NordVPN introduced Meshnet in 2022. Yet, there’s a chance you haven’t checked out this powerful feature (as I hadn’t). Since this tool is now free, it may be the right time to give it a second look.
What Is Meshnet and How Does It Work?
Although the name implies that Meshnet is a technology that could usher in the end of the world, it’s relatively simple. This NordVPN feature is a virtual network you can utilize to connect external devices, plus devices where you’re logged into your Nord account.
If you remember the olden days when LAN networks (as opposed to WAN networks) reigned supreme, you’ll have the gist of it. However, while a LAN requires physical connection and proximity, Meshnet eliminates this limitation and allows you to remotely connect different devices into a singular secure network.
By combining the NordLynx protocol and P2P technology, Meshnet connects two or more points (devices with unique IP addresses you add to the network), thus forming an encrypted tunnel and turning the device into a VPN of sorts. How cool is that?
The options here are limitless. You can share files securely, set up gaming servers, access your webcam remotely, and much more. For example, I easily connected my devices via Meshnet and can now access my main Windows machine while working out of the office.
Since Meshnet is available on all platforms, you can connect any device you want (even less popular ones like Android TV).
How to Use Meshnet Without a NordVPN Subscription
You’ll be happy to learn that even if you don’t have a NordVPN subscription, Meshnet is completely free. This wasn’t always the case, so kudos to Nord Security for making this powerful technology available to everyone.
To get started, navigate to NordVPN’s Meshnet page, then download and install the right app for your OS from the list. You’re now all set to use this nifty function!
While you’ll have to set up a NordVPN account, it doesn’t require an active subscription to use Meshnet. Now, you can begin sharing files between devices and enabling remote access through Meshnet.
How to Link Devices Through Meshnet With NordVPN
My desktop is your run-of-the-mill Windows 10 system (which I’m planning to milk until Microsoft forces me to update), and my remote machine is a MacBook still running macOS Monterey (as you can see, I love “legacy” operating systems!).
While I no longer have a NordVPN subscription for my desktop PC, I never uninstalled the app, so I’ll use my old account. On my Mac, I created a brand-new account using my Apple ID. As such, I’ll connect these computers as external devices. Let’s start linking:
- Use the slider to enable Meshnet on devices you’re trying to link.
- Click Link external devices and enter the email address associated with the Nord account on your other computer. This is not necessary if you’re connecting devices under the same subscription, since you can enable Meshnet on both ends.
- Accept the invitation on the other device.
Voila! These two devices are now linked and have received a Nord device name and a unique IP address. Now, before you can start seamlessly sharing files, hit the three dots next to the linked device, choose Manage device, and allow sharing and receiving files.
Sharing is super easy. Just click Send files and choose the file—it’ll go straight to the other device.
Working With Remote Access
This is rather straightforward, but I still want to access my home computer from my laptop while I’m away. Fortunately, setting up is a breeze despite having used two different OSes. Since I’m using a Mac to remotely access my PC, I first had to install the Windows App from the App Store. On Windows, it’s even easier, as you can use the pre-installed Microsoft Remote Desktop tool.
Here’s the entire process:
- Enable remote access on the “target” Windows computer by going to Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop and enabling the Remote Desktop slider. Take note of the device name as you’ll need it later.
- Copy the Nord name (or the IP address) of the device you’re trying to access.
- In the Meshnet app, enable Route all traffic on your linked device.
- Open Microsoft Remote Desktop (or Windows App on Mac) and click the plus icon to add the PC.
- Paste the device’s Nord name or IP address in the PC name field.
- When prompted, enter the device name you found in the Remote Desktop and the password to access the device.
That’s it! Even when I’m out of my home office, I can still use my main workstation through Meshnet. In case you want to do this too, be sure to disable sleep mode in Windows so your PC is available when needed.
Is Meshnet Secure?
Connecting two devices in this manner may seem like it opens up new vulnerabilities. In reality, Meshnet is extremely safe as it relies on the underlying NordVPN infrastructure (it’s not one of the best VPN services for no reason).
As mentioned, Meshnet runs on the NordLynx protocol, which makes connections snappy and reliable. They are so snappy that you can host a remote LAN gaming party (seriously—you and your friends can bust out some old-school Quake remotely).
Because of this protocol, your connection is secured by NordVPN’s end-to-end encryption—the same as when you connect to a VPN server. Hopefully, this provides you enough peace of mind and incentive to try out Meshnet yourself.
