Meshnet explained

Learn what Meshnet is and how it differs from traditional networks.

NordVPN's Meshnet is a type of virtual network that allows multiple devices to connect and communicate with one another directly, even when they are located in different parts of the world. Meshnet allows people to access resources and services on each other's devices for personal and business purposes. With end-to-end (E2E) encrypted connections and no middle server storage, Meshnet is fast, reliable, and secure.

Without Meshnet enabled

Figure 1. Traditional network setup

As depicted, when using a conventional network architecture:

• Reaching a remote PC behind a carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) gateway can be challenging. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use CGNAT to share a single public IP address among multiple devices in a local network. This setup prevents ISP customers from using port forwarding, making their devices not directly accessible from the public internet.

• Accessing a work PC remotely with a secure and encrypted connection requires an office VPN.

• You have to set up port forwarding on your router to access the device hosting your private game server or storing your resources. This is because routers typically block incoming traffic to safeguard your network from malicious attacks.

• To allow only specific types of traffic to access your web server, you need to configure a firewall.

With Meshnet enabled

Figure 2. Meshnet setup

When using Meshnet, the following benefits are available:

• The limitations of CGNAT are bypassed by creating a direct connection between your device and a remote device, which can be accessed through its Meshnet IP or a custom name.

• The need for access to an office or other network VPN is eliminated.

• You do not need to configure firewall rules or set up port forwarding to establish a connection with a remote device.

Meshnet scalability

Meshnet aims to make setting up and managing a private network easy. By installing NordVPN on each device you want to connect, you can create your own network, which can be expanded to accommodate up to 10 of your own devices and up to 50 external devices.

Meshnet security

The encrypted connections Meshnet creates ensure that data transmitted between devices is reliably protected, providing secure communication for gaming, remote work, file sharing, and other network-based applications. Additionally, Meshnet uses the NordLynx protocol, known for its speed and improved connection.

Meshnet features

Meshnet comes with powerful built-in features that allow you to share files between devices on the network and route your online activity through another Meshnet device so you can access the internet using the IP address of that device.

Read more about Meshnet >

Next steps

• Learn How to start using Meshnet.

• Learn more about Linking devices in Meshnet.