Zyxel NAS542 running with other OS?

Hello guys,

I am new to this forums, but I have searched it before i post this topic.

I have bought 2 years ago Zyxel NAS542. The warranty is unfortunately already off and today I have found out, that Zyxel put end-of-life support to support this model. And I am pretty pissed off about it on Zyxel, before I bought completly new NAS two years ago, expecting to use it for at least 5-8 years.

I have seen that there is this option: https://github.com/fbelavenuto/arpl

But as Zyxel NAS542 doesnt have any VGA, DP, HDMI, etc. it is practically impossible for me to install it common way. I have also another Synology NAS and I absolutely love their DSM system.

So my question is, if there is any way how I can get DSM info the Zyxel NAS 542? Or TrueNas?

My main goal is to keep receiving security updates, so my system would be protected. Sadly, i dont have money to buy new NAS, because of my pending divorce and when I was buying this Zyxel, I have never tought, that they will reach end-of-life support so fast. This nas is basically a new machine.

As for the Debian, I have really basic skills with it, so I prefer something with webUI, to set it up, turn on and forget about it for next few years so I can keep collecting money for new NAS.

I would be really grateful for your suggestions, help or advice how to achieve this goal.

Plase don't be mad on me, I am working with all I can have now, due to personal family issues.

grumpy_old_bear,

> As for the Debian, I have really basic skills with
> it, so I prefer something with webUI, to set it
> up, turn on and forget about it

Unfortunately, I don't have kernel built for this box SoC! so I cannot help with installing Debian.

Wishing you all the best, dealing with personal issue is very stressful.

-bodhi
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Hello there,

thank you for your respond. This is actually very sad information for me and I can't even say, how frustrated I am from Zyxel for dropping support to any NAS.

One way or another, keep up the good work m8

grumpy_old_bear,

You could check the OpenWrt distro. They might have support for it.

The LS1024A OpenWRT Linux-based SDK is optimized for both single- and dual-core operation. According to this info:

https://www.nxp.com/products/processors-and-microcontrollers/arm-processors/layerscape-processors/layerscape-1024a-dual-core-processor:LS1024A

Quote

The LS1024A OpenWRT Linux-based SDK is optimized for both single- and dual-core operation.

Yours is the single core processor LS1024.

-bodhi
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Unfortunately the NXP LS1024A is a re-labled Mindspeed Comcerto 2000 SoC. After NXP acquired the chip they re-labeled and sold it as part of their Layerscape series. However it appears that they never mainlined Linux kernel support for this particular processor and all available source appears to be stuck at the 3.2 level. Someone has a work in progress repository on GitHub at https://github.com/Bonstra/linux-ls1024a but still seems to be significant features not yet supported.