- Secure point-to-point connectivity using the WireGuard protocol to interconnect global devices.
- Ability to access local peripherals such as printers and NAS by configuring Subnet Routers.
- Advanced cross-platform support that allows node management on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Implementation of exit nodes to browse the internet using the IP address of a remote home network.
I'm sure you've experienced needing to print an urgent document or access a file on your home computer while you're far away from home, only to find that Is a traditional VPN a headache or what? The printer appears as disconnected. As soon as you activate the security. It's not unusual, since Virtual networks typically isolate local traffic to protect you., leaving you out of the game with your own peripherals.
This is where it comes into play tailscalea tool that basically makes Make your devices feel like they're in the same room even if they're on different continents.Forget about fighting with the router or open complicated ports that leave your network exposed; this solution creates an encrypted mesh where everything flows naturally and, above all, very securely.
What exactly is Tailscale and how does it work?
To put it simply, it's a VPN based on the modern protocol WireGuard which allows you to interconnect devices without the need for tedious manual configurations. Unlike commercial VPNs that hide your IP address by sending all traffic to a central server, Tailscale establishes point-to-point connectionsThis means that data travels directly between your machines, resulting in extremely low latency and enviable speed.
The system is compatible with almost anything that has a processor: from Windows and macOS to Linux, Android, iOS, and even the small but powerful Raspberry PiUpon installation, each device receives a static IP address within your private network (the Tailnet), ensuring that communication is stable regardless of whether you switch WiFi or use a cable.
Regarding costs, they have a very generous freemium model. For the average user, the The free version is more than enoughThis allows multiple users on the same tailnet and is more than sufficient for home environments. If you have more professional needs, there are paid plans that add more users and much more granular role-based access controls.
How to share a printer remotely
There are several ways to make your printer available outside the home, depending on your computer's technology and how complicated you want to make things. The most versatile option is to turn one of your computers into a Subnet RouterThis allows Tailscale to act as a bridge, letting remote devices see your entire home's physical subnetwork, including printers, IP cameras and NAS servers.
If you use Windows for this bridge, You will need to enable IP forwarding using PowerShell with the command Set-NetIPInterface and then run it in the console tailscale set --advertise-routes=192.168.1.0/24 (adjusting the IP address to your network). In LinuxThe process is similar, by enabling the net.ipv4.ip_forward option in the system settingsOnce this is done, you just need to validate the route in the Tailscale web administration panel.
For the more enthusiastic hardware users, there's a great trick: connect the printer via USB to a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and configure it as a CUPS print serverBy installing Tailscale on the Pi, the device becomes a node called "Printer" that you can share with family members, allowing them to print. documents delivered directly to your home from anywhere.
If you have an iPhone, things get a little more complicated due to AirPrint. To get around this, you can use a tool like iMazing to create a custom configuration profileIn this profile, you define the printer's local IP address and port 631, then install it on your mobile device. This way, the iPhone will think the printer is on the local network and you will be able to print without errors.
Advanced access to local files and applications
It's not all about printers; Tailscale is a gem for those with file servers. For example, you can expose the SMB file sharing Windows without opening dangerous ports on your router, thus avoiding the Access denied to shared folders on local networkYou only need to install the client on the host PC and the remote PC, and then access it using the Tailscale IP address via the path \\100.x.x.x\nombre_carpetaIt's a brilliant way to avoid vulnerabilities while maintaining the convenience of the file explorer native.
If you're a fan of self-hosting, you can access applications like Plex, Nextcloud, or Radarr simply by typing the Tailscale IP address followed by the corresponding port (e.g. :32400). For this to work, remember that your application must be configured to Listen at the address 0.0.0.0 and not only on localhost, and that the Windows firewall allows traffic through the Tailscale tunnel.
Another key feature is the Exit NodeBy setting up a computer at home as an exit node, you can route all your mobile or laptop traffic through your home while you're traveling. This is ideal for Bypassing geo-blocks o browse the web anonymously without geolocationbecause the internet will see that you are connected from your own home and not from an unknown hotel.
Quick setup and security tips
Getting started is incredibly easy: you register with a Google or Microsoft account, download the client, and You're in in a matter of secondsOnce connected, I recommend checking out MagicDNS, which lets you use easy names (like "my-pc") instead of remembering those very long ones. IP addresses that begin with 100.
In terms of security, remember that although WireGuard is extremely robust, you have complete control. You can use the access control lists (ACLs) in JSON format to decide exactly which device can communicate with which. For example, you can allow your mobile phone to access the printer, but also... I can't access your server of backups.
If you ever notice that the connection isn't direct and appears as "relay," don't panic. This happens when your network's NAT is very restrictive and Tailscale uses its own servers for establish the linkThe functionality remains the same, although the speed may vary slightly compared to a direct connection.
Having a mesh network where your devices communicate in an encrypted and transparent way completely changes the experience of working remotely and managing your home. Whether it's setting up a bridge for your printer, setting up a secure file server, or navigating through your house From abroad, this tool eliminates technical barriers, allowing you to enjoy your technology without complications.
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.