Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ NAS Review: A High-Security Storage Solution for Power Users and Small Businesses

Curiously, while the main drive bays require a screwdriver, the internal NVMe slots are designed for toolless installation. This makes it remarkably easy to upgrade the system’s cache or add a dedicated high-speed pool for virtual machines. Additionally, the unit features a SO-DIMM slot that allows the factory-installed 4GB of DDR4-2933 RAM to be expanded up to 16GB, a necessary upgrade for users planning to run multiple Docker containers or heavy enterprise applications.

ADM Gives You Significant Control and a Lot to Manage

The heart of the Asustor experience is the ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM) operating system. For those coming from a background in Linux systems administration or professional networking, ADM is a breath of fresh air. It offers a level of transparency and control that is often obscured in more consumer-oriented "walled garden" operating systems.

However, this level of control comes with increased complexity. ADM is an enterprise-ready operating system that happens to be available to consumers, rather than a consumer OS trying to act like a business tool. From the moment the setup process begins, the system asks detailed questions regarding multi-user configurations and network protocols. This is not a "set it and forget it" device; it is a platform that demands an understanding of how network storage functions.

The standout feature of ADM is its focus on security through the ADM Defender suite. In an age where NAS devices are frequent targets for ransomware and brute-force attacks, Asustor has implemented a multi-layered defense strategy. ADM Defender acts as a comprehensive security platform, integrating a robust firewall with intelligent protection rules.

During testing, the security measures proved to be almost too effective, as the system’s "Intelligent Protection" began locking out the administrator during SSH attempts that didn’t meet its strict security criteria. This is managed through a "Risk Detection Greylist," which proactively blocks IP addresses identified as harmful in global databases. This means the NAS is protected from known malicious actors before they even attempt a first login. Users can manage these protections through a trusted list, allowing for specific IP ranges to bypass the more aggressive blocking mechanisms. This level of proactive security is rarely seen in consumer-grade hardware and highlights Asustor’s commitment to the "Lockerstor" branding.

Performance: Older Hardware That Still Packs a Punch

Under the hood, the Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ is powered by the Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor. While this CPU debuted in 2021, it remains a stalwart in the NAS world for a very good reason: its integrated graphics capabilities and power efficiency.

In standard file transfer tests, the N5105, paired with the dual 5GbE RJ45 ports, performed flawlessly. Even without an NVMe cache enabled, the system was able to fully saturate both gigabit and 2.5G network pipes using standard SATA hard drives. The inclusion of 5GbE networking is a significant highlight, providing double the theoretical bandwidth of the 2.5GbE ports found on many modern rivals. This makes the unit particularly well-suited for creative professionals who need to edit high-bitrate video directly off the server.