The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite (AS1102TL) is an entry-level network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for home users and small businesses who need an affordable, efficient, and easy-to-use storage solution. Powered by a Realtek RTD1619B Quad-Core 1.7 GHz processor and 1GB of DDR4 RAM, it provides Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and RAID support for data security.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the hardware, performance, features, setup process, and use cases of the AS1102TL. I tested it using two 4TB HDDs from Seagate and WD in RAID 1 to ensure redundancy and reliability.
Package Details
The AS1102TL arrives in a minimalistic yet sturdy packaging, ensuring that all components are well-protected. Inside the box, you’ll find:
✅ AS1102TL NAS Unit
✅ Power Adapter
✅ Ethernet Cable
✅ Quick Start Guide
The chassis is sleek and compact, featuring a black matte finish with good ventilation. One standout feature is the tool-free drive installation, which makes it incredibly simple to insert and swap hard drives without additional tools.
Hardware Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Drivestor 2 Lite CPU: Realtek RTD 1296 Quad-Core 1.4 GHz Processor |
| RAM | Drivestor 2 Lite RAM: 1GB of DDR4 RAM |
| Drive Bays | 2 x 3.5” SATA HDD/SSD (Hot Swappable) |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, Single Disk |
| Connectivity | 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) |
| USB Ports | 1 x Front USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x Rear USB 2.0 |
| Encryption | Hardware encryption support |
| Max Drive Capacity | Up to 22TB per drive |
| Cooling | 70mm Fan |
| Power Consumption | 12W (HDD Idle), 17W (HDD Active) |
| Dimensions | 230mm x 108mm x 162mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
Compared to its competitors, the Drivestor 2 Lite (AS1102TL) offers efficient performance for budget-conscious users, with Gigabit Ethernet and hardware encryption for secure storage.
Here is Performance of DRIVESTORE 2 Lite (AS1102TL)
Setup & Installation
Setting up the AS1102TL is beginner-friendly and takes around 15 minutes. Here’s how to get started:
1️⃣ Insert Hard Drives – The tool-less design makes this process effortless.
2️⃣ Connect to Power & Network – Plug the NAS into power and connect it to your router using the Gigabit Ethernet port.
3️⃣ Initialize via Asustor Control Center – Download and install ADM (Asustor Data Master) software to configure the NAS.
4️⃣ Create RAID Array – I configured RAID 1 for data protection and redundancy.
5️⃣ Install Apps & Services – Asustor provides an extensive app ecosystem to expand functionality.
The ADM software interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, even for first-time NAS users.
Performance & Features
🔹 1. Gigabit Ethernet Networking
The AS1102TL features a single 1GbE Ethernet port, providing stable read/write speeds up to 113 MB/s in RAID 1. While it doesn’t support 2.5GbE like some competitors, it still delivers reliable speeds for home and small office use.
🔹 2. RAID Support for Data Redundancy
The device supports RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and Single Disk configurations. I tested it with RAID 1, ensuring data is mirrored across two drives for redundancy.
🔹 3. Asustor ADM 4.2 Software & App Support
The Asustor ADM (Asustor Data Master) OS includes a wide range of features.
You can use the ADM with feature rich apps like;
✔ File Sharing & Remote Access – Manage your files remotely using EZ-Connect
✔ Backup & Cloud Sync – Supports Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and more
✔ Media Server – Compatible with Plex, Emby, and UPnP streaming
✔ Surveillance System – Use Surveillance Center 2.8 to monitor security cameras
✔ Virtualization & Docker Support – Lightweight container applications
✔ Security Features – Includes firewall, encryption, and two-factor authentication
The ADM interface is user-friendly, making it easy to set up backups, manage storage, and configure security settings.
Use Cases & ApplicationsThe AS1102TL is a versatile NAS suitable for different purposes, including:
📌 Home Cloud Storage – Store and access files remotely from anywhere.
📌 Media Streaming – Run Plex or Kodi for 4K media streaming.
📌 Business File Sharing – Ideal for small teams needing remote file access.
📌 Backup & Security – Automate backups and secure data with RAID 1.
📌 Personal Web Hosting – Host small websites or applications.
Comparison: AS1102TL vs. Other Entry-Level NAS Devices
| Feature | AS1102TL | Synology DS220j | QNAP TS-230 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Realtek RTD1619B (Quad-Core, 1.7 GHz) | Realtek RTD1296 (Quad-Core, 1.4 GHz) | Realtek RTD1296 (Quad-Core, 1.4 GHz) |
| RAM | 1GB DDR4 | 512MB DDR4 | 2GB DDR4 |
| LAN Ports | 1 x 1GbE | 1 x 1GbE | 1 x 1GbE |
| Performance | ~113MB/s | ~112MB/s | ~112MB/s |
| RAID Support | 0, 1, JBOD | 0, 1, JBOD | 0, 1, JBOD |
The AS1102TL offers competitive performance with better hardware encryption than its competitors, making it a reliable and affordable choice for personal storage.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable price with solid performance
✔ Easy-to-use ADM software
✔ Tool-free drive installation
✔ Hardware encryption support
✔ Supports up to 22TB per drive
❌ Cons:
✘ Non-upgradable RAM (limited to 1GB DDR4)
✘ No 2.5GbE port (limited to 1GbE)
✘ Limited third-party app support compared to Synology
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the AS1102TL?
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite (AS1102TL) is a great budget NAS for home and small office users who need basic network storage, media streaming, and backup capabilities. While it lacks 2.5GbE connectivity and RAM upgradability, it makes up for it with Gigabit performance, RAID support, and a feature-rich ADM software ecosystem.
It’s a solid choice for users who:
✔ Need a cost-effective home NAS solution
✔ Want a personal cloud storage alternative
✔ Require RAID 1 for data redundancy
✔ Plan to use it as a media server (Plex, Kodi, Emby)
For the price, the AS1102TL offers excellent value and is a great starting point for NAS beginners.