Remote Access to a Synology File Server
Remote Access to a Synology File Server

Synology File Server is more than just a server. It has a lot of built in remote access functionality. These remote services include mobile phone photo backup, surveillance camera footage, and access to files stored on the server and workstations of your network using Cloud Station Sync or DiskStation File.

Additional Resources:

Local Access to the Synology using your web browser

You will have to know the IP address of the Synology device.  You can your network with a couple options in hopes of finding the Synology NAS.

  • Advance IP Scanner
    • Once you know the IP, you will still need to know the port to access the Synology. Default port is 5000
    • http://IP_address:5000
  • Find My Synology

secure synology

Remote Access over the internet using your web browser

Synology’s Quick Connect allows easy to setup access to these services. However, Quick Connect is less secure for passing sensitive data over the internet and therefore dismissed by our team as a secure way to conduct business.  Quickconnect does not require port forwarding on your router for remote instant access.

Dynamic DNS

Use Dynamic DNS over Quickconnect for improved security over the interwebs.  Application specific ports must be open on your firewall and dynamic DNS services need to be enabled for locating your workstation remotely through the preferred method of accessing the file server remotely. Document your Disk Station Manager URL and place it on your desktop:

https://NameOfSynology.synology.me:5001

  1. Port Forwarding

Below are the default ports for Synology services. Please note: It is always recommended to change the default ports. Also, the less ports you have to open on your firewall, the more secure your organization is.

Firewall Remote Access Ports

Remote Access Support

You can bypass port forwarding setup on your router if you proceed with Synology’s Quick Connect. Otherwise, consider what services you need open from the list above. We are steadily building a list of remotely accessible port forwarding setup instructions.

Ports can be test if you enabled the server service and poke the hole in the firewall by using the following website:

canyouseeme.org

 

Security Risks of Using QuickConnect & UPnP

PnP can cause more of a security risk to your network than port forwarding.  UPnP is not as secure as TCP/UDP port forwarding techniques.  VPN is most ideal though.

You will need to port forward (open) on your router port # 5000 (HTTP/TCP) and/or 5001 (HTTPS/TCP) to utilize remote access (DDNS). If you don’t know how to configure port forwarding then you will need to locate your router manual for port forwarding instructions specific to the make/model of your router. You can use the links below to test whether or not the needed ports are open.

Port Tester: http://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/
Synology Ports: https://www.synology.com/en-us/knowledgebase/faq/299 

 

Very Small Business, Remote Access Applications

The following are the most common remote access support applications within a small business (under 10 users) or home office network:

  • Remote Desktop:  AnyDesk, ShowMyPC, Join.me, Logmein Central, Microsoft RDC
  • File Sharing:  Synology Diskstation, Box, Dropbox, Egnyte
  • Photo Sharing:  Synology Moments.  This is great for photographers and job sites in the construction industry

Remote Access to a Synology File Server Summary

While mapped drive access or network shares is available for workstations and laptop when connected to the local LAN, setting up the CloudStation service allows remote access to a Synology File Server.  Alternatively, the more clumsy or clunky approach is to use DSM AKA Synology Disk Station Manager.  We enabled DSM as you can see from our table above.    Once the Synology services are setup, you can then access https://NameOfSynology.synology.me:5001