Asustor AS5304T 4-Bay NAS Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Asustor AS5304T is a high-performance 4-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for personal private cloud storage, media streaming, and data backup. Featuring an Intel Celeron Quad-Core processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM (expandable), it offers robust performance for various applications. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide high-speed network connectivity, ensuring efficient data transfer.

Figure 1: Asustor AS5304T 4-Bay NAS device.

2. What's in the Box

Upon unboxing your Asustor AS5304T, you should find the following items:

• Asustor AS5304T NAS Unit
• Quick Start Guide
• 2x RJ-45 Cat 5e Ethernet Cables
• 1x AC Adapter & Power Cable
• 16x Phillips Screws for 2.5" Drives

Figure 2: Unboxing contents of the Asustor AS5304T.

3. Hardware Features and Specifications

The Asustor AS5304T is equipped with advanced hardware for reliable and high-performance network storage.

• Processor: Intel Celeron Quad-Core
• RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable)
• Drive Bays: 4x Hot-swappable 3.5"/2.5" SATA HDD/SSD bays
• Network Ports: 2x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (2.5GbE) ports
• USB Ports: 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (1 front, 2 rear)
• HDMI: 1x HDMI 2.0a port
• Dimensions: 9.06 x 6.85 x 6.69 inches
• Weight: 4.84 pounds

Figure 3: Asustor AS5304T dimensions and port layout.

4. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to set up and install your Asustor AS5304T NAS:

1. Install Hard Drives: Unlock the drive tray, place your 3.5" or 2.5" hard drive or SSD into the tray, and relock the tray. Slide the tray back into the NAS unit.
2. Connect Cables: Connect the power adapter to the NAS and plug it into a power outlet. Connect one or both Ethernet cables from the NAS to your network router or switch.
3. Power On: Press the power button on the front of the NAS.
4. Initialize NAS: Download and install the ASUSTOR Control Center software on your Windows or macOS computer, or the AiMaster app for Android/iOS devices. Use the software/app to easily initialize your NAS.

Figure 4: Drive installation and cable connection steps.

5. Operating Instructions

The Asustor AS5304T runs on the ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM) operating system, providing a user-friendly interface for managing your NAS. Key operating features include:

• File Management: Access, organize, and share files through the web interface or mobile apps.
• App Central: Expand NAS functionality with a wide range of apps for media streaming (Plex, Kodi), surveillance (Surveillance Center), download management, and more.
• Backup Solutions: Configure comprehensive backup plans to external drives, cloud services, or other NAS devices.
• Mobile Access: Use AiMaster, AiFoto, AiMusic, and other mobile apps to access your files, stream media, and manage your NAS from anywhere.
• Home Entertainment: Stream 4K video, manage music libraries, and share content across your home network.

Figure 5: Overview of Asustor NAS features and applications.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your NAS:

• Keep Clean: Periodically clean the exterior of the NAS and ensure ventilation areas are free from dust.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and install ADM firmware updates to benefit from new features, security patches, and performance improvements.
• Drive Health Check: Utilize the Storage Manager in ADM to monitor the health status of your hard drives.
• Backup Data: Always maintain up-to-date backups of critical data stored on your NAS.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your NAS, consider the following basic troubleshooting steps:

• No Power: Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the NAS and the power outlet. Test the outlet with another device.
• No Network Connection: Verify that Ethernet cables are securely connected to the NAS and your router/switch. Check network settings in ADM.
• Drive Not Detected: Ensure hard drives are properly seated in their trays. Check drive health status in Storage Manager.
• Slow Performance: Check network traffic and CPU/RAM usage in ADM. Consider upgrading RAM if consistently high.
• System Restart: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The Asustor AS5304T comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. For technical support, firmware updates, and additional resources, please visit the official Asustor website or contact their customer support.