NAS or Network Attached Storage is quite common these days. They are primarily used to store and backup data. However, a NAS requires that it is attached to the network’s router; thus the name network-attached storage. What if you just need a storage solution that can be connected directly to a PC? Enter DAS or Direct Attached Storage.
Overall, this is a powerful dock for the price (I got it on Amazon for ~$230). The loud fan puts a real damper on what would otherwise be one of the best docks on the market. I would recommend it for the price if you accept that you're gonna have to unplug it while not using it and that while working you're gonna want some headphones or music to drown out the sound.
The ubiquity of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, although a bit confusing, has given rise to dozens of hubs and docks over the past few years. Apple's short-lived attempt to go all out on these standard ports was particularly instrumental in products that tried to give those ports back to users. Even if your desktop or laptop has enough of the right ports, however, there might still be a desire for a dock, especially when you need to connect a slew of peripherals that your computer can't handle.