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Zyxel Networks has announced a new partnership with Tailscale, bringing the Tailscale VPN service to its USG FLEX H Series firewalls. This integration is designed to make secure remote access easier and more accessible for small businesses and advanced users, offering a streamlined way to build private, peer-to-peer networks without added cost.
What is Tailscale?
Tailscale is a mesh VPN (Virtual Private Network) service that enables secure, encrypted connections between devices across different networks. Unlike traditional VPNs, which typically route all traffic through a central gateway or server, Tailscale creates a peer-to-peer mesh network, allowing devices to communicate directly with each other. This approach reduces latency, avoids single points of failure, and improves network performance.
Tailscale uses the WireGuard protocol as its foundation. WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol known for its speed, security, and simplicity. Tailscale builds on WireGuard by automating configuration and management, making it possible to set up secure networking across devices with minimal technical knowledge. The service is cross-platform, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and various embedded devices.
Key Benefits of Tailscale
Streamlined Setup and Management
One of Tailscale’s main advantages is its ease of deployment. Traditional VPNs often require complex server configurations, firewall rules, and port forwarding. Tailscale eliminates these steps. Users simply install the Tailscale client on their devices, authenticate, and the devices automatically join the private network. The process is designed to be accessible even for those with limited networking experience.
Secure Peer-to-Peer Networking
Tailscale’s peer-to-peer architecture means that traffic flows directly between devices where possible, rather than being routed through a central VPN server. This not only reduces latency but also minimises the risk of network bottlenecks and single points of failure. If direct connections are not possible due to network restrictions, Tailscale uses encrypted relay servers as a fallback, ensuring connectivity is always maintained.
End-to-End Encryption and Zero Trust
Security is central to Tailscale’s design. All traffic between devices is encrypted end-to-end using WireGuard. Tailscale’s architecture supports zero-trust principles, meaning that only explicitly authorised devices can communicate. Access controls can be managed centrally, and integration with identity providers (such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, OneLogin, and JumpCloud) allows organisations to use existing authentication systems and implement multi-factor authentication for added protection.
Scalability and Flexibility
Tailscale’s decentralised model scales easily as organisations grow. Adding new users or devices does not require changes to a central server or complex network reconfiguration. The service is infrastructure-agnostic, working across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. This flexibility is particularly valuable for businesses with distributed teams, remote workers, or multiple office locations.
Cross-Platform and BYOD Support
Tailscale supports a wide range of operating systems and device types, including mobile devices and embedded systems. This makes it suitable for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments, ensuring that all endpoints can be secured regardless of platform.
Tailscale Integration with Zyxel USG FLEX H Series
The integration of Tailscale into Zyxel’s USG FLEX H Series firewalls is available for devices running uOS v1.32 and above. This partnership brings several practical benefits to Zyxel customers:
- No Additional Cost: Tailscale’s WireGuard-based VPN is included at no extra charge for eligible USG FLEX H Series customers, who also receive free access to Tailscale’s Starter Plan.
- Easy Activation: Tailscale is fully integrated into the firewall’s management interface. Users can enable Tailscale and set up secure remote access in minutes, without the need for manual server setup or port forwarding.
- Comprehensive VPN Suite: The USG FLEX H Series firewalls now support IPSec, SSL, and WireGuard VPN protocols, covering a wide range of use cases and endpoint requirements.
- Enhanced Access Control: With Tailscale, administrators can create granular access policies, segmenting the network and ensuring that only authorised users and devices can access sensitive resources.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Through integration with identity providers, users can enforce multi-factor authentication, further strengthening security.
How Tailscale Works in Practice
When Tailscale is enabled on a Zyxel firewall, devices connected to the firewall can join the Tailscale mesh network. Each device is assigned a unique IP address within the private network and can communicate securely with other authorised devices, regardless of their physical location. This setup is particularly useful for:
- Remote Workforce Access: Employees can securely access office resources from anywhere, without complex VPN client setups or the need to open firewall ports.
- Inter-Office Connectivity: Multiple office locations can be linked securely, supporting seamless communication and resource sharing.
- Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments: Organisations operating across different cloud providers and on-premises infrastructure can unify their network security and simplify management.
Comparison with Traditional VPN Solutions
Traditional VPNs often rely on centralised servers, which can become bottlenecks as organisations scale. They may require significant manual configuration, ongoing maintenance, and can introduce latency due to all traffic being routed through a single point. Tailscale’s decentralised, peer-to-peer approach addresses these issues:
| Feature | Traditional VPN | Tailscale Mesh VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Centralised server | Decentralised, peer-to-peer |
| Setup Complexity | High | Low (zero-config) |
| Scalability | Limited by server | Easily scales with devices |
| Performance | Potential bottlenecks | Direct device-to-device |
| Security | Varies by setup | End-to-end encryption, zero trust |
| Cross-Platform Support | Often limited | Broad (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, embedded) |
Security and Privacy Considerations
Tailscale’s security model is built on modern cryptographic standards. Private keys remain on individual devices, and Tailscale cannot access the content of encrypted traffic. The company publishes its security policies and maintains transparency about vulnerabilities and compliance, allowing organisations to assess its suitability for their needs.
Real-World Applications
Tailscale’s integration with Zyxel firewalls is suitable for a range of scenarios:
- Small Businesses: Enables secure remote access without the need for dedicated IT staff or complex configuration.
- Distributed Teams: Facilitates collaboration and secure file sharing across locations.
- Hybrid Workforces: Supports secure access to company resources from home or on the move.
Getting Started
To use Tailscale on a Zyxel USG FLEX H Series firewall, users need to:
- Ensure the firewall is running uOS v1.32 or above.
- Enable Tailscale from the firewall’s management interface.
- Authenticate using an identity provider and configure access policies as needed.
Zyxel is offering eligible customers free access to Tailscale’s Starter Plan, making it straightforward to evaluate the service and deploy it across an organisation.
Conclusion
The partnership between Zyxel Networks and Tailscale brings a practical, secure, and user-friendly VPN solution to the USG FLEX H Series firewalls. By leveraging Tailscale’s peer-to-peer mesh networking and WireGuard encryption, Zyxel customers can achieve robust remote connectivity with minimal setup and management overhead. This integration is particularly suited to businesses looking for a straightforward way to extend secure access across diverse devices and locations, without the complications of traditional VPN infrastructure.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
