How well do VPNs work for a Synology NAS (DS920+)

VPN
1

I recently got my first NAS (a DS920+) to use as a media server for Plex. I’m now considering a VPN for torrents through the DSM 7 Download Station.

When I tried a free VPN (Proton), I kept getting an “invalid parameters” error when adding the .ovpn file. After doing some troubleshooting, I came across a ton of forum threads, Reddit posts and articles talking about how DSM works poorly with many VPNs and requires all sorts of workarounds to sort it out.

So before buying a VPN, I’d like to ask if this is a recurring problem or a VPN like PIA would most likely work just fine? Are there any guides on how to get these to work consistently? Thanks.

2

NordVPN works perfectly fine for my DS920 running DSM7. I have used the .opvn setup and it always has worked

3

I have been running vpn(mullvad) in a docker container (gluetun) for a long time. No issues at all. All other services including plex etc in a container as well.

4

I got the impression the nas could be used AS a vpn?

5

I’ve been using Mullvad for a long time. No problems.

6

Happy to hear that, thanks for the feedback.

7

Thanks. I’m pretty inexperienced when it comes to networking, virtualization and Linux, so I just opted for a plain installation of Plex through the DSM manager. Hopefully a VPN will run that way without issues either.

8

I’m not sure what you mean. The network settings in DSM allow you to apply a VPN to the torrents you download through your NAS.

9

Happy to hear that, thanks.

10

What is your setup for mullvad and Torrent? Also if I am going to use Plex ( not in docker); will it not throttle/affect that?

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Thanks

11

This is what i mean. Not that I’ve watched it but that is what I’ve interpreted it as from the title.

12

Running vIrtual DSM with Mullvad connected all the time. Downloads go to DSM via a mounted volume (CIFS). I’m running Emby on DSM.

I don’t know what do you mean by affecting Plex. In terms of available bandwidth? Of course, if you have downloads eating up your WAN bandwidth and you’re accessing Plex remotely then yes. However, if most of your Plex access is on the LAN then no.

Maybe I didn’t understand your question.

13

Thanks just wanted to make sure the Plex wouldn’t be behind the VPN

14

If you go with Mullvad, make sure to forward a port from your Mullvad account to your download client so you have optimum performance.