NextCloud on Synology: Advantages and Disadvantages as well as setting up the alternative cloud solution for the home NAS

The Synology NAS systems offer a variety of functions and options for both beginners and for experienced users. This includes, for example, CloudSync, a function for synchronization with cloud services, and with Synology Drive even its own cloud for remote access to the home NAS. In forums, however, the question always arises as to whether and how Nextcloud can also be set up on the Synology NAS. In the following article we therefore examine the differences and similarities between Nextcloud und Synology Drive And generally explain how the free cloud solution can be set up as a Synology NextCloud.

1. DiskStation Manager – Guarantee for easy operation and flexible task adjustment

The Synology NAS devices are particularly popular because of the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system. With a user -friendly surface that is reminiscent of Linux, the NAS can be used, configured and expanded intuitively via browser.

The user has the option of determining which services and functions – for example Media server, file management, office, backup, virtualization, data backup or video surveillance – are to be implemented on the NAS. Synology offers various installation packages for the NAS.

1.1. Cloud services with the NAS

The purpose of a NAS includes the central storage of personal files such as photos, videos, music and documents. In addition, Synology enables the CloudSync package to smooth and versatile synchronization of data between the NAS and the cloud storage of various providers.

If the data is already collected and available locally, there is no need to transfer it to an external cloud service with additional subscription costs and data protection concerns. A better solution would be to set up your own cloud server in order to make the data accessible outside the home network and to keep full control over your own data.

With Synology Drive, Synology offers its own cloud solution, similar to OneDrive, Dropbox and Co., there is also clients for Windows and MacOS, as well as mobile versions for Android and iOS.

1.2. Nextcloud auf Synology?

NextCloud is a well-known open source cloud solution that is widespread and can be installed on a Synology NAS with some effort.

In order to clarify whether the installation effort is worth it at all -Nextcloud needs numerous components and adjustments to run at the DiskStation Manager -we first present the differences between the two solutions.

2. Synology Drive and NextCloud – these are the differences

2.1. Origin and development

• Nextcloud Is an open source software based on OwnCloud. Both projects were originally identical, but later they split off in two separate developmental directions due to disagreements.

• Synology Drive is a solution developed by Synology, which is specially designed for Synology-NAS devices.

2.2. Functionality

• Synology Drive is comparable to commercial cloud services such as Dropbox. It enables the synchronization of files between different devices and offers basic functions such as file approval, access and synchronization between server and client, as you know from Dropbox or Onedrive. In addition, Synology Drive can also synchronize the data between several Synology-NAS.

• Nextcloud On the other hand, not only offers file synchronization, but also extended functions such as calendars, contacts, notes, tasks and more. It is modularly expandable and has an active community that constantly develops new functions and apps.

2.3. Data protection and control

• Nextcloud It enables users to store your data on your own servers or trustworthy hosting providers. This offers more control over your own data and improved data protection.

• Synology Drive Saves the data on the Synology-NAS, which is also safe, but offers less flexibility in terms of storage location. The expansion of the memory is only necessary with new hardware (new data carriers). In addition, the opening of the NAS for access from the outside is not without the risk of being exposed to an attack on your own NAS or even your own network.

2.4. Integration with other services

• Synology Drive Offers fewer integration options, but is seamlessly integrated into the Synology Ecosystem and can also be integrated into Windows Active Directory and managed with group guidelines. With Synology Office on the NAS, smooth cooperation is also possible and possible in the browser for office documents.

2.5. User -friendliness

• Synology Drive It is easy to set up and use, especially for users who already have a Synology NAS.

• Nextcloud If technical understanding requires, however, offers a greater variety of functions.

3. Nextcloud oder Synology Drive?

The decision whether to use NextCloud or Synology Drive depends on individual requirements, the required data protection level and the desired functionality.

Synology Drive

Nextcloud

Based on these criteria, you should decide whether to switch to NextCloud is worth it.

Our recommendation is as follows: if it exclusively about a cloud solution for files and folders goes, offers Nextcloud, according to our assessment of Synology Drive, no significant advantages. In addition, the establishment of NextCloud is so complex that only experienced users can carry out them without errors.

4. So set up nextcloud on a Synology NAS

Not for beginners: The setup of NextCloud can be complex and prone to errors and varies based on many parameters and configurations on the NAS. Therefore we describe in this article Only the basic steps of the facility based on DSM 7.x. At the end of the instructions you will find Further linkswho deal with the topic more extensively and more detailed. In the event of problems, we recommend contacting these websites, since users can exchange their experiences via the comment function and offer each other support.

• Preparation of the Synology DiskStation:
  • • Install the following basic packages via the Package center der Synology DiskStation:
      • Web Station: Management of web servers and web applications.
      • Apache HTTP Server 2.4: Webserver.
      • MariaDB 10: Database server.
        Also activate the TCP/IP connection here and remember the port. Good to know: This can be changed later.
      • phpMyAdmin: Optional database management. (You can also use another tool.)
      • PHP 7.4 Or newer: scripting language.

• Create web directory:
  • Create a website on the disc station. To do this, use the «Web» folder created by web station and the two subfolders for nextcloud_web and NextCloud_Dates.
• Configure the web station:
  • Set up the web station in accordance with your requirements. There you can configure the web server and PHP. Check here whether the back-end packages are installed Nginx, PHP 7.4 (or new) and Apache.
• Create PHP profile:
  • In the web station, create a PHP profile for NextCloud under «Script language settings» to use the required PHP version. In the extensions, the PHP extensions such as ZLIB, ZIP, BCMATH, BZ2, GD, CURL, ICONV, GMP, Intl, Imagick, OpenSSL, Posix, PDO_MYSQL and sodium should also be activated. In addition, they have to be kore in the section apc.enable_cli Place on 1 so that automatic tasks from NextCloud can be carried out.
• Set up virtual host:
  • In the web station you have to create a configuration in the web service portal section for NextCloud.

• Install nextcloud:
  • Download the NextCloud-files Up the File Station in the “NextCloud_Web” folder at the beginning.
  • Then start the setup of NextCloud via the PHP call of the installation script.
• Check, deactivate and adapt authorizations:
  • With the File Station, check the authorizations of the file config.php and adapt its content if necessary. For the «NextCloud_data» directory, the «HTTP» group must be determined as the owner.
• Optimize installation:
  • Make sure you can access Nextcloud from the Internet.
  • Create one on the FRITZ! Box Port sharing, which forwards to the NAS. The target sport must then be adapted to this port in the virtual host of the web station.
  • Add trustworthy domains in the config.php file.
  • Configure Let’s Encrypt For an SSL certificate in the browser.

In the following videos, NextCloud sets up on Synology step by step:

5. Further links

For details about installation, setting up and configuration of NextCloud on Synology, you will find more detailed information with step by step instructions and help forums.

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