We’re about to turn an ordinary PC into a synology vpn router that keeps your data safe and your network humming. Imagine your computer morphing into a powerful NAS, all while running Synology DSM—like a Swiss army knife for your home office. Ready to dive in? This guide is your quick‑start manual, packed with step‑by‑step instructions, screenshots, and real‑world tips that make the process feel as easy as flipping a switch.

What Is a Synology VPN Router?

A synology vpn router isn’t a physical device; it’s a PC that runs Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) and acts as both a VPN client and a local router. By installing DSM on your machine, you unlock the same file‑sharing, backup, and app ecosystem you’d expect from a brand‑new Synology NAS.

Why Turn a PC Into a Synology VPN Router?

• Cost‑effective – No need to buy new hardware.
• Flexibility – Add or remove services without re‑installing firmware.
• Reliability – DSM’s built‑in fail‑over and multi‑gateway routing keeps traffic flowing.
• Future‑proof – Upgrade your PC’s specs and instantly boost your network.

Quick Snapshot of the Setup

1. Prepare the PC – Disable Secure Boot, plug in an 8 GB USB, format it FAT32.
2. Download DSM – Grab the installer from Synology’s Download Center.
3. Boot from USB – Extract DSM files and launch the installer.
4. Connect to NAS – Use Synology Assistant to link the PC and your NAS.
5. Configure VPN – Create an OpenVPN profile, forward ports, set DNS.
6. Enable Multi‑Gateway – Prioritize VPN, set LAN as fail‑over.

Step 1: Prepare Your PC

We start by ensuring the host is ready. Secure Boot can block the bootloader, so we toggle it off in the BIOS. A clean 8 GB USB, formatted to FAT32, will hold the DSM installer.

Step 2: Download and Install DSM

Navigate to Synology’s Download Center, choose your NAS model, and save the .zip to the USB. After booting, the installer extracts files automatically. Once the system boots, open a browser on the host and go to https://finds.synology.com. The Synology Assistant will pop up, guiding you through the wizard.

Step 3: Connect to the NAS

Both PC and NAS should be on the same LAN. In DSM, enable SMB/AFP/NFS under File Services. From the PC, access the shared folder via \\<NAS‑IP>\SharedFolder to confirm connectivity.

Step 4: Set Up the VPN Client

In DSM, go to Control Panel → Network → Network Interface, click Create → Create VPN profile. Choose OpenVPN, upload the config file, and set DNS to avoid leaks. Forward port 1194 on your router to the NAS IP.

Step 5: Enable Multiple Gateway Routing

Navigate to Control Panel → Network → General and tick Enable Multiple Gateway. Assign the VPN as the primary route and the LAN as secondary. Use policy‑based routing to split traffic if desired.

Common Pitfalls to Watch

• DSM not detected – Check USB format and BIOS boot order.
• VPN fails – Verify port forwarding and DNS settings.
• Gateway conflicts – Ensure unique gateways per interface.

FAQ

Can I run VPN on my NAS? Yes, Synology NAS devices support VPN clients and servers. You can install the VPN Client package from Package Center and configure it to connect to your VPN service.

How to update DSM safely? Always back up your data first. Then go to Control Panel → Update & Restore → DSM Update. Choose the latest version, review the release notes, and let the system reboot after the update completes.

You’re Ready!

With the VPN active and fail‑over in place, your PC now functions as a robust, secure router. Next, we’ll explore advanced routing and troubleshooting.

Call to Action

Curious to try it yourself? Grab an old PC, download DSM, and let Forest VPN guide you through a seamless setup. Your network will thank you.

Official Synology documentation for DSM installation: https://kb.synology.com/en-global/DSM/tutorial/How_to_install_DSM

Synology VPN Router: What Is Synology DSM and Why It’s a Game‑Changer

Synology DSM, short for DiskStation Manager, is a Linux‑based operating system that can turn a spare PC or a Synology NAS into a powerful, unified storage and VPN hub. When you use it as a synology VPN router, DSM gives you built‑in VPN server and client support, advanced routing, and a rich ecosystem of apps—all managed from one web interface.

1. Linux‑Based Architecture

DSM sits on a lightweight Linux kernel, delivering stability and speed while keeping resource usage low.

• A 2‑core CPU, 2 GB RAM, and an SSD will do the trick for a home setup.
• A small‑business environment will appreciate 4 GB RAM and a faster processor.

2. Unified Storage Management

• Centralized control: One dashboard manages every drive.
• RAID flexibility: Choose RAID 1, 5, 6, or 10.
• Snapshots & replication: Protect data with minimal effort.

3. Built‑in VPN Support

DSM comes with both a VPN server and a client. The Synology VPN client can hook into OpenVPN, PPTP, or L2TP/IPSec servers, so you can secure remote access or tunnel traffic through a trusted network. Learn more about Synology VPN client.

4. Advanced Routing & Failover

DSM’s network settings let you set up multiple‑gateway routing. Pick a primary VPN gateway and a secondary LAN gateway so traffic automatically shifts if the VPN drops—no downtime, just smooth transitions. Policy‑based routing lets you split traffic by IP range, balancing load or enforcing security policies.

5. Rich App Ecosystem

The Package Center offers over 300 apps: Surveillance Station, Docker, Hyper Backup, and more. Installing a package is as simple as a click. For example, a photographer used Hyper Backup to sync all images to a cloud bucket, ensuring zero data loss.

6. Real‑World Testimonials

• “After installing DSM on my old desktop, I consolidated five external drives into a single, fast NAS. The VPN client made remote editing a breeze.” – Maya, freelance designer.
• “Our small business runs its entire IT stack on DSM. The failover routing kept us online during a regional outage.” – Raj, IT manager.

7. Downloading and Installing DSM on a PC

1. Download the DSM installer Visit the official Synology download page and select the DSM for PC installer. Download DSM for PC.
2. Run the installer Double‑click the downloaded file and follow the on‑screen prompts. The installer will create a bootable USB drive or an ISO file.
3. Create a bootable USB (if using the USB method) • Insert a USB flash drive (at least 8 GB). • Use the installer’s “Create Bootable USB” option.
4. Boot the PC from USB • Restart the PC and enter BIOS/UEFI. • Set the USB drive as the first boot device. • Save changes and exit.
5. Install DSM • The PC will boot into the DSM installer wizard. • Follow the wizard to set up the NAS, create an admin account, and configure network settings.

8. Connecting the PC to the Synology NAS

1. Assign a static IP to the NAS via the DSM Control Panel → Network → Network Interface.
2. Enable SSH (optional for advanced users) under Control Panel → Terminal & SNMP.
3. Map a network drive on Windows: • Open File Explorer → This PC → Map network drive. • Enter \\<NAS‑IP> and provide your DSM credentials.
4. Verify connectivity by accessing the DSM web interface at http://<NAS‑IP>:5000.

9. Setting Up a VPN Client on the NAS

1. Open DSM and go to Control Panel → Network → Network Interface.
2. Create a new VPN interface: • Click “Create” → “Create VPN Connection”. • Choose the VPN type (OpenVPN, PPTP, or L2TP/IPSec).
3. Enter server details: • Server address, username, password, and any required certificates.
4. Apply settings and test the connection by pinging an external IP.
5. Use the VPN: All traffic from the NAS will route through the VPN, or you can select specific services to use the VPN.

10. Enabling Multiple Gateway Routing

1. Open DSM → Control Panel → Network → Network Interface.
2. Select the LAN interface and click “Edit”.
3. Add a secondary gateway: • Under “Advanced Settings”, add the secondary gateway IP. • Check “Use this gateway for all traffic”.
4. Enable Policy‑Based Routing under Control Panel → Network → Routing.
5. Define routing rules to split traffic by IP range or application.

11. Troubleshooting Common Issues

12. FAQ

Q: Can I run VPN on my NAS? A: Yes. DSM includes a VPN client and server that can be configured through the web interface.

Q: How do I update DSM safely? A: Go to Control Panel → Update & Restore → DSM Update. Enable automatic updates or download the latest package from Synology’s website.

Q: Will DSM work on any PC? A: DSM supports a wide range of Intel‑based PCs. Check the Synology hardware compatibility list before installation.

Q: Does DSM support Docker? A: Yes, Docker is available as a package in the Package Center and can be used to run containerized applications.

Internal Links

• Synology Knowledge Base – DSM Installation Guide
• Synology VPN Client Documentation
• Synology Package Center

External Links

• Official Synology Documentation
• Synology DSM Documentation

synology vpn router: Step‑by‑Step: Downloading and Installing DSM on Your PC (XPEnology)

We’re about to turn a plain PC into a powerful Synology VPN router by installing DSM on it. Think of DSM as the brain that turns any hardware into a smart NAS and VPN hub. Ready to dive in? Let’s walk through each step, from BIOS tweaks to the final click that boots your new system.

1. Prepare the host PC

• Disable Secure Boot in the UEFI; it blocks custom OS images.
• Plug in an 8 GB USB stick and format it FAT32.
• Label it “DSM‑USB” so you don’t lose it later.
• Tip: Keep the PC plugged into a UPS; a sudden power cut during install can corrupt the image.

2. Download the DSM installer

• Head to the Synology Download Center and pick your NAS model.
• Grab the .zip file and copy it to the USB drive.
• Rename the archive to something clear, like DSM‑7.2.zip.
• Source: Synology Knowledge Center – How to install DSM.

3. Boot from the USB

• Restart the PC and enter the boot menu (usually F12 or Esc).
• Choose “Boot from USB” and let the installer load.
• The screen will show a progress bar; ignore any warning about unknown OS.

4. Install DSM

• Once booted, open a browser on the host PC and go to https://finds.synology.com/.
• Synology Assistant will detect the new installation.
• Click Install and follow the wizard: set admin password, network mode (DHCP or static), and time zone.
• When prompted, choose Create a new volume and format it as EXT4.
• Notice: If the installer stalls, reboot and re‑boot from USB.

5. Initial configuration

• After the reboot, log in at http://<DSM‑IP> using the credentials you set.
• Complete the setup wizard: create shared folders, enable SMB, and add users.
• Enable SSH in Control Panel → Terminal & SNMP for headless management.

6. Verify the installation

• Open Control Panel → System Information to confirm the DSM version.
• Check that services like File Station and Package Center are running.
• Run ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux) to confirm the IP matches the one used in the web UI.

7. Troubleshooting quick‑fixes

We’re almost there—your PC is now a Synology VPN router ready for the next steps.

Next up

In the following section we’ll connect this XPEnology box to your NAS, set up a VPN client, and fine‑tune routing. Stay tuned for the hands‑on guide that turns theory into practice.

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We’re about to turn your PC into a bridge that talks directly to your Synology NAS. Think of it as a handshake that never lets go. A solid connection is the foundation for any VPN or backup plan. Ready to map the route together?

Bridging the Gap: Connecting Your PC to the Synology NAS

IP Configuration

1. Set a static IP on your PC to avoid address churn.
2. Open Control Panel > Network Connections, right‑click your adapter, and choose Properties.
3. Pick Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click Properties, and enter a fixed IP, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.
4. Use the same subnet as your NAS, e.g., 192.168.1.0/24.
5. Assign a unique IP like 192.168.1.50 to avoid clashes.
6. Verify connectivity with ping 192.168.1.2 (NAS IP).

Check your router’s DHCP lease list to confirm the NAS IP.

Using Synology Assistant

1. Download Synology Assistant from Synology’s website.
2. Run the installer and launch the app.
3. The assistant will list all DSM devices on the network.
4. Click Connect next to your NAS to confirm reachability.

If the assistant fails, try pinging the NAS IP manually.

Enabling SMB/AFP/NFS Services

In DSM, go to Control Panel > File Services. Enable SMB, AFP, and NFS under the respective tabs. Apply changes and note the port numbers for future firewall rules. Restart the NAS after enabling services to ensure the daemon reloads.

Validating File Access

On your PC, open File Explorer and type \\NAS‑IP\\SharedFolder. Enter the NAS credentials when prompted. If you see the folder contents, the connection is solid. Try mapping the share as a network drive for persistent access.

Troubleshooting Checklist

If any step stalls, refer to the table below for quick fixes.

If you still hit a wall, consult Synology’s support forum for device‑specific quirks.

Remember to keep your firewall open on SMB port 445 for external access.

Set a static route via DSM Control Panel if your network has multiple gateways.

Now that your PC speaks the same language as your NAS, you’re ready to layer on VPN and routing. Let’s jump to the next section and turn that connection into a secure, private network.

Synology VPN Router: Configuring a VPN Client on the NAS

Want to turn your NAS into a secure gateway using a synology vpn router? We’ll walk through setting up a VPN client right inside DSM. Picture the NAS as a miniature router that encrypts every packet. OpenVPN delivers rock‑solid security, while PPTP is faster for lighter workloads. Let’s dive in.

Configuring a VPN Client on the NAS

1. OpenVPN: the gold standard

OpenVPN is our top pick because it’s battle‑tested and versatile. Here’s how to set it up:

1. In DSM, go to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.
2. Click Create → Create VPN profile.
3. Choose OpenVPN from the list.
4. Upload the .ovpn file you received from your provider.
5. Under Advanced Settings, set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 to block leaks.
6. Enable the profile and watch the status turn green.

The VPN client interface shows the newly created profile.

2. PPTP: quick but less secure

If speed trumps security, PPTP is the shortcut. The steps are almost identical:

1. Create a new VPN profile and pick PPTP.
2. Enter the server address, username, and password.
3. Leave Encryption set to None (this is why it’s less secure).
4. Apply and activate.

Remember, PPTP is like a postcard in a storm—fast but fragile.

3. Security Settings: guard against leaks

Here’s what each setting does and how to set it up:

Do you want to keep your traffic private? Enable SSH, then use ssh user@nas-ip to tweak firewall rules from the command line.

4. Enable SSH for advanced remote management

SSH is the Swiss army knife for troubleshooting. To turn it on:

1. Go to Control Panel > Terminal & SNMP.
2. Tick Enable SSH service.
3. Set a strong password or use key‑based auth.
4. Restart the service.

Now you can run ssh [email protected] and run ifconfig or traceroute to verify your VPN routes.

5. Verify the connection

After activation, look for a green tick in the VPN Client panel. Run curl ifconfig.me inside the NAS terminal; you should see your VPN provider’s IP. If it shows your local IP, you’ve got a leak—re‑check DNS.

Ready to secure your home network? The next step is to set up failover routing, which we’ll cover next.

For more detailed instructions, see Synology’s official VPN guide: Synology VPN Client Setup.

Failover and Load Balancing: Mastering Multiple‑Gateway Routing for Synology VPN Router

We’ve already turned our PC into a Synology VPN router, but what if one connection hiccups? Failover and load balancing keep traffic flowing like a river that splits around a stone. In DSM, enabling multiple gateway routing is a breeze, yet it can feel like juggling knives if you’re new. Ready to make your network as reliable as a Swiss watch? For more details, see Synology’s official guide on Enabling Multiple Gateway Routing and the VPN Client Setup tutorial.

Redundancy isn’t a buzzword; it’s the difference between a frozen video call and smooth workflow. When your VPN drops, traffic should hop to the LAN without a connection hiccup. Think of it as a backup bridge that opens automatically when the main one closes.

Open Control Panel → Network → General. Tick Enable Multiple Gateway and hit Apply. Restart the Network service so DSM listens to all routes.

Assign preferred gateways next. For each interface, set the gateway IP that should be first. The VPN gets 0.0.0.0/0 as default; the LAN gets a lower metric as fallback. Verify with netstat -rn.

Add policy‑based rules. Control Panel → Network → Routing Table → Add. Choose source IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) and point to the VPN gateway. Duplicate for LAN with higher metric. Save. These rules act like traffic signs, telling packets which road to take based on source address.

Test the setup. Disconnect VPN, ping 8.8.8.8, and watch traceroute switch to LAN. Re‑enable VPN and confirm the route flips back instantly. Adjust metrics if the transition feels slow.

Imagine a small business with fiber and LTE. Failover keeps services alive when fiber drops. Load balancing lets streaming stay on LTE while office traffic stays on fiber, saving bandwidth costs. Customers on the LTE line enjoy uninterrupted video conferencing even during fiber maintenance.

Common hiccups: duplicate gateways, wrong metrics, DNS leaks. Ensure each interface’s gateway is unique; duplicate entries break the stack. Set DNS manually in VPN profile’s Advanced tab to avoid leaks. Check firewall rules to allow traffic between interfaces. If traceroute shows unexpected hops, double‑check that your firewall isn’t blocking the chosen gateway.

With failover and load balancing, your Synology VPN router behaves like a seasoned conductor, directing data to the best route. The next part will explore how to secure those routes with firewall rules and VPN encryption settings. Let’s keep the momentum going and tighten the security net.

Synology VPN Router: Common Pitfalls and Quick Fixes + FAQ

Turning a spare PC into a Synology VPN router opens up endless possibilities. The same firmware that powers Synology NAS can run on any PC, turning it into a powerful VPN hub. This guide walks you through common pitfalls and quick fixes so your network stays humming. Ready to troubleshoot like a pro? Let’s dive in.

Troubleshooting Matrix

We often see the same three‑step pattern: check the hardware, verify the network, then tweak DSM settings. Think of the VPN as a traffic light—if the red light stays on, traffic stalls. Adjusting the light (DNS, port forwarding) lets data flow again.

Tip: Log into DSM via SSH (ssh admin@<ip>) to run systemctl status and spot hidden services.

FAQ

1. Can I run a VPN on my NAS? Yes—DSM supports both VPN server and client roles. We prefer client mode for remote access.
2. How do I update DSM safely? Backup first: Control Panel > Update & Restore > Backup. Then use the built‑in updater.
3. Is XPEnology legal? XPEnology runs Synology firmware on non‑Synology hardware. It may breach Synology’s EULA; use at your own risk.
4. Can I use multiple VPN providers at once? Absolutely. Create separate VPN profiles and route traffic with policies.
5. How to lock down the NAS? Enable two‑factor authentication, enforce a strong admin password, disable unused services, and keep DSM updated.

Forest VPN for Your Synology Network

Many users prefer a commercial VPN to simplify remote access. Forest VPN offers a free tier and affordable paid plans that support OpenVPN and WireGuard—both compatible with Synology. With automatic server selection, you can connect your NAS to a Forest VPN server with just a few clicks, keeping your traffic encrypted without complex configuration.

“After switching to Forest VPN, my home office traffic was instantly secure and the setup was a breeze. I love the free tier for light usage.” – Alex, Home Network Enthusiast

Try Forest VPN today and enjoy reliable, affordable, and easy‑to‑use VPN protection for your Synology NAS. Sign up at <https://forestvpn.com/en/> and start your free trial right now.

For more Synology tutorials, check out our related guides: <https://kb.synology.com/en-global/DSM/tutorial/How_do_I_set_up_my_Synology_NAS_as_a_VPN_server>. Official Synology documentation can also help: <https://kb.synology.com/en-global>.