Forgive my novice question if Synology VPN can " allows DSM users to remotely and securely access resources shared within the Synology NAS’s local area network " how does it differ from DS Files? VPN Server wouldn’t give me access to my app like Sabnzbd or Radaar but just files correct? Please tell me if I am missing something.
Thanks in advance.
They are two different use cases.
If you think of your home network as a castle with a wall around it, a VPN would be like digging a tunnel from outside the fortress into the main castle grounds with armed guards on the inside to make sure anyone that comes through the tunnel is authenticated and allowed to enter.
DS File would be like the drawbridge where anyone is allowed to cross it but there are armed guards to authenticate people coming and going. With the drawbridge open, the guards are vulnerable to attack and people slipping passed them.
Since DS File would be open to the internet, it will also be vulnerable to attack. A VPN just lets you act like you are already on the inside of the castle (network) so the best option would be to use a VPN to connect to the inside, then use DS FIle with your local NAS IP address to use the app without leaving the drawbridge open.
Security (separation of security and applications) and speed.
This metaphor reminds me of Vikings series on Netflix.
Thank you cssgtr that was an extraordinary metaphor!
Through VPN would I be able to use my apps within the LAN such as SABnzb or Radaar?
Hey ssps. I have been hesitant to install it. Do you know is it like Windows Remote Desktop?
Can I log on from an external area using VPN Synology,… and effectively see a GUI of my Synology Desktop environment , icons and access to to my apps? Or is it strictly connect via command lines?
Im not sure because I dont use them myself, but theoretically if you connect to them via a public IP address, you should also be able to connect via private too.
You can use Viscosity on macOS and Windows as a VPN client. VPN gets you connected to your home network. After that you can use lan resources, including synology GUI se as if you were in the lan.
Relevant reading:
- Virtual private network - Wikipedia
- Set up VPN Server | VPN Server - Synology Knowledge Center
- if your synology device is a router: Set up VPN Server | VPN Server - Synology Knowledge Center
- OpenVPN client with friendly UI Viscosity - OpenVPN Client for Mac and Windows
- if you want to go one step further and have always-on split tunnel vpn: OpenVPN Split Tunnel on Synology Diskstation | Trinkets, Odds, and Ends
Thank you cssgtr. I should have been more eloquent in asking which was is it more like a remote desktop experience or is it more like a directory GUI. I guess I’ll have to find out. Thank you.
Thank you so much ssps!!!
A VPN makes it as though your PC/phone is connected to your home wifi. You can connect to your NAS (by its IP address) as well as any other network devices.