What is Tailscale?

Tailscale is a VPN service that positions itself as a Zero-config VPN. It uses the WireGuard protocol to create a secure mesh network between all your devices. The key difference from other solutions is its simplicity. Instead of manually configuring tunnels and managing keys, Tailscale does all the work for you. All you need to do is install the app on each device and sign in.

How does it work under the hood?

When you sign in, the Tailscale client connects to the Control Plane server. This server essentially acts as the “brain” of the network:

1. It generates and distributes WireGuard keys for each device.
2. It informs clients about the IP addresses and public keys of other devices in your network.
3. It helps clients bypass network obstacles such as NAT and firewalls using NAT Traversal techniques. This allows devices behind different routers to communicate directly without port forwarding.

After the exchange of information, the control server no longer participates in data transmission. All traffic flows directly between devices, ensuring minimal latency and high speed, as if they were on the same local network.

Key features and use cases

• Simplicity and automation: The strongest argument. Installing and connecting a new device takes less than a minute. No more copying keys or configuring routes.
• Secure remote access: Gain access to your home NAS, server, or computer from anywhere in the world.
• Compatibility with any network: Tailscale works on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and even Raspberry Pi. It can connect devices across different countries into a single network.
• Subnet Routing: The ability to configure a router (e.g., a Keenetic-based one) as an “exit node” for the entire subnet. This allows you to access not just a single device but the whole local network behind it.
• Security: Every connection is encrypted, and keys are generated and managed automatically. The entire Tailscale infrastructure (except for control servers) works peer-to-peer.

Limitations and drawbacks

• Dependence on the service: Although traffic is transmitted directly between devices, authentication and key management still depend on Tailscale. This can be an issue for those who want full control.
• Paid features: The free plan has limitations on the number of users and devices, but it’s sufficient for most home use cases.

Conclusion

Tailscale is a perfect example of how the Zero-config approach solves real-world problems. It turns the complex process of building a VPN into a simple operation available to anyone. For those who value simplicity, speed, and reliability without extra setup, Tailscale is the best choice.

In the next article, we will compare it with other services such as ZeroTier and NetBird.