I currently have a server running Unraid as the OS, which has some WireGuard integration built in. Which I’ve enabled and been using to remotely access services hosted on that server. But as I’ve expanded to include things like Octopi running on a Pi3 and NextcloudPi running on a Pi4 (along with AdGuardHome), I’m trying to determine the best way to VPN to my home network with the goal of reaching services I’m hosting, and do it safely of course.
I have a Netgear Nighthawk that has some VPN functionality built in that uses a OpenVPN account. Is that ok or would it be advisable to come in a different way?
Tailscale
I’ve seen a lot of descriptions of Tailscale but still have no idea what exactly it does. I get that it uses Wireguard, but what differentiates it from a typical VPN setup? NAT traversal?
It does the wireguard config for you so you don’t have to reconfigure each machine when a new item is added to your network. Still peer to peer type network rather than single vpn to a lan router
Doesn’t tailscale retain closed source for the coordination server?
I think nebula mesh is totally open and you can run your own coordination server, lighthouse?
Nebula would need static IP, TS can do that part for $
Everything but the coordination server is open source. But you can selfhost this part yourself: https://headscale.net/
Tailscale is a service that relies on a third party to facilitate the VPN connection between your client and server. It is designed for people who don’t want to or cannot forward ports. Your server and your client both talk to the Tailscale servers and traffic is routed that way.