So it all started from a simple need, really: being able to share files on my local network. Usually for this type of needs, you buy a NAS, and that’s it. But then you add in a bit of privacy concerns, the will NOT to put all your eggs in the same basket, and you end up looking at buying a Synology NAS. Since I had an old PC lying around, I looked at the project call “XPEnology“, which is basically a “grey area fork” of the synology DSM software (it’s not entirely clear whether you can do that according the licence).
And while Xpenology provided a nice way to test the software and a very convenient experience, I ended up with a problem in one of the disk array, and instead of rebuilding the whole thing again (which was running on an old netbook at the time), I decided that I needed something more reliable.
Excited by the “cloud” possibilities present in the DSM software, I started to look at the various possibilities for self hosted “cloud”. To add sugar on the cake, I wanted to try to use FOSS bricks to replace DSM.
I have identified the following services / needs that I would like to replicate:
Function | DSM name | Alternative |
1. File sharing | File Station | Linux server (Debian, see step 1.1 & 1.2) + Samba |
2. Access to files over internet | File station | Web server (Nginx) + Pydio (step 2.1) (or Owncloud/Nextcloud) |
3. Sharing pictures | Photo Station | Pydio, Owncloud/Nextcloud |
4. Syncing/Backup of cloud files Calendar / Contacts sync |
Cloud sync | No solution found here appart from scripts |
5. Download (torrent) | Download station | Transmission with web client (step 5.1) |
6. Local music playback | Audio station | MPD/Mopidy + android client |
7. Music streaming on mobile | Audio station android App | Ampache or other (the list is long) |
8. Local video playback | Video station | Samba client + video player (Kodi) |
9. Video streaming on mobile | Video station | Plex (open source, non free), Amby (open source and free) |
10. VPN | VPN server option in DSM | OpenVPN |
Note: tables suck with WordPress.
I might also add some interesting functions that are not present in DSM (to my knowledge):
- Read it Later: Wallabag
- Add free network: Pi-hole
- A personal wiki: Dokuwiki
- An online repository with my ebooks, similar to the Calibre OPDS: COPS
- Note taking: Paperwork
- A way to scan and organise all my administrative papers: Paperless
The list is long 😉
The problem with this approach will be maintenance – maintenance – maintenance. If I end up with 42 instances of different stuff, it will soon become a nightmare to update/maintain.
Interesting resources:
- https://github.com/Kickball/awesome-selfhosted
- https://selfhosted.libhunt.com/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/
Webmentions
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