The way of doing work has changed a lot because of digitization where most people are working through the internet. Remote teams, cloud-based tools, and people working from homes are very common now. With new technology, there comes a fear of data loss or privacy concerns where the old-style VPNs are hard to set up because it needs a lot of work to keep them running and can make your computer less safe.

Tailscale provides a new and different option where it is a new way to connect to secure private networks using WireGuard Technology. It’s easy to access and helps in keeping your information safe. This easy-to-use method helps people and teams work together easily and safely. 

If you work in IT and have a team that works from different places like WFH or if you create apps that use the cloud or if you just want to keep your personal devices safe, it is the go-to option. We will explore Tailscale through how to set it up, its main features, and alternatives

Let’s understand more. 

Tailscale Login: Learn How to Get Started?

Tailscale Login: Learn How to Get Started?

It is easy to use, especially when logging in. Here are the simple steps to help you get started:

• Create an Account: Sign up for a Tailscale account on their website. You can try it for free or pick a plan that works for you. Signing up is easy and only needs a little information.
• Tailscale Download: When you have an account, get and set up the Tailscale app for your system. It has apps for most devices like computers, phones, and tablets, making it easy to use on all your devices.
• Join a Network: When you log in to the Tailscale app, you will get a special code to verify your identity. This key works like your passport to get into the private network. Just type in this code when asked to join the Tailscale network you were invited to. You’re all set. You are now safely connected to the network and can access approved shared files.

Logging into Tailscale only takes a few minutes, and you don’t have to do any complicated setup like with regular VPNs. It helps everyone access the network safely.

What are the Tailscale Features that Make it Standout?

What are the Tailscale Features that Make it Standout?

• Mesh Networking: It uses a mesh network design where devices can communicate with each other without any need for a central server. This makes it more reliable and ensures the backup in case something goes wrong.
• Automatic Device Discovery: Finding new devices is easy with the automatic device discovery feature. It finds devices on the same network and makes the setup process easier.
• Access Controls: These controls are like a gatekeeper for your network. They let you decide who and what can get in. This helps keep your network safe and follows the rules.
• Two-Factor Authentication: It makes your network more secure by adding an extra layer of protection thus only authorized people can have access to it.
• Device Posture Management: Using Tailscale along with security tools like CrowdStrike Falcon can help in better managing how to set up devices and use them. This lets you make sure things are secure and decide who can get in based on how healthy their device is.
• Platform Agostic: It works on many different types of devices, like computers and cloud servers. This makes it a good choice for different kinds of networks.

Tailscale vs. ZeroTier

Tailscale vs. ZeroTier

ZeroTier is another popular mesh networking platform where it is often get compared to Tailscale. 

Exit Nodes

Tailscale Exit Nodes

Tailscale Exit Nodes help you stay more private and get access to things more easily where it works like regular VPN exit points. They are servers that help connect you to the Tailscale network and let you send your internet traffic through them. 

Advantages:

• Hiding Your IP Address: When you use Tailscale to access the internet, your real IP address stays secret. This makes it harder for websites and online services to follow where you are on the internet.
• Geo-Restricted Content Access: Access to some websites and online services is limited based on where you are. By using a Tailscale exit node in a different place, you may be able to get around these restrictions and access content that is usually blocked in your area.

Disadvantages:

• Performance Impact: Sending your data through another server (the exit node) can add an extra step to the network. This could make the connection slower, especially if the exit point is far away.
• Security Considerations: Although Tailscale exit nodes are safe, it’s important to know that your internet traffic is now going through its server. If you want to be very safe, you can use Tailscale without exit nodes. This allows you to access resources in your private network directly, which is more secure.

Docker

Tailscale Docker

Today, containerization is a common way to install and control applications. Tailscale Docker makes it easy to keep containers safe and secure. It works well with containerized environments using its special Docker image. This lets you:

• Secure Access to Containerized Applications: Allow secure access to containerized applications in your Tailscale network. This allows approved users to access and use these apps on their devices, no matter where they are.
• Simplified Network Management: Use Tailscale’s centralized management to control who can access and apply security rules for containerized apps. This makes it easier to manage your network and helps to protect your containerized environment.
• Automated Network Configuration: Its Docker image helps containers set up their network automatically. This means you don’t have to do as much work to set things up as you would have to for regular VPN which saves time.

If you use containerized apps on your network then it can help you secure access and manage your network when integrated with Docker.

Github

Tailscale Github

It uses open-source development to make its product better. The project’s code is easy to find on Github, which has many advantages.

• Transparency and Security: It’s open-source code lets people check and help make it better. Being honest and open makes people trust us more and keeps the platform safe.
• Custom Integrations: Developers can use the existing code to create custom connections and features that fit their needs. This lets you have more options and make changes to the Tailscale system.
• Community-Driven Enhancements: People in the Tailscale community work together to make improvements constantly to the software where it’s open-source so anyone can join in. This helps everyone keep getting better and coming up with new ideas so Tailscale can stay ahead in providing secure network management solutions.

It encourages people to help improve it through open-source development. This creates a supportive community where everyone can work together for the benefit of all.

Alternatives

Tailscale Alternatives

Although It is easy to use, there are other options for different needs. Here are some people who have a chance at winning:

OpenVPN: 

It is very strong as well as can be customized but it is hard to set up and thus you should get help if you are not tech-savvy.

Twingate:

It is good for cloud-based systems with strict security and has an easy-to-use interface but it may not be the best for on-site support because it costs more.

ZeroTier:

It is free to use and has many features. It can be managed centrally if you want but setting it up might be more complicated. It may not have as much support for native apps as Tailscale.

The best option depends on what you need. You should think about how good you are with technology, your dependence on the internet, the money you have, and how much control you want.

To Sum Up: 

In today’s remote work world, it’s really important to have secure network access. Old-fashioned VPNs can be difficult and annoying. It provides an easy-to-use option based on WireGuard. This mesh networking platform gets rid of main servers and makes setup easier. We looked at how to log in, the main features, and advanced features, and compared Tailscale to other options. If you work in IT, make websites, or just want safe internet, Tailscale helps you connect to the internet in a safer and easier way.

That’s it for now. 🤟

Thanks for reading. 

Dev Pratap Singh Rajawat

A writer trying to explore endless possibilities in every major domain including Technology, Celebrity, Sports, Health, Lifestyle, and so on where the subjective choices of a user vary but the specifications stand tall for everyone.