Synology DSM7 uses Zerotier to achieve external network access without public network IP

Since I bought a Synology NAS, I have been struggling with how to achieve quick access to the external network (Synology’s own QuickConnect can also achieve external network access, but the speed is too slow, even viewing photos requires turning in circles, and many functions cannot be used under QuickConnect). I have tried many tools such as peanut shells, but they are either too expensive or too cumbersome to configure, and the actual use experience is not good.

After using Zerotier for a period of time, I feel very good. It can be accessed from the outside without a real public IP. The initial configuration is simple, and it can be used continuously after the configuration is completed. It is fast and supports computers, mobile phones, and tablets. The key point is that it is free! free! free!

After the configuration is completed, you can achieve:

• Access and manage NAS from the external network;
• Access and manage various NAS packages from the Internet, such as file station, photos, drive, plex, emby, qBittorrent, etc.
• You can basically do all the work that can only be done on a LAN, because the principle is to create a LAN through Zerotier, your devices are all in this LAN, and this LAN is connected through the Internet.
• Speed: I have mobile broadband at home. When using a computer or mobile phone (China Unicom 4G) to connect outside, the download speed can reach 2-4m/s, which can be said to be very fast. There is no pressure to use photos to view photos, and 4k movies can be played smoothly using plex. The effect can be viewed at the end of the article.

Let’s do it together, it’s very simple.

1. Install Zerotier in Docker

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There is no Zerotier in the official package of Synology DSM7 version, so Zerotier needs to be installed in Docker.

1. Download the henrist/zerotier-one image

Open Synology Docker, search for “zerotier” in the registry, select henrist/zerotier-one, right-click “Download this image”

2. Create a container

 

After the download is complete, double-click in “Image” to start henrist/zerotier-one.
In the general settings window, check“Execute container with high privileges”, then click“Advanced Settings”:

Advanced settings, only need to set three places:
(1) Advanced settings: Check “Start automatic restart”

(2) Storage space: Set the folder to save software data. Click Add Folder, select the folder in Synology (here is docker/zerotier), and then fill in the “Mount Path”/var/lib/zerotier-one

(3) Network: Check“Use the same network as Docker Host”

(4) Finally, click“application”, Zerotier is already running in the background.

2. Create a Zerotier network

1. Create or log in to a Zerotier account

Open the Zerotier official website and click“Sign Up”Register an account. If you already have an account, you can click“Log in”Log in.

2. Create a personal network

After successful registration or login, click“Create A Network”Create a network. Click on the created“Network ID”Enter the management interface.

The basic settings are as shown in the figure:

Once the settings are complete, there is no need to close the webpage for now, as you will need it later.

3. Add each device to the network created by Zerotier

(1) Add NAS to the network

1. Open Synology “Docker” and selectcontainerDouble-click henrist/zerotier-one to open it.

choose“Terminal”,exist“New”Click in the small triangle next to“Start via command”,enterash, click OK.

3. Click generated“ash”Command, enter in the black box on the right/ # zerotier-cli join network ID, and press Enter. 

4. Appear200 join OKThe word indicates success.

(2) Add other devices to the network

computer:

1. Download Zerotier client and install it.
2. Open the client, enter the network ID and click“Join Network”.

Mobile phone or tablet:

The Zerotier Apple app does not support downloading with domestic accounts. You can find a free US account online and log in to the App Store to download and use it (free US Apple ID reference). After installation, just enter the network ID to join.

4. Confirm the device addition in Zerotier

Open the Zerotier backend management website and scroll to the bottom of the page“Members”In one column, you can see the list of devices applying to join the network. Check in front of the device to agree to the device joining the network.

5. Complete

At this point, all configurations are successful. You can use theManaged IPsaddress to access the NAS.
For example, the address of my NAS shown in the picture is: 192.168.194.100, then enter 192.168.194.100:5000 in the computer browser bar to access it (5000 is the default port number of my NAS).

?You can also enjoy exploring the NAS on the Internet just like at home!