OpenVPN Synology Setup: Kickstart Your Secure Home Network

Meta description: Learn how to set up an OpenVPN server on Synology NAS with step‑by‑step instructions, hardware recommendations, VPN configuration, failover routing, and troubleshooting tips.

Tired of juggling cloud logins and public Wi‑Fi risks? A simple fix is an openvpn synology setup that keeps your data locked tight. Picture your NAS as a fortress, guarding files while you browse from anywhere. With Synology’s DSM, the setup feels like a breeze, not a battle.

1. Overview of Synology DSM

DSM, Synology’s DiskStation Manager, is a Linux‑based OS that turns any NAS into a full‑featured server. It runs on modest hardware, making it ideal for home and SMB use. The VPN Server package supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and the rock‑solid OpenVPN.

2. Hardware Recommendations

Choosing the right hardware is like picking the right gear for a marathon. The DS920+ and DS1821+ come with dual Gigabit ports, 2 CPU cores, and 4 GB RAM. These models balance power, price, and future‑proofing for most users.

3. Install DSM on a PC (Virtual Machine)

1. Download the DSM ISO from Synology’s official documentation.
2. Create a VM with 2 cores, 2 GB RAM, 20 GB disk, and a bridged network adapter.
3. Mount the ISO and boot the VM.
4. Follow the wizard: accept the license, select the virtual disk, set an admin password, and finish.
5. Once the installer completes, open a browser and go to http://YOUR_VM_IP:5000 to finish the setup.

4. Connect the NAS to Your Network

1. Power on your NAS and plug it into your router.
2. Use Synology Assistant on the PC to locate the device.
3. Open a browser and navigate to http://YOUR_NAS_IP. The DSM wizard will appear; follow the steps to set time zone, network, and firmware.
4. Log in and verify everything works.

5. Install and Configure VPN Server

1. Open Package Center in DSM and search for VPN Server.
2. Click Install, then launch the app.
3. In the sidebar, click OpenVPN.
4. Toggle the Enable OpenVPN server switch.
5. Leave the defaults for port and subnet; we’ll tweak later.
6. Set the Server Port to 1194 UDP.
7. Choose a subnet like 10.8.0.0/24.
8. Define a maximum of 10 connections.
9. Hit Apply to activate the server.

6. Forward Port to Your Router

Log into your router’s admin panel and forward UDP port 1194 to the NAS’s local IP. If you change the port, update the OpenVPN config file accordingly.

7. Generate Client Configuration

1. Back in VPN Server, go to the Client tab and click Create → Generate.
2. Download the .ovpn file for each device.
3. Import it into your OpenVPN app.

8. Configure Server Push Settings

Edit the server.conf file to push Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) and redirect all traffic through the VPN. Verify by checking the default route after connecting.

9. Enable Smart WAN for Failover or Load Balancing

1. Connect two internet sources to your Synology Router.
2. In Network Center, enable Smart WAN with Failover or Load Balancing.
3. Assign primary and secondary interfaces.
4. Add the OpenVPN connection as a secondary interface to keep traffic flowing during outages.

10. Troubleshooting

• If the VPN won’t connect, check port forwarding and firewall rules.
• Frequent disconnects may mean the NAS sleeps; set Always on.
• DNS leaks happen when the redirect gateway line is missing.
• TLS handshake failures often mean mismatched certificates.

FAQ

Can I run OpenVPN on a Synology NAS with DSM 7.2? Yes, the VPN Server package supports it.

Do I need a static public IP? No, use dynamic DNS.

Is it safe to expose OpenVPN to the internet? Yes, with strong encryption and 2FA.

How do I update DSM safely? Back up your data first, then use the Control Panel → Update & Restore → DSM Update feature. Follow the on‑screen prompts and reboot when prompted.

Synology VPN Client | Official Synology Documentation

OpenVPN Synology Setup: From DSM Basics to VPN Powerhouse

Meta description: A step‑by‑step guide to installing Synology DSM on a PC, connecting to your NAS, and configuring OpenVPN for secure remote access. Learn how to set up a VPN client, enable failover routing, troubleshoot common issues, and discover why Forest VPN is the best choice for home and small‑business users.

OpenVPN Synology Setup turns a Synology NAS into a solid, always‑on VPN gateway. In this walk‑through you’ll see every move, from installing DiskStation Manager (DSM) on a Windows or macOS machine, to linking that machine to the NAS, and finally turning the built‑in VPN Server on. We’ll touch on port forwarding, DNS push‑through, multiple‑gateway failover, and more. Whether you’re a home user, a small‑business owner, or an IT hobbyist, the numbered steps, screenshots, and troubleshooting notes keep the process clear.

1. DSM Installation on a PC (Windows or macOS)

1. Download the DSM installer from the Synology download center. Windows: Synology-DSM-Installer.exe macOS: Synology-DSM-Installer.dmg (Official link: https://www.synology.com/en-us/support/download)
2. Run the installer and follow the wizard: - Accept the license. - Choose “Create a new virtual machine” and pick the model that matches your NAS.
3. Complete the first‑time setup by logging into the web interface at http://<NAS_IP>:5000. - Set a strong admin password. - Configure the timezone and network settings.
4. Install the latest DSM update from the “Control Panel > Update & Restore” menu.

2. Connecting the PC to the Synology NAS

1. In the DSM web interface, go to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.
2. Create a static IP or enable DHCP so the NAS is reachable on your local network.
3. Verify connectivity: ping the NAS from the PC (ping <NAS_IP>).
4. If you’re using a router, set up port forwarding for DSM (port 5000/5001) to the NAS.

3. Setting Up the VPN Client on the NAS

1. Open Package Center and install the VPN Server package.
2. Launch the app and choose OpenVPN.
3. Tick Enable OpenVPN server.
4. Configure the server: - Port: 1194 (UDP) - Subnet: 10.8.0.0/24 - DNS push‑through: push "dhcp-option DNS 8.8.8.8" - Gateway push‑through: push "redirect-gateway def1"
5. Export the .ovpn file for each client device.
6. On each client, import the file into the OpenVPN app and connect.

4. Enabling Multiple‑Gateway Failover and Load Balancing

1. In Control Panel > Network > Network Interface, create a secondary gateway (e.g., your ISP’s backup connection).
2. Open Control Panel > Network > Routing Protocol and enable Static routes.
3. Add a route to the VPN subnet via the primary gateway.
4. Set metric values so the VPN route takes precedence (lower metric).
5. Test failover by disconnecting the primary connection and verifying traffic reroutes through the backup.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run VPN on my NAS? Yes – the built‑in VPN Server supports OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec.

How to update DSM safely? Use Control Panel > Update & Restore > Update and schedule updates during off‑peak hours.

Do I need a separate router for VPN? No, the NAS can act as the VPN gateway, but you’ll still need port forwarding on your existing router.

7. Why Forest VPN Is the Best Choice for Your NAS

Forest VPN offers a free, open‑source client that works seamlessly with Synology’s OpenVPN server. Its lightweight design keeps CPU usage low, and its auto‑reconnect feature ensures you stay connected even after network hiccups. Users praise its affordability: “I switched from a paid VPN to Forest VPN and cut my monthly cost in half without sacrificing speed.” Forest VPN also supports a wide range of platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux), making it ideal for heterogeneous environments.

Tips for Using Forest VPN with Synology:

• Keep the client updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
• Enable split tunneling if you only want to route specific traffic through the VPN.
• Use the “Smart Connect” feature to automatically switch between VPN and local network for optimal performance.

8. Related Resources

• Synology VPN Server Guide
• DSM Installation Guide
• Official OpenVPN Configuration Docs

Feel free to experiment, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a secure, private network.