How Do I Use Synology as a Web Server?

Welcome to this tutorial on how to use Synology as a web server. In this guide, we will cover all the steps required to set up your Synology device as a web server and host your own website.

What is Synology?

Synology is a company that specializes in network-attached storage (NAS) devices. These devices are designed to provide centralized storage and file sharing capabilities for home and small business environments. However, many Synology NAS models also support web server functionality, allowing you to host your own websites directly from your device.

Setting up your Synology NAS as a Web Server

Before we dive into the setup process, make sure you have the following requirements:

• A Synology NAS device
• An active internet connection
• The latest version of DSM (DiskStation Manager) installed on your NAS

Step 1: Enable Web Station Package

The first step is to enable the Web Station package on your Synology NAS. The Web Station package provides the necessary services and tools for hosting websites. To enable it:

1. Login to DSM using your administrator account.
2. Open the Package Center.
3. Search for “Web Station” and click on “Install”.
4. Once installed, open the Web Station package from the main menu.
5. In the General Settings tab, check the box next to “Enable Web Station”.
6. Click “Apply” to save the changes.

Step 2: Configure Website Settings

After enabling the Web Station package, you need to configure the website settings:

1. Open the Web Station package.
2. Go to the Virtual Host tab.
3. Click on “Create” to add a new virtual host.
4. Enter a name for your website in the “Name” field.
5. In the “Source” section, select “Local Web Folder” if you want to host your website from a folder on your NAS. Alternatively, choose “Remote Web Folder” if you want to host your website from an external location.
6. Specify the path to the web folder in the “Path” field if you chose “Local Web Folder”.
7. Click “OK” to save the virtual host settings.

Step 3: Upload Website Files

Now that you have created a virtual host, it’s time to upload your website files:

1. Open File Station from the main menu.
2. Navigate to the web folder specified in Step 2.
3. Upload your website files by dragging and dropping them into the web folder or using the upload button in File Station.

Step 4: Configure DNS Settings

To make your website accessible from the internet, you need to configure DNS settings:

1. Login to your domain registrar or DNS provider’s website.
2. Create a new DNS record (e.g., A record) pointing to your Synology NAS’s public IP address. This step may vary depending on your domain registrar or DNS provider. Refer to their documentation for detailed instructions.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your Synology NAS as a web server and hosted your own website.

Now you can access your website using the domain name you configured in the DNS settings. Enjoy exploring the possibilities of hosting your own websites with Synology!