Owning Your Own Cloud: Synology NAS

August 18, 2025

Cloud storage has become an essential part of our digital lives. From storing family photos to handling professional documents, the convenience of accessing your data anywhere is undeniable. But with convenience comes dependency—most people rely on Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or OneDrive. What if you could own your own private cloud? This is where Synology NAS steps in.

“Owning your own cloud is not just about data—it’s about sovereignty, privacy, and freedom.”

Why Own Your Own Cloud?

• Data Privacy: Your files are on your server, not a third-party provider’s.
• Unlimited Storage: Add larger drives when needed.
• Cost Efficiency: One-time investment vs recurring subscriptions.
• Full Control: Customize backups, access, and security.

What is Synology NAS?

Synology is a company specializing in Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. A NAS is essentially a storage server that connects to your network, allowing centralized file sharing, backups, and advanced services like media streaming, virtual machines, and even running Docker containers.

Key Features of Synology NAS

• DSM (DiskStation Manager): Synology’s powerful, user-friendly operating system.
• Synology Drive: Alternative to Google Drive/Dropbox.
• Synology Photos: Alternative to Google Photos.
• QuickConnect: Access your NAS remotely without complex networking setup.
• Plex/Media Server: Stream your movies and music like Netflix.
• Docker & Virtualization: Host apps and environments.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Synology Cloud

1. Choosing the Right NAS Model

Depending on your budget and requirements:

• Home Users: Synology DS220j, DS220+, DS923+
• Power Users: DS920+, DS1621+
• Businesses: RackStation series (RS3617xs+ etc.)

2. Hardware Setup

1. Unbox your NAS.
2. Install hard drives (choose between HDDs or SSDs).
3. Connect NAS to router via Ethernet.
4. Power it on and access via browser (find.synology.com).

3. Initial Configuration

Follow the setup wizard to install DSM. Create your admin account and set up QuickConnect for remote access.

4. Creating Your Cloud

Install Synology Drive Server from Package Center. This enables file syncing across devices like Dropbox/Google Drive.

5. Enabling Mobile Access

• Download DS File or Synology Drive app (iOS/Android).
• Login with QuickConnect ID.
• Access files securely anywhere.

Comparison with Public Cloud

Feature	Public Cloud (Google/Dropbox)	Synology Cloud
Ownership	3rd party controls data	You control data
Scalability	Pay monthly for storage	Add larger drives anytime
Privacy	Subject to data mining/laws	Private & encrypted
Cost	Recurring fees	One-time + power costs

Popular Use Cases

1. Personal Media Cloud

Store movies, music, and TV shows. Use Plex or Synology Video Station to stream to your TV or phone.

2. Family Cloud Drive

Each family member gets their private folder, synced across devices.

3. Business File Server

Centralized storage with user permissions, backups, and versioning.

4. Developer Playground

Run Docker containers, test web apps, or host your own Git server.

5. Backup Hub

Use Hyper Backup to sync data to AWS S3, Google Cloud, or another NAS for redundancy.

Example Configuration: Running Docker on Synology

docker run -d \\
  --name my-nginx \\
  -p 8080:80 \\
  nginx

Security Best Practices

• Enable HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt.
• Change default ports.
• Enable 2FA for user accounts.
• Regularly update DSM and packages.
• Use VPN for remote access when possible.

External References & Resources

• Synology Knowledge Base
• Synology Official YouTube
• NAS Compares Blog
• Plex Media Server
• Reddit: r/synology

Conclusion

Owning your cloud with Synology is more than just an alternative to Google Drive—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. You get privacy, control, flexibility, and scalability while avoiding the limitations of third-party providers. Whether you’re a family looking to protect memories, a developer experimenting with apps, or a small business seeking reliability, Synology NAS is the cornerstone of your private cloud future.

So the next time someone talks about the cloud, remember—you don’t just use it. You can own it.

— See you, Volkrin