Unlike the complex traditional network solutions, ZeroTier is a smart programmable Ethernet switch that has simplified network setup, management, and security. You install the ZeroTier application on your devices, join the devices to your created network by using a unique network ID, and the devices automatically will become part of your created virtual network. It supports multiple types of devices i.e., Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, etc. All traffic exchanged between your devices is end-to-end encrypted. To decrease latency and maximize performance, the most direct path is used.
Essential Features of ZeroTier
The essential features of ZeroTier can be categorized as the following:
Virtual NetworkPeer-to-Peer ConnectivityEasy SetupSecurityCross-platform supportCentralized ManagementFree for 100 devicesMultiple Networks: A device can join multiple ZeroTier networks (created by you or someone else), just make sure they do not have the same subnet.Use Cases: remote work, IoT, gaming, sharing resources, cloud infrastructure setup, device communication, etc.
Installation Prerequisites
Before installing ZeroTier, you will need a ZeroTier account and use that account to create a ZeroTier network ID.
Create a ZeroTier Account
Create a Network
Install ZeroTier
ZeroTier is a cross-platform application and installing instructions depend on the device you are using. We will try to cover some famous platforms for this purpose.
Install ZeroTies on Windows
1. Download the Windows Installer
2. Open the Installer
3. Join Your ZeroTier Network
4. Authorize Your Device on the ZeroTier Network
5. Check the Connection Status
Install ZeroTier on a Mac
1. Download the MacOS Installer
2. Launch the Installer
3. Join Your Zero-Tier Network
If the option to join the network is not shown, execute the following command in the Mac terminal:
4. Authorize Your Mac on the ZeroTier Network
3. Check the Connection Status
Install ZeroTier On iPhone
1. Download the ZeroTier One App
2. Join the ZeroTier Network
3. Authorize the Device
4. Check the Connection Status
Install ZeroTier on Android
1. Download the ZeroTier One App
2. Join Your ZeroTier Network
3. Authorize the Android Device
4. Check the Connection Status
Install ZeroTier on Linux
We will cover steps for Ubuntu, you may need to customize these steps to work for the Linux distro you are using.
1. Install Through the Terminal
If you like to use Snapd, one by one execute the following commands to install Snapd (not required for the latest Ubuntu versions) and ZeroTier:
2. Start the ZeroTier Service
3. Join the ZeroTier Network
4. Check the Connection Status
Install ZeroTier on Raspberry Pi
1. Add ZeroTier Repository to the Raspberry Pi and Install it
2. Join the ZeroTier Network
3. Authorize Your Device on the ZeroTier Portal
4. Check the Status of the Connection
Install the ZeroTier on the Router
We will list down the steps to install ZeroTier on an Asus OpenWRT router:
1. Install ZeroTier
2. Enable ZeroTier and Join the Network
3. Start the ZeroTier Service and Authorize the Router
4. Check the Connection Status
If you want to access the LAN on your router, you will need to configure Firewall and Manage Routes as well.
Test Connectivity Between Devices
Till now, we have checked the connection to the ZeroTier network is working. Let’s check the connection between our devices on the ZeroTier network. For this purpose, we will use the Ping command which does not accomplish anything but tells us the devices are “talking” to each other. If you are going to Ping a Windows PC, you will need to enable Inbound Rules in the Windows Firewall. For this demonstration, we will Ping an Android phone from a Windows PC. Got a suggestion or query? let’s discuss it in the comments.
