Everything You Need to Know About ZeroTier in 2023 – ZeroTier (2024)

No Native Internet Traffic Routing:As of now, our platform doesn’t natively support routing all internet traffic through the virtual network—a feature some users might expect from a VPN solution. However, this design decision gives our users greater control over their network traffic, reducing unnecessary bandwidth usage and potentially increasing network performance. Nonetheless, we recognize the demand for integrated traffic routing, and we are diligently working on methods to incorporate this functionality in a manner that complements our existing features and user needs.Everything You Need to Know About ZeroTier in 2023 – ZeroTier (1)

ZeroTier Pricing

We offer a range ofpricing optionsto make networking accessible for every business.

Basic Plan (ZeroTier Hosted Controller)

Target Audience:For Everyone.

Cost:Free

Features:

  • 1 Admin
  • 25 Nodes
  • Unlimited Networks
  • Community Support
  • No Business Single Sign-On (SSO)

Professional Plan (For Individuals and R&D)

Target Audience:Licensed Only For Individuals and Testing.

Cost:Starting at $5 USD/month

Features:

  • Admins at $10 USD/month Each
  • 25-Node Packs at $5 USD/month
  • Unlimited Networks
  • Business SSO at $5 USD/month Per Seat
  • Community Support

Business Plan (For Licensed Commercial Deployments)

Target Audience:Businesses with more extensive networking requirements.

Cost:Contact Sales

**Use Cases: **

  • IoT
  • SD-WAN
  • VPN
  • Remote Monitoring and Management

Enterprise Plan

Target Audience:Large enterprises with high-volume VPN, IoT, edge, embedded networking, multi & hybrid cloud, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) requirements.

Cost:Contact Sales for customized pricing.

**Features: **Customizable based on the specific needs of the enterprise, including the potential for more nodes, admins, networks, and support options.

Service Providers Plan

Target Audience:Hardware and software companies, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Resellers, and Systems Integrators.

Cost:Contact Sales for customized pricing.

Features:Customized to suit integration or embedding of the ZeroTier platform within service offerings and for enterprise-facing channels.

Everything You Need to Know About ZeroTier in 2023 – ZeroTier (2)

ZeroTier FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

In this section, we aim to answer people’s common questions about ZeroTier, from its functionality as a VPN to security concerns. This information will help you decide whether ZeroTier suits your networking needs.

Does ZeroTier work as a VPN?

Yes, ZeroTier does work as a VPN–but with a twist. Traditional VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) primarily focus on securing your internet connection by routing it through a server, which can be used to access resources on a remote network or hide your IP address. We take this a step further by combining the capabilities of a VPN with the flexibility and functionality of SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network).

Is ZeroTier a virus?

No, ZeroTier is not a virus. It’s a legitimate and reputable software used for creating virtual networks that offers scalable security. However, as with any software, it’s important to be cautious and only download ZeroTier from our official website.

Does ZeroTier encrypt traffic?

Yes, ZeroTier does encrypt traffic. It employs a zero-trust networking model and uses strong 256-bit end-to-end encryption to secure the data transmitted across its virtual networks. This level of encryption is comparable to what is used in most traditional VPNs and is highly secure. The encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted while being transmitted between devices on the ZeroTier network, it cannot be easily deciphered or tampered with.

ZeroTier also uses certificates and keys to authenticate devices before they join the network. Only verified devices with the correct credentials can become part of your ZeroTier network.

Is ZeroTier free?

Yes, ZeroTier does offer a free tier known as the Basic Plan. This plan is suited for general users and small-scale projects. This plan is particularly useful for individuals who want to experience ZeroTier’s capabilities without financial commitment. It’s also great for small projects that do not require multiple nodes or advanced features.

However, for those who need more features or have more extensive networking requirements, we offer additional paid plans. These plans come with more features and support options and are priced accordingly and are ideal for SMBs and enterprises launching or securing an app, scaling their business in a new location, managing remote access for users, and more.

Is ZeroTier safe? Can ZeroTier be trusted?

Yes, ZeroTier is safe and can be trusted. In terms of security features, ZeroTier employs 256-bit end-to-end encryption to secure data transmitted across its networks. Additionally, ZeroTier uses a zero-trust networking model, meaning the platform doesn’t automatically trust any entity within the network. Devices are authenticated before they join the network, which reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Regarding trust, it’s also worth noting that we’re transparent about our operations and provide detailed documentation through our website andknowledge base.

However, like any software, ZeroTier’s safety can also depend on how it is configured and used. It’s crucial to follow best practices for security, such as regularly updating the software, using strong authentication methods, and monitoring network traffic. It’s also important to consider the source of the software; downloading ZeroTier from our official website or a verified source ensures that you’re getting untampered software.

What are the security issues with ZeroTier?

Like any software or networking solution, ZeroTier is not immune to potential security issues if it’s not set up or used correctly. It’s important to know the following risks and understand how to mitigate them:

  • Misconfiguration:One of the most common security issues with networking software arises from misconfiguration. Inadvertently leaving ports open, using weak authentication methods, or failing to set network access controls properly can expose the network to unauthorized access.
  • Outdated Software:Running an outdated version of ZeroTier can leave your network vulnerable to exploits that have been patched in newer versions. It’s important to check for updates regularly and apply them right away.
  • Dependence on End-User Security Practices:ZeroTier’s security also depends on the security practices of the users and devices connected to the network. If a device connected to your ZeroTier network is compromised, it can expose the entire network to risks.
  • Software Vulnerability Patches:Like any software, ZeroTier may have unknown vulnerabilities that malicious actors could try to exploit. While we employ strong encryption and a zero-trust model, staying informed about any new security advisories or patches is essential.
  • Third-Party Access:If you use ZeroTier’s networks to grant third-party access to certain resources, a risk is involved if the third party’s security is compromised. You should be cautious and selective about who has access to your network.

To mitigate these security issues, it’s advisable to follow these best practices:

  • Regularly update ZeroTier to the latest version.
  • Configure network settings securely, following the recommendations in ZeroTier’s documentation.
  • Educate network users on security practices.
  • Monitor network traffic for any unusual activity.
  • Limit access to the network to only those who need it and regularly review access controls.

Is ZeroTier legit?

Yes, ZeroTier is a legitimate and reputable networking software.Here are a few factors that demonstrate why:

  • Established Company:ZeroTier, Inc., the company behind ZeroTier, is an established company in the networking space. We have been around for several years and are known for providing virtual network solutions.
  • **Wide Adoption: **ZeroTier is used by a broad spectrum of users, from individuals to businesses and developers. Its adoption by reputable companies and positive user testimonials adds to our legitimacy.
  • Open Source:Parts of ZeroTier’s code are open, meaning the community and experts can review the code. This openness is often considered a positive attribute in verifying the legitimacy of our software.
  • Active Community:ZeroTier has an extremely active community of users and developers. In fact, many of our new clients and customers come from word-of-mouth referrals through our community.
  • Continuous Development and Support:At ZeroTier, we believe in the power of continuous development and dedicated customer support. This commitment is reflected in our regular updates that aim to enhance our product’s functionality and usability. We also place high importance on providing robust support options for our customers, with comprehensive resources including a detailed knowledge base, community support forums, and for professional and small business packages, we offer ticketed support.

Get Started with ZeroTier

Whether you’re a CISO tasked with ensuring secure connectivity across your organization’s infrastructure, an IT team managing complex network infrastructure, or a developer building next-generation applications, ZeroTier offers a wide range of features to suit your needs. Its robust security measures, ease of use, and various pricing options make it a compelling choice for many.

To begin your journey with ZeroTier:

  1. Visit the Official Website:Navigate to ZeroTier’sofficial website. Ensure that you are visiting the legitimate site to avoid any counterfeit software.
  2. Sign Up for an Account:Create an accountby providing the required information. This will also help you manage your networks and settings from a centralized dashboard.
  3. Choose a Plan:ZeroTier offers various plans, including a free tier. Choose the one that best fits your needs.
  4. Download the Install:Downloadthe ZeroTier client for your operating system and install it. Keep your software updated to the latest version for security and performance enhancements.
  5. Create a Network:Once logged into the ZeroTier interface, create a new virtual network.
  6. Invite Devices and Users:Invite devices and users to your network by sharing the network ID or through the ZeroTier interface. Make sure to set the appropriate permissions for each user.
  7. Configure Network Settings:Configure your network settings according to your requirements. Consult the ZeroTier documentation andknowledge basefor best practices.
  8. Verify Connections:After setup, verify that all devices and users are connected securely and that they can communicate within the network.
  9. Monitor and Maintain:Regularly monitor your network for any unusual activity, and keep abreast of any updates or security advisories posted by ZeroTier.

Now you are ready to harness the power of ZeroTier for your virtual networking needs. ZeroTier can be a transformative tool for connecting and communicating across devices and locations, whether for personal use or your business.

Get started with ZeroTier

Everything You Need to Know About ZeroTier in 2023 – ZeroTier (2024)

FAQs

What are the risks of ZeroTier? ›

Third-Party Access: If you use ZeroTier's networks to grant third-party access to certain resources, a risk is involved if the third party's security is compromised. You should be cautious and selective about who has access to your network.

What can you do with ZeroTier? ›

ZeroTier Remote Access​
  1. Remote Access Without Port Forwarding.
  2. Setting up Remote Access During a Crisis.
  3. Stratospherix FileBrowser - How to access your files from anywhere.

What are the requirements for ZeroTier? ›

ZeroTier can run on Linux, macOS, iOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Android, and Windows. It is designed to operate in under 16 megabytes of memory in most cases. It can run on Intel x86, x64, ARM, and MIPS chips. If there is a device you'd like us to support please let us know.

Can I use ZeroTier as a VPN? ›

ZeroTier is one of the easiest VPN services to configure and it's completely free for up to 100 devices. The entire process, from start to finish, should only take a few minutes.

How secure is ZeroTier? ›

ZeroTier is not a “Privacy VPN.” It does not hide physical IP addresses and makes no attempt to. Any and all data sent over the network is encrypted and can't even be decrypted by us. ZeroTier is designed to make an reasonable attempt to establish direct peer to peer connection to nodes to optimise performance.

Is WireGuard faster than ZeroTier? ›

In theory, the WireGuard protocol used by Tailscale has somewhat less overhead and thus lower latency than ZeroTier's protocol, but in practice the difference is rarely noticeable.

Does ZeroTier affect Internet speed? ›

even if we reset the router/modem the internet slows down when zerotier is on. yes, other things connected to the network will get slowed down internet.

Why use ZeroTier? ›

With ZeroTier you can treat the entire planet like one data center. Our network virtualization technology delivers the power of enterprise software-defined networking to every device, service, and application whether it's located on premise, at the edge, or in the cloud.

Is ZeroTier One free? ›

ZeroTier is free to use internally in businesses and academic institutions and for non-commercial purposes.

What are the flow rules in ZeroTier? ›

In ZeroTier Flow Rules, rules are evaluated to the end of the rule set unless a break, drop, or accept statement is received. This means: break not ethertype ipv4; accept; Will accept packets for ipv4 but will not accept ipv6.

What ports does ZeroTier use? ›

It listens on three 3 UDP ports:
  • 9993 - The default.
  • A random, high numbered port derived from your ZeroTier address.
  • A random, high numbered port for use with UPnP/NAT-PMP mappings.

How do I start a network on ZeroTier? ›

Creating and configuring a ZeroTier network
  1. Go to ZeroTier website.
  2. Sign up on ZeroTier.
  3. Go to your account.
  4. Click on the Create A Network.
  5. After that, you will see the network you created, its ID and name. ...
  6. In the window that appears you can change the network name and connection privacy.

Does ZeroTier have a public IP? ›

ZeroTier isn not a “privacy VPN”. It's not meant to hide IP addresses. You can see the public IP/port combinations of all peers running ZeroTier that you've recently communicated with by using the command line zerotier-cli peers .

What should you not use a VPN for? ›

One reason why you may not want to use a VPN is because it could slow down your internet connection speed significantly. There are several factors that affect your internet speeds when using a VPN, including the fact that a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through different servers, which slows down the process.

What type of VPN is ZeroTier? ›

ZeroTier
Developer(s)ZeroTier, Inc.
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Linux on ARM
TypeSD-WAN, P2P, VPN
LicenseBusiness Source License (Free for personal use. Enterprise pricing available); formerly GPLv3
Websitehttps://www.zerotier.com
3 more rows

Is ZeroTier free? ›

Networks are free. For some users with multiple networks, this may amount to a limit increase. If you are over the limit, your networks and the nodes already authorized on them will still work, but you will need to purchase node packs to add new nodes. Node packs are only $5.00/month for packs of 25 nodes.

Is ZeroTier open source? ›

ZeroTier's software kit is licensed under the ZeroTier BSL, which allows source code access and free use for all with the exception of hosting a network controller for commercial purposes ("Commercial Use") and/or embedding the ZeroTier source code within or in support of a commercial application.

What is ZeroTier vs tail? ›

‍ZeroTier allows you to manage multiple networks, CIDR's, IP's, multicasting, and more. As mentioned above, you can also self-host portions of their platform which you cannot with Tailscale. Tailscale, meanwhile, is focused on a simple user experience.

What does ZeroTier one do? ›

The ZeroTier client is used to connect to virtual networks previously created in the ZeroTier Central web-based UI. Endpoint connections are peer-to-peer and end-to-end encrypted. STUN and hole punching are used to establish direct connections between peers behind NAT.

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