VPN server, coordinated with the MyQNAPNAS.Com remote access service. I tried it out to see if it was useful or not. First off, here is how QNAP describes the benefits of this feature:
Cost-saving
Traditionally, businesses rent network capacity such as T1 lines to achieve full and secured connectivity between their office locations. The cost could rise exponentially with the growth of branch offices. The QNAP VPN (Virtual Private Network) Server uses public network Internet infrastructure to make these connections and build up virtual network at much inexpensive cost.
Secure access
Due to security concerns, businesses usually only allow file access or certain services within the office. The QNAP VPN Server provides an easy way for the IT administrator to build up a secure private network and allow the staff to log on from outside the office and access business resources securely such as files and Internet connections. The VPN connections are secured with up to 256-bit encryption. Users of Windows and Mac computers or even iOS and Android devices are able to easily obtain files in the office when on-the-go.
PPTP & OpenVPN support
QNAP VPN Server supports PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) and OpenVPN technologies, both are commonly adapted in the market. PPTP provides better compatibility while Window, Mac, Linux and handheld devices such as iOS and Andriod phones all have native support for PPTP, and it’s secured with 128-bit encryption. Compared with PPTP, the open source OpenVPN passes through NAT configurations (e.g. wireless routers) and corporate firewalls more easily, and it provides better security with 256-bit encryption.
A great remote gateway solution
Feel frustrated finding your favorite websites are blocked while traveling abroad? The QNAP VPN Server allows users to use the Internet connection within a VPN to visit these websites. No additional software is needed, and it’s safe.
Easy configurations
The IT administrator can allow Turbo NAS local users to use PPTP and OpenVPN by choosing user names on an intuitive dialogue. The connection list provides a clear overview on the status of currently connected users, such as logged in time, connected time, IP address, and protocol.
