How do I set up a VPN server on my Synology NAS?

Setting up a VPN server on your Synology NAS

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, ensuring privacy and data protection. By setting up a VPN server on your Synology NAS (Network-Attached Storage), you can securely access your home network resources remotely or create a secure connection for devices connected to the internet.

Step 1: Enable the VPN Service

To set up a VPN server on your Synology NAS, start by enabling the built-in VPN service. Follow these steps:

Open the "Control Panel" on your Synology NAS.
Go to "Network" and click on "Network Interface".
Select the "VPN Server" tab.
Check the box next to "Enable VPN Server" to activate the service.

Step 2: Configure VPN Server Settings

After enabling the VPN server, configure the necessary settings:

Select the VPN server protocol. Synology NAS supports various protocols like PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec.
Choose the authentication method, such as a local user account or RADIUS server.
Define the IP range for VPN clients to use.
Optionally, set up additional settings like port forwarding or client certificate authentication.

Step 3: Port Forwarding and Firewall Settings

For VPN connections to work correctly, you may need to configure port forwarding and firewall settings on your router to allow traffic through. Follow these steps:

Access your router settings.
Set up port forwarding to redirect incoming VPN traffic to your Synology NAS's IP address and the corresponding port (default is 1723 for PPTP and 1194 for OpenVPN).
Adjust firewall settings to allow VPN traffic.

Step 4: Creating VPN Client Profiles

Next, create VPN client profiles so that devices can connect to your Synology NAS VPN server:

Open the "Control Panel" on your Synology NAS.
Go to "VPN Server" and click on the "Client Profile" tab.
Click on "Add" to create a new client profile.
Specify the desired settings, including the VPN protocol, user authentication method, and encryption options.
Save the client profile.

Step 5: Connect to the VPN Server

Finally, connect to your Synology NAS VPN server using the client profile you just created:

Install the VPN client software compatible with your device.
Launch the VPN client application.
Enter the necessary connection details, including the server IP address or hostname, authentication credentials, and selected encryption options.
Click "Connect" to establish a secure VPN connection.

With the VPN server set up on your Synology NAS, you can now enjoy secure remote access to your home network or create a protected connection for your devices wherever you go.