title: Hosting SQL database on synology with remote access - Where to start?
body: <p>I have been trying to tackle this problem off and on the past past couple of months and now I am definitely stuck so I am reaching out to see if anyone has tips or guidelines.</p>
  
  <p>First, I will say I am learning as I go, apologies if I used incorrect terms or oversimplify.</p>
  
  <p>Here is what I am trying to achieve and what I am working with:</p>
  
  <p>1) I am working with a small research group and we are interested in creating an SQL database with our data so group members can query data on their own time using RStudio.</p>
  
  <p>2) We need to be able to remote access the db because I live on the East Coast (NC) while everyone else lives in CA.  Also, I am not always at home when working with the data.</p>
  
  <p>3) We do not have specific funding for this project but I have a Synology box (DS1815+) that I would like to use to host the DB.  This would also allow me to easily backup the db through Synology's tools.</p>
  
  <p>4) Synology offers MariaDB, which I have been able to use to create and access DBs from my local network (create tables, add uses, etc).  However, I am not sure how to go about getting remote access to the DB through my home router and then through the firewall of the 1815+.</p>
  
  <p>5) At the same time, I have a personal website I am hosting on the Syno box (www.test1domain.com) with a domain registered through Google Domains and forwarded to my Synoloyg box.</p>
  
  <p>Here are the problems I am trying to address:
  1) When I type in my browser, I can't figure out how to request a specific port on the server.  I have opened the ports I am trying to use on my router but I am not sure how to test if a specific port is open on the server from a remote location</p>
  
  <p>2) I would like to register a second domain to keep the research data separate from my personal website.  Once I have a second domain, am not sure how what URL to use to access the SQL server from within RStudio.  </p>
  
  <p>I am not sure if I am describing my problem correctly so I have included an image to help illustrate what I am trying to do.  </p>
  
  <p>Does anyone have any suggestions of where to begin? <a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/9fpzk.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Network image</a></p>
  
  <p>Thanks for any suggestions.</p>