Set up a software-defined networking platform using ZeroTier on your RamNode VPS. Create secure peer-to-peer networks with centralized management and authentication.
ZeroTier is a software-defined networking platform that creates secure peer-to-peer networks. Unlike traditional VPNs that route all traffic through a central server, ZeroTier creates direct encrypted connections between devices while maintaining centralized network management and authentication.
Before beginning the ZeroTier installation, ensure you have the following:
First, let's make sure your VPS is properly configured and secured:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y# Install UFW if not already installed
sudo apt install ufw -y
# Set default policies
sudo ufw default deny incoming
sudo ufw default allow outgoing
# Allow SSH (adjust port if you've changed it)
sudo ufw allow 22/tcp
# Allow ZeroTier
sudo ufw allow 9993/udp
# Enable firewall
sudo ufw --force enable
# Check status
sudo ufw status verboseSecurity Note
Make sure SSH access is properly configured before enabling the firewall to avoid being locked out of your VPS.
Before installing ZeroTier on your VPS, you'll need a ZeroTier account to manage your networks:
Free Tier Includes
Install the ZeroTier client on your RamNode VPS:
curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bashIf you prefer to install manually:
# Add ZeroTier GPG key
curl -s 'https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zerotier/ZeroTierOne/master/doc/contact%40zerotier.com.gpg' | gpg --import
# Add ZeroTier repository
echo 'deb https://download.zerotier.com/debian/jammy jammy main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/zerotier.list
# Update package list
sudo apt update
# Install ZeroTier
sudo apt install zerotier-one -y# Check ZeroTier service status
sudo systemctl status zerotier-one
# Check ZeroTier version
zerotier-cli infoNow create a new network through the ZeroTier Central dashboard:
Network ID Format:
Network IDs are 16 hexadecimal characters, like: a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8
Connect your VPS to the ZeroTier network you just created:
# Replace NETWORK_ID with your actual network ID sudo zerotier-cli join NETWORK_IDzerotier-cli listnetworksBy default, new devices need to be authorized before they can communicate on the network:
# Check if you have received an IP address zerotier-cli listnetworks # The network should show as ONLINE with an assigned IPConfigure your ZeroTier network settings through the web interface:
Connect other devices to your ZeroTier network:
Remember
Each device needs to be authorized in ZeroTier Central before it can communicate on the network. This provides an additional security layer.
Configure advanced features for your ZeroTier network:
Verify that your ZeroTier network is working correctly:
# List all ZeroTier networks
zerotier-cli listnetworks
# Check peers (other devices on the network)
zerotier-cli listpeers# Ping another device on the network (replace with actual ZeroTier IP)
ping 192.168.195.2
# Test SSH to another device
ssh user@192.168.195.2
# Check routing table
ip route show | grep ztFollow these security guidelines to keep your ZeroTier network secure:
Security Reminders
You now have a fully functional ZeroTier network running on your RamNode VPS. This setup provides you with a secure, software-defined network that can connect devices anywhere in the world as if they were on the same local network.
ZeroTier's peer-to-peer architecture means that once devices are connected, they can communicate directly with each other, providing excellent performance while maintaining security through encryption and centralized authentication.
Remember to regularly review your network members and keep your ZeroTier client updated. With proper management, this setup will provide reliable, secure networking for all your connected devices.
For advanced features and enterprise options, visit the ZeroTier documentation or explore their commercial offerings.