ZeroTier is an incredibly simple and user-friendly intranet tunneling tool that requires no configuration to set up a virtual local area network, allowing you to remotely access data and files from your home, school, or office computer. Its setup and usage are so straightforward that it’s practically “zero-config, zero-knowledge”鈥攅ven beginners can get it running.
First, you’ll need a computer that stays powered on for extended periods鈥攍ike an office server, or even just a regular PC鈥攐therwise, you won’t have anything to connect back to.
Next, you’ll need a real need to securely access data from somewhere other than that server’s location.
Finally, you’ll use ZeroTier to effortlessly create a LAN, making it feel just like you’re still in the office.
Let’s cut to the chase with ZeroTier. No more theory鈥攈ere’s a direct walkthrough. First, let’s outline the flow:
ZeroTier supports three major desktop platforms鈥擶indows, macOS, and Linux鈥攖wo major mobile platforms鈥攊OS and Android鈥攁s well as three NAS platforms: QNAP, Synology, and Western Digital MyCloud NAS. It also supports the open-source LEDE router project.
Steps to Use ZeroTier:
1. Sign up for ZeroTier to get your Internal ID
2. Create a private LAN and obtain a Network ID
3. Install the client and join a Network ID (or invite an Internal ID to join)
4. Connect
Because ZeroTier relies on its servers for support, there are limits on the network: the free tier caps at 100 devices, and exceeding that requires a paid plan. For individuals or small teams, 100 devices is more than enough. Beyond 100 devices, the cost is $29/month, or you can self-host the central service.