Imagine being away from home and needing an important file from your Mac. You have a fast internet connection, yet accessing it remotely becomes a challenge. This is a common problem many Mac users face, especially with mobile operators increasingly using Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT), which complicates direct connections to home devices.
In the past, setting up port forwarding on your router and connecting to a public IP was a straightforward solution. However, today's complex firewalls, intricate network configurations, and security concerns make this approach ineffective. Fortunately, there’s a modern solution that addresses all these issues: Tailscale.
What is Tailscale?
Tailscale is an identity-based connectivity platform that creates a secure, encrypted mesh network between your devices. This means that all your devices—Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Windows PCs—can connect as if they are on the same local network, even if they are physically thousands of kilometers apart. The connections are peer-to-peer and end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your data remains secure during transit.
Unlike traditional VPNs that route all traffic through a central server, potentially slowing down connections, Tailscale connects devices directly. This maintains optimal data transfer speeds, which is beneficial for various scenarios, from accessing home file servers to streaming media or using remote desktops.
Installing Tailscale
To get started with Tailscale, you need to install the application on each device you want to connect. The installation process is straightforward. First, visit the official Tailscale website and register for an account. Choose the Personal option for personal use. You can sign up with Google, Microsoft, Apple, or GitHub accounts. Make sure to use a public domain email like Gmail or iCloud to automatically sign up for the free Personal package.
Once your account is active, download and install the Tailscale app on your Mac and iPhone. On your Mac, open the Tailscale app, click on Get Started, and allow VPN configuration when prompted. In the menu bar, select Tailscale, then Settings, and click Add Account. A browser will open for authentication. After authenticating, click Connect Device and agree to start Tailscale automatically upon login.
Using Tailscale for Remote Access
The process on iPhone or iPad is similar. Install the Tailscale app from the App Store and log in using the same account. Grant permissions for VPN configuration and notifications. After that, you’ll be asked to test the connection between devices using a ping command. Copy the command, paste it in the Mac Terminal, and ensure there’s no packet loss. If successful, you’ll see a confirmation message.
Once your Tailnet is active, you can enjoy a variety of features. Open the Tailscale app to see a list of connected devices with their Tailnet IP addresses. On macOS, this information is also accessible from the menu bar.
Advanced Features and Security
One standout feature is Taildrop, similar to AirDrop but specifically for devices within Tailnet. You can easily send files from your Mac to your iPhone or vice versa, without worrying about distance or device compatibility. Just select the file, choose the destination device, and the transfer will happen automatically.
For those concerned about data privacy, Tailscale offers a robust solution. No data passes through third-party servers, as the connection is direct between devices. This minimizes vulnerabilities and keeps your activities private. Additionally, Tailscale’s ability to create an exit node allows you to access the internet through your home connection when using public Wi-Fi, adding an extra layer of security.
After setting up Tailscale, regularly check the list of connected devices in the app to ensure no unauthorized devices are present. Utilize the MagicDNS feature for easy access to devices without needing to memorize IP addresses. For users with multiple devices, consider configuring Access Controls in the Admin Console to manage who can access specific devices.
With Tailscale, you can also experience seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The app functions natively and responsively on macOS and iOS, allowing you to access your Mac from your iPhone effortlessly.
Tailscale not only simplifies remote access but also enhances security and performance for users who frequently work with large files or rely on stable connections while traveling. It’s an excellent solution for accessing files without the hassle of uploading them to the cloud or dealing with traditional VPN complexities.
Source: https://telset.id/how-to/cara-menggunakan-tailscale-untuk-akses-mac-jarak-jauh
