Set Up Tailscale VPN on Synology NAS Without Port Forwarding

Have you ever tried to access your Synology NAS remotely, only to find yourself tangled in a web of port forwarding, dynamic DNS setups, or router configurations that feel more like a puzzle than a solution? You’re not alone. For many of us, the promise of seamless remote access often comes with a frustrating learning curve and lingering concerns about security. But what if there were a way to bypass all that complexity—no port forwarding, no public IP addresses, no headaches—while keeping your data safe and sound? That’s where Tailscale steps in, offering a refreshingly simple and secure alternative.

In this guide by SpaceRex, learn how Tailscale, a modern VPN built on the WireGuard protocol, can transform the way you access your Synology NAS from anywhere. Whether you’re looking to manage files, perform remote backups, or simply log in to DSM without exposing your network to unnecessary risks, Tailscale makes it all possible with minimal setup.

Synology NAS Remote Access Made Easy

TL;DR Key Takeaways :

Tailscale is a modern VPN built on the WireGuard protocol, allowing secure, direct device-to-device communication without the need for port forwarding or public IP addresses.
It simplifies remote access to Synology NAS services like DSM, Synology Drive, and Synology Photos, offering a secure alternative to traditional methods like QuickConnect.
Installation involves downloading the Tailscale package, authenticating via identity providers (e.g., Google or GitHub), and configuring devices for persistent VPN connections.
Tailscale supports advanced use cases, such as secure remote backups between NAS devices, using encrypted connections without exposing them to the internet.
Key features include a zero-trust security model, WireGuard encryption, fallback relay servers, DNS management, and open-source transparency for enhanced security and functionality.

What Is Tailscale?

Tailscale is a innovative VPN solution designed to simplify secure device-to-device communication. Unlike conventional VPNs that rely on centralized servers to route traffic, Tailscale establishes encrypted, direct connections between devices. Unlike traditional VPNs, it eliminates the need for port forwarding, public IP addresses, or complex router configurations. Its key features include:

WireGuard encryption for secure, device-to-device communication.
No need for port forwarding or public IP addresses, reducing configuration complexity.
A zero-trust security model, where each device is independently authenticated and authorized.
Fallback relay servers to maintain connectivity when direct peer-to-peer communication is unavailable.

For Synology NAS users, Tailscale offers a safe and seamless way to access services like DSM (DiskStation Manager), Synology Drive, and Synology Photos without exposing your network to unnecessary risks.

Why Use Tailscale with Synology NAS?

Tailscale provides several advantages for Synology NAS users, making it a compelling alternative to traditional remote access methods:

Direct, encrypted communication between devices, bypassing the need for Synology QuickConnect or other third-party tools.
Elimination of router configuration challenges, such as port forwarding or dynamic DNS setups.
Secure remote backups between NAS devices without exposing them to the internet.
Integration with identity providers like Google or GitHub for streamlined authentication.
Persistent VPN connections for uninterrupted access to your NAS.

These features make Tailscale an ideal solution for home users and small businesses seeking secure, hassle-free remote access to their NAS.

Complete Tailscale Guide on Synology NAS

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Synology NAS that you may find helpful.

How to Install and Set Up Tailscale on Synology NAS

Setting up Tailscale on your Synology NAS is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

Download and install the Tailscale package from the Synology Package Center. Ensure you have local network access for the initial setup.
Authenticate your NAS using a third-party identity provider, such as Google or GitHub.
Disable key expiry in the Tailscale admin console to maintain persistent connections to your NAS.
Install Tailscale on all devices you plan to use for accessing the NAS, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.

Once installed, Tailscale assigns each device a unique IP address in the 100.x.x.x range. This IP address can be used to access your Synology NAS remotely, making sure secure and reliable connectivity.

How to Access Your Synology NAS Remotely

After configuring Tailscale, accessing your Synology NAS from anywhere becomes simple and secure:

Use the Tailscale-assigned IP address to log into DSM or access services like Synology Drive and Synology Photos.
Map network drives on Windows or macOS using the Tailscale IP address for seamless file access.

This approach eliminates the need for public IP addresses or exposing your NAS to the internet, significantly enhancing security while maintaining ease of use.

Watch this video on YouTube.

Advanced Use Case: Remote Backups

Tailscale supports advanced scenarios, such as secure remote backups between Synology NAS devices. To enable this functionality, follow these steps:

Configure your NAS to allow outbound connections using a startup script. This step requires root privileges and addresses Synology’s default restrictions on outbound routes.
Ensure the script is re-run or the NAS is rebooted after package updates to maintain functionality.
Set up snapshot replication for efficient and secure backups between NAS devices.

By using Tailscale’s encrypted connections, you can perform remote backups without exposing your NAS to the internet, making sure data integrity and security.

Security Features of Tailscale

Tailscale employs a robust zero-trust security model, making sure that all devices are authenticated and authorized individually. Its security features include:

WireGuard encryption for all device-to-device communication, making sure data remains private and secure.
No centralized storage of usernames or passwords, reducing potential attack vectors.
An open-source codebase, allowing for independent audits and transparency.

While some configurations require root privileges on Synology NAS, Tailscale’s open-source nature and security audits minimize risks, making it a reliable choice for secure remote access.

Additional Features for Enhanced Functionality

Tailscale includes several advanced features that enhance its utility for Synology NAS users:

DNS management for simplified network configurations and streamlined access.
Fallback relay servers to ensure connectivity in challenging network environments.
Support for advanced configurations, making it suitable for business use cases and complex networking needs.

These features make Tailscale a versatile tool, capable of addressing a wide range of remote access and networking requirements.

Why Tailscale Is a Practical Solution

Tailscale offers a secure, efficient, and user-friendly way to access your Synology NAS remotely. By eliminating the need for port forwarding and public IP addresses, it simplifies the process of remote access while enhancing security. Whether you’re accessing files, performing backups, or managing your NAS, Tailscale ensures your data remains protected and accessible from anywhere. Its combination of simplicity, robust security, and advanced features makes it a practical solution for both personal and professional use.

Media Credit: SpaceRex

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