Danny Weber
14:03 02-09-2025
A. Krivonosov
QNAP's QHora-301W, 322, and 321 gain a license-free IPS in firmware 2.6.0, adding real-time threat blocking, QuWAN SD-WAN, and L3/L7 firewalling for SMBs.
QNAP has rolled out a substantial upgrade for its QHora router lineup: the QHora-301W, QHora-322, and QHora-321 now support an intrusion prevention system (IPS). The standout benefit is that IPS works without licenses, letting organizations strengthen defenses without extra spend — a welcome change for small and midsize businesses, where security costs often become a sticking point.
With firmware version 2.6.0, QHora turns into a capable shield against current threats. The IPS relies on a signature database to block viruses, trojans, and intrusion attempts in real time, while regular updates help it react quickly to new attack patterns. At the same time, the routers retain their core capabilities: high-speed 2.5GbE and 10GbE ports, L3/L7 firewalling with DPI, traffic filtering by GeoIP and content, plus flexible QoS and VLAN controls — a practical mix of performance and inspection.
Another strong addition is integration with QNAP’s QuWAN SD-WAN. QHora can connect company offices over IPsec VPN, even when third-party equipment is involved. In practice, that means not just protection, but also a dependable, encrypted channel for moving data between sites.
QNAP’s move opens the door for SMBs to use enterprise-grade tools without hidden fees. For many, it’s a realistic path to a higher standard of network security — and a pragmatic way to bring stronger protection within reach.