Set up your mail server with Synology NAS
Have you ever thought about setting up your private mail server? After a point this need occurs in case of organizations and individuals too. Synology network attached storage facilitates the process via MailPlus Server client software and provides many built in mail configuration tools to help the management. Synology NAS device delivers solutions for business and private needs too.
Why Synology NAS MailPlus server fits business’s needs and personal needs too?
Sending emails means one of the basic capabilities of organizations. When the size of the organization requires mail addresses with private domain names the situation complicates. NAS provides well configured and easy to use mail server solutions. Every other function — Backup, Torrent Server, FTP server ect. — can be used in the meantime. Synology MailPlus server supports a wide range of email transfer protocols like SMTP, POP3, and IMAP. All necessary features are delivered on one device. There is no need to spend thousands for exchange server softwares.
Building a home mail server? Emailing is quite complex. Most tech sites don’t recommend individuals to host their own mailbox. This point of view is reasonable, because a poorly configured and managed mail server can be posted on spam lists or get hacked easily. Fortunately you can avoid these risks with NAS. The manufacturer pay attention on virus protection and security holes. Maybe this is the safest and easiest way to launch your private mail server.
Setting up the server
Before starting the process you should consider a few aspects
Do you have a fast and reliable internet connection? Internet connection issues affect the performance of your server. The number of addresses your server will host is also an important aspect. Synology MailPlus server provides 5 addresses for free. So if you need more mailboxes please go and check the provider’s license pack.
There are requirements you have to fulfill
First of all you need a proper IP address. When you operate a mail server it has to be reachable all the time. Most of the home internet connections use dynamic IP which usually changes. At this point you have two opportunities. Firstly you can apply for a static IP address at your Internet Service Provider. Static IP is fixed and never changes and is dedicated for your network. Naturally your IPS will demand extra fee for a static IP. Secondly you can sign up for a free dynamic DNS service. When you use DDNS your mail server authenticates by it’s domain name which is directly connected to your current IP. This is a fair solution, however we recommend the paid static IP for organizations. Obviously the set up process requieres further knowledge so for ruther details, refer to the manufacturers official guide.
When your mail server is already functioning
Messages can be reached anywhere and anytime via MailPlus. Synology’s email client is very similar to gmail. Furthermore it handles other mailboxes not just NAS related mail.
When you enable POP3 and IMAP protocoles you can access your emails from any other client, even your smartphone. POP3 protocol serves for migrating your messages to the client device’s storage, while IMAP keeps them on your server. So by IMAP protocol you can access emails from different devices and clients simultanously.
Originally published at www.nasclouding.com on April 19, 2017.
