Subnet routers: how do they work?

Subnet routers provide an efficient solution for integrating devices into a Tailscale network without needing to install the client on each device, which is particularly useful for embedded systems or existing Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) where direct installation is impractical. These routers employ Tailscale's Network Address Translation (NAT) traversal technology to facilitate communication between devices, regardless of whether Tailscale is directly installed on them. The process of installing and configuring subnet routers on Windows and Linux is straightforward, making it an accessible entry point for users who want to test Tailscale's capabilities, especially in scenarios such as large network migrations or connecting AWS VPCs. Tailscale offers a free personal use plan that allows users to connect up to 100 devices and 3 users, with devices behind a subnet router not counting towards the device limit, providing an economical and scalable networking solution.