Synology Router VPN: A Step‑by‑Step Guide to Installing and Configuring Synology DSM

Welcome to your go‑to guide for setting up Synology DSM and getting a VPN running on your Synology NAS. We’ll keep “synology router vpn” front and center, right where you need it.

Overview of Synology DSM

Synology DSM (DiskStation Manager) turns a Synology NAS into a full‑featured server. The key perks?

• Centralized data storage and backup
• User‑friendly web interface
• Built‑in apps for media, file sharing, and remote access
• Robust security features such as encryption and firewall

Hardware Requirements

• Synology NAS model that supports DSM 7.x (e.g., DS218+, DS418+, DS920+)
• Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended for VPN and multiple users)
• 1 TB or larger HDD/SSD for storage
• Gigabit Ethernet connection

Step‑by‑Step: Installing Synology DSM on a PC

1. Download the latest DSM installer from the official Synology website: <https://www.synology.com/en-us/knowledgebase>.

• Pick the version that matches your NAS model.

2. Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus or BalenaEtcher.
3. Insert the USB into the NAS and power it on.
4. Access the installer by navigating to http://find.synology.com from your PC’s web browser.
5. Follow the on‑screen wizard to install DSM. Accept the license agreement, pick the target drive, and set the admin password.

Tip: If your NAS doesn’t pop up, double‑check that it’s on the same local network and that the network switch is working.

Connecting the PC to the Synology NAS

1. Map a network drive on Windows:

• Open File Explorer → This PC → Map network drive.
• Pick a drive letter and type `\\<NAS_IP>`.

2. Add the NAS to macOS Finder:

• Finder → Go → Connect to Server → smb://<NAS_IP>.

3. Verify connectivity by opening the shared folders.

Setting Up a VPN Client on the Synology NAS

1. Open DSM and head to the Package Center.
2. Install the VPN Server package.
3. Launch VPN Server and pick the VPN type (OpenVPN, PPTP, or L2TP/IPSec). For the best security, go with OpenVPN.
4. Configure the VPN server:

• IP Address Pool: 10.8.0.0/24
• Enable DNS: Use Synology’s DNS server or an external DNS.
• Port Forwarding: Forward UDP port 1194 on your router to the NAS’s local IP.

5. Generate OpenVPN configuration files and download them.
6. Install the OpenVPN client on your PC or mobile device and import the configuration file.

Enabling Multiple Gateway Routing for Failover and Load Balancing

1. Enable Multi‑Gateway Routing in VPN Server:

• Go to the VPN Server settings → Advanced → Multi‑Gateway.
• Add the backup gateway IP and set the priority.

2. Configure routing rules in DSM → Control Panel → Network → Network Interface.

• Assign the VPN interface as the default route for specific traffic.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

FAQ

Q: Can I run a VPN on my Synology NAS? A: Yes, Synology NAS supports VPN Server for OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec.

Q: How do I update DSM safely? A: Back up your data, check the update notes on the Synology website, and install the update via Control Panel → Update & Restore.

Q: Where can I find more Synology tutorials? A: Visit the official Synology Knowledge Base at <https://www.synology.com/en-us/knowledgebase> for detailed guides.

Ready to get started? Follow the steps above and enjoy a secure, reliable VPN experience with your Synology NAS.

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Forest VPN Architecture

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• Multi‑factor authentication for an extra layer of safety

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Key Features

Split Tunneling

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DNS Leak Protection

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Automatic Kill‑Switch

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Cross‑Platform Support

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Real‑World Experience

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Practical Usage Tips

1. Choose the nearest server to keep latency low.
2. Enable split tunneling for bandwidth‑heavy apps like YouTube or Netflix.
3. Test the kill‑switch by simulating a network drop; the app should instantly cut traffic.
4. Use the built‑in DNS leak test in the settings to confirm your privacy.

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One‑Click Connection: The Magic Button

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Installing Synology DSM and Setting Up VPN on Your NAS

Overview

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is a powerful operating system that turns your Synology NAS into a versatile home or small‑business server. It supports file sharing, media streaming, backup, and VPN services. This guide walks you through:

1. Installing DSM on a PC for the initial setup
2. Connecting your PC to the Synology NAS
3. Configuring a VPN client on the NAS
4. Enabling multiple‑gateway routing for failover
5. Troubleshooting common issues

1. Download and Install DSM on a PC

1. Visit the official Synology download page.
2. Choose your NAS model and download the latest DSM installer.
3. Run the installer and follow the on‑screen wizard to create a temporary user account and set a password.
4. The installer will copy DSM files to the PC.

Screenshot placeholder: DSM installer wizard.

2. Connect the PC to the Synology NAS

1. Connect the NAS to your router via Ethernet.
2. Power on the NAS and wait until the status LEDs stabilize.
3. Open a web browser on your PC and navigate to https://find.synology.com.
4. Select your NAS from the list and click Connect.
5. Log in with the temporary credentials created in step 1.

Screenshot placeholder: Find Synology web interface.

3. Complete the First‑Time Configuration

1. Choose a language, time zone, and network settings.
2. Create a local administrator account.
3. Set a strong password and enable two‑factor authentication if desired.
4. Install the VPN Server package from the Package Center.

4. Set Up a VPN Client on the NAS

1. Open the VPN Server application.
2. Choose the VPN protocol you want to use (OpenVPN, PPTP, or L2TP/IPSec).
3. Enter the server address, username, and password for your VPN provider.
4. For OpenVPN, upload the .ovpn configuration file.
5. Enable Port Forwarding on your router for the chosen VPN port (e.g., 1194 for OpenVPN).
6. Configure DNS settings to use your VPN provider’s DNS or a public resolver.

Screenshot placeholder: VPN Server configuration screen.

5. Enable Multiple‑Gateway Routing for Failover

1. Open Control Panel → Network → Network Interface.
2. Create a new network interface for the secondary internet connection.
3. In Control Panel → Routing, add a new static route that points to the secondary gateway.
4. Set the metric so that traffic prefers the primary gateway but automatically fails over when it becomes unavailable.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

7. FAQ

1. Can I run VPN on my NAS? Yes. Synology’s VPN Server package supports OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec.
2. How do I update DSM safely? Use Control Panel → Update & Restore. Back up your data first and apply the latest update.

8. Using Forest VPN as Your NAS VPN Client

If you prefer a commercial VPN service, Forest VPN offers a free trial and a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. To use Forest VPN on your NAS:

1. Sign up for a Forest VPN plan.
2. Download the OpenVPN configuration file from Forest VPN’s dashboard.
3. Upload the file in the VPN Server’s OpenVPN settings (step 4 above).
4. Your NAS will now route all traffic through Forest VPN, giving you the same privacy and speed benefits as the mobile app.

Feel free to ask any additional questions in the comments or contact Synology support for advanced networking scenarios. Happy syncing!

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Home User: Streaming Without Borders

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IT Hobbyist: From Chaos to Order

Lena, 28, DIY server enthusiast

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Synology Router VPN – Getting Started: Step‑by‑Step Setup and Optimization Tips

Synology Router VPN gives you a robust way to install Synology DSM on a PC, link it to a NAS, and tweak VPN and network settings effortlessly. This guide takes you through every step, from grabbing DSM to spinning up a VPN client and turning on multi‑gateway routing for fail‑over and load balancing.

1. Overview of Synology DSM

• What is DSM? The DiskStation Manager (DSM) is Synology’s operating system for NAS devices. It provides a web‑based interface for file sharing, backup, virtualization, and VPN services.
• Benefits: Centralized management, high reliability, and built‑in security features.
• Hardware requirements: A Synology NAS with at least one network interface, 4 GB RAM, and a compatible PC running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

2. Download and Install DSM on a PC

1. Visit the official Synology website and navigate to the DSM Download page for your NAS model.
2. Download the installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
3. Run the installer and follow the on‑screen wizard to install DSM on the selected PC.
4. Once installation is complete, launch a web browser and enter the NAS IP address to access the DSM setup wizard.

3. Connect the PC to the Synology NAS

1. Open a browser on the PC and type http://<NAS‑IP>.
2. Log in with the administrator credentials.
3. In the Control Panel, go to Network > Network Interface and verify the connection status.
4. Create a shared folder and grant the PC the necessary permissions.

4. Set Up a VPN Client on the NAS

1. In the DSM Control Panel, select VPN Server.
2. Choose a VPN protocol (OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, or WireGuard) and enable it.
3. Configure the port forwarding on your router to forward the chosen VPN port to the NAS.
4. Set up DNS settings under Network > General to use secure DNS servers.
5. Export the client configuration file and install the corresponding VPN client on the PC.

5. Enable Multiple Gateway Routing for Fail‑over and Load Balancing

1. Open Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.
2. Add a secondary gateway by selecting Add > New Default Route.
3. Configure the metric value so that the primary gateway has a lower metric.
4. Enable Load Balancing under Network > Advanced Settings.
5. Test fail‑over by disconnecting the primary gateway and verifying traffic routes through the secondary.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

7. FAQ

• Can I run VPN on my NAS? Yes, Synology NAS supports VPN Server for OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and WireGuard.
• How do I update DSM safely? Use Control Panel > Update & Restore > DSM Update and follow the wizard.
• Is a dedicated IP required for VPN? Not mandatory, but it simplifies firewall configuration.
• What is split tunneling? It allows you to route only selected traffic through the VPN while the rest uses the local network.

External Resources

• Synology DSM Documentation
• Synology VPN Server Guide

Internal Links

• Synology NAS Setup Tutorial
• Synology NAS Backup Guide

This guide is part of the comprehensive Synology Router VPN setup guide, optimized for both desktop and mobile users.

FAQ – Synology VPN and DSM

Can I run VPN on my NAS?

Yes, you can set up a VPN client on your Synology NAS. Just follow the guide to install the VPN package, set up the server details, and turn the service on.

How to update DSM safely?

Updating DSM is straightforward. Open Control Panel, click Update & Restore, then DSM Update, and follow the prompts. Always back up your data first.

What VPN protocols are supported?

The Synology VPN Client works with OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. Pick whichever fits your security needs best.

Can I use multiple VPN connections?

Yes, you can set up multiple gateway routing for failover and load balancing. The guide shows how to configure it.