June 2021 Summaries

Tailscale's June 2021 newsletter highlights several updates and community contributions, including a new pricing model designed to be more affordable and scalable, with discounts for non-profits and open-source projects. The newsletter introduces GitHub authentication for easier sign-ups and details the release of Tailscale v1.10, which focuses on bug fixes and prepares for future HTTPS certificate support. Community contributions feature tutorials and guides on setting up Tailscale VPNs on various platforms, including Kubernetes and Windows, as well as innovative uses like remote printing and NAS access. The newsletter also discusses the development of Taildrop, a peer-to-peer app discovery layer, and invites feedback to further improve the Tailscale product.

Tailscale has introduced a new pricing model aimed at reducing costs and facilitating scalability for users ranging from small groups to larger organizations. The model replaces previous plans with new Team and Business plans, offering annual billing that provides a discount equivalent to two free months. Device limits are now flexible, scaling with the number of users, and additional devices can be added for a fee. A new Personal Pro plan has been launched to cater to homelab enthusiasts, offering more devices and advanced features like customizable key rotation policies. Subnet routers are now included in all plans, with more available for purchase if needed, and access control lists (ACLs) are available across all pricing tiers. Despite these changes, existing users can retain their current plans, although the new plans promise substantial savings. The new pricing model is designed to accommodate users' needs without interrupting service, with soft limits ensuring that resource use beyond plan limits will not be blocked.

Tailscale v1.10, primarily a bugfix and stabilization release, introduces the ability for users to sign up using their GitHub accounts and includes groundwork for future HTTPS certificate support. Key updates include a new macOS UI for LAN access while using an exit node, compatibility with macOS 12 and iOS 15 betas, and fixes for using Tailscale IPs as DNS servers on Android and iOS. The release also revisits Taildrop, which enables encrypted peer-to-peer file transfers within a Tailscale network. In a lighter note, the remote Tailscale team shares a custom Slack emoji inspired by their Friday gaming sessions to foster community engagement.

Taildrop, a feature launched in Tailscale v1.8, allows users to transfer files between their devices directly over a point-to-point Tailscale+WireGuard mesh network, bypassing cloud storage and maintaining end-to-end encryption. This service functions across different operating systems and doesn't require Bluetooth, offering a seamless and secure file-sharing experience. While the implementation of Taildrop is simpler than traditional methods like FTP, it benefits from Tailscale's authenticated and encrypted network, eliminating the need for complex server infrastructure or cloud services. The development process incorporated new capabilities such as the "localapi" for querying devices and "peerapi" for inter-device communication, showcasing Tailscale's potential to simplify file transfers without incurring hosting costs or compromising privacy. Despite the apparent simplicity, the development aimed to create a robust, open-source solution that could be freely used without size limitations, highlighting a shift towards more user-friendly and secure internet protocols.

Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices offer a flexible way to store and share large data amounts across multiple users and devices within a secure local network; however, accessing NAS remotely presents security challenges. Traditional methods like opening a TCP/IP connection or using a VPN have drawbacks, such as security vulnerabilities or complex setups. Tailscale provides an innovative solution by combining the security of a VPN with a user-friendly, zero-configuration setup, allowing encrypted remote access to NAS devices. Tailscale's approach ensures that users can maintain data custody and enjoy secure, high-performance access without the complexities and costs associated with traditional VPNs, making it suitable for remote workers, business travelers, and others needing flexible and secure data access.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a valuable solution for storing and accessing large amounts of data over a network, offering advantages such as local gigabit speeds and the ability to avoid cloud storage costs. Unlike services like Dropbox, a NAS allows for high-speed access without the need to upload and download data from the cloud, though it lacks external support systems. It can be used for various purposes, including automated backups, media storage, and sharing a Steam library across multiple computers. Options for setting up a NAS range from simple, off-the-shelf devices to more complex systems built with extra computers and open-source software like FreeNAS, which allows for a customizable setup. The choice between using file-sharing protocols like SMB and NFS depends on the operating systems involved, with SMB being more suited for Windows environments. Common mistakes in setting up a NAS include overcomplicating the setup, which can lead to difficulties in recovery. Advanced features such as ZFS file systems offer benefits like snapshots and compression, enhancing data management and recovery options, making NAS a practical solution for centralized storage accessible from anywhere, especially with tools like Tailscale.