Deploying Matrix Synapse with Element: From Setup to Connection

Matrix Synapse is a robust, open-source communication server that powers the decentralized and federated Matrix protocol. When paired with Element, an intuitive Matrix client, you gain a full-featured, secure communication platform for personal or organizational use.

In this guide, we’ll walk through deploying Matrix Synapse, securing it with HTTPS, and connecting it with the Element client for seamless communication.

Step 1: Setting Up Matrix Synapse

1.1 Prerequisites

Before deploying Synapse, ensure your server meets these requirements:

• Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04 or later (recommended).
• Hardware: At least 2GB of RAM and 10GB of disk space.
• Installed Tools:
  • Docker and Docker Compose (for containerized deployment).
  • A domain name (e.g., matrix.xynoslab.com).

1.2 Deploy Synapse with Docker

Create a directory for your Synapse deployment:

mkdir -p ~/matrix-synapse && cd ~/matrix-synapse

Create a docker-compose.yml file with the following content:

services:
  synapse:
    image: matrixdotorg/synapse:latest
    container_name: synapse
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
    environment:
      SYNAPSE_SERVER_NAME: matrix.xynoslab.com
      SYNAPSE_REPORT_STATS: "yes"
    ports:
      - "8008:8008"
    restart: always

Start Synapse:

docker-compose up -d

Verify that Synapse is running by visiting http://<your-server-ip>:8008.

Step 2: Configuring Matrix Synapse

2.1 Generate Initial Configuration

Run this command to generate the Synapse configuration files:

docker exec -it synapse generate

This creates the homeserver.yaml configuration file inside the /data directory.

2.2 Customize Configuration

Edit homeserver.yaml to reflect your server’s settings. A minimal configuration looks like this:

server_name: "matrix.xynoslab.com"
pid_file: "/var/run/matrix-synapse.pid"

listeners:
  - port: 8008
    tls: false
    type: http
    x_forwarded: true
    bind_addresses: ['::1', '127.0.0.1']
    resources:
      - names: [client, federation]

database:
  name: sqlite3
  args:
    database: /data/homeserver.db

log_config: "/data/log.yaml"
media_store_path: /data/media
registration_shared_secret: "your_registration_secret"

Step 3: Securing Synapse with HTTPS

Matrix Synapse does not include built-in TLS. To secure your server, use a reverse proxy like Nginx or Caddy.

3.1 Caddy Configuration

matrix.xynoslab.com {
    reverse_proxy localhost:9122

    # Optional: Customize headers to ensure CORS and security
    header {
        X-Content-Type-Options nosniff
        X-Frame-Options DENY
        X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block"
    }
}

3.2 Obtain an SSL Certificate

Caddy willl automatically generate a TLS certificate for your domain. Just restart caddy once.

systemctl restart caddy

Now, your Synapse instance is accessible securely at https://matrix.xynoslab.com.

Step 4: Connecting Synapse with Element

4.1 Install Element

Download the Element client on your preferred device:

• Web: app.element.io
• Desktop: Element Desktop
• Mobile: iOS or Android

4.2 Configure the Client

1. Open the Element client and select Sign In.
2. Click Custom Server Options (if using a self-hosted server).
3. Enter your Synapse URL: Homeserver: https://matrix.xynoslab.com.
4. Sign in using your Matrix credentials.

Step 5: Registering Users

5.1 Open Registration

To enable public registration, edit the homeserver.yaml file:

enable_registration: true

Restart the Synapse container:

docker restart synapse

Step 6: Exploring Advanced Features

Enable Federation

Allow your server to connect with other Matrix servers by setting up federation:

federation_domain_whitelist: []

Add Integrations

Enhance your Synapse server with bots, bridges, and integrations:

• Bridges: Connect with Slack, Telegram, etc.
• Bots: Automate tasks.

Conclusion

By deploying Matrix Synapse and connecting it to Element, you've taken a significant step towards secure, decentralized communication. With additional features like federation and integrations, you can further enhance your platform for both personal and professional use.

Have questions or ideas? Share them in the comments below, and let’s build the future of decentralized communication together!

Happy chatting with Matrix and Element!