Technical overviews
This section contains in-depth topics about networking and security in a Tailscale network (known as a tailnet).
Networking and device connectivity
Tailscale modernizes your network through underlying technology to securely connect users, services, and devices.
Tailscale IP addresses
How IP addresses are assigned in a tailnet.
Device connectivity
How devices establish direct or relayed connections in a tailnet.
Designated Encrypted Relay for Packets (DERP) servers
How DERP servers relay tailnet traffic between devices when direct communication isn't possible.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
The differences between IPv4 and IPv6 and avoiding misconceptions.
Security, authentication, and encryption
Tailscale enforces secure authorization and encryption for tailnet traffic.
SSH servers
How Tailscale protects SSH servers in a tailnet.
Node keys
How Tailscale uses node keys for secure device authorization.
Traffic encryption
How Tailscale uses end-to-end encryption for tailnet traffic.