How to Create a ZeroTier Network

ZeroTier is a powerful tool for creating secure, peer-to-peer virtual networks that connect devices across the internet as if they were on the same local network. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up your own ZeroTier network.

Prerequisites

• A ZeroTier account (sign up at zerotier.com).
• Devices (computers, servers, or mobile devices) to connect to the network.
• Administrative access to install software on your devices.

Step 1: Sign Up and Create a Network

1. Register for a ZeroTier Account:
   • Visit my.zerotier.com and sign up for a free account.
   • Log in to your account after registration.
2. Create a New Network:
   • In the ZeroTier Central dashboard, click Create a Network.
   • A unique Network ID will be generated (e.g., a1b2c3d4e5f67890). Note this ID, as it’s required to connect devices.
   • Give your network a descriptive name for easy identification (e.g., “MyHomeNetwork”).

Step 2: Install ZeroTier on Your Devices

1. Download ZeroTier Client:
   • Go to the ZeroTier Downloads page and download the appropriate client for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, etc.).
   • Install the client following the instructions for your platform.
2. Join the Network:
   • Open the ZeroTier client or use the command line.
   • Join the network by entering your Network ID:
     • GUI (Windows/macOS): Open the ZeroTier app, click “Join Network,” and enter the Network ID.
     • Command Line (Linux/macOS): Run sudo zerotier-cli join <Network ID>.
   • Repeat this process on all devices you want to connect.

Step 3: Authorize Devices in ZeroTier Central

1. Access the Network Dashboard:
   • Log in to my.zerotier.com and select your network.
   • Under the Members section, you’ll see a list of devices that have attempted to join, identified by their Node ID.
2. Authorize Devices:
   • Check the box next to each device you want to authorize.
   • Optionally, assign a name to each device for easier management (e.g., “Laptop” or “Server”).
   • Click Save Changes to authorize the devices.

Step 4: Configure Network Settings

1. Set IP Address Assignments:
   • In the Network Settings section, choose an IP range for your network (e.g., 192.168.192.0/24).
   • Enable Auto-Assign from Range to automatically assign IP addresses to devices, or manually assign IPs under the Members section.
2. Enable Advanced Options (Optional):
   • Route Configuration: If you need devices to access specific subnets, configure routes under Advanced Settings.
   • Flow Rules: Customize network access rules to control traffic between devices (e.g., allow only specific ports or protocols).

Step 5: Test the Network

1. Verify Connectivity:
   • From one device, ping another device’s ZeroTier IP address (e.g., ping 192.168.192.10).
   • Ensure devices can communicate as expected.
2. Troubleshooting:
   • Confirm devices are authorized in ZeroTier Central.
   • Check that the ZeroTier client is running on each device.
   • Verify firewall settings allow ZeroTier traffic (UDP port 9993 by default).

Step 6: Secure and Optimize Your Network

• Enable Encryption: ZeroTier networks are encrypted by default, but ensure you’re using strong authentication methods.
• Manage Access: Regularly review authorized devices in ZeroTier Central and remove any that are no longer needed.
• Use Managed Routes: For advanced setups, configure managed routes to connect your ZeroTier network to physical networks or other virtual networks.

Conclusion

You’ve now set up a ZeroTier network, connected devices, and configured basic settings. ZeroTier is highly flexible, making it ideal for remote access, IoT, or creating secure connections between distributed systems. For more advanced configurations, explore the ZeroTier Manual or community forums.