Club Benefits
The best VPNs do a stellar job keeping you safe and anonymous online, but many have restrictions on the amount of simultaneous connections you can have. To combat this common snag, NordVPN has developed Meshnet.
While NordVPN's regular VPN only offers 10 simultaneous connections, Meshnet allows users to create a secure network of up to 60 devices.
What is NordVPN's Meshnet?
Meshnet is a feature that allows users to build their own mesh VPN by linking up to 60 different devices at the same time, no matter where they are in the world.
Meshnet is available for all operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android), which means that users can transform their device into their own private server without any configuration required.
How is this possible? Mesh VPNs differ from traditional VPNs because they use P2P technology to connect different points in a private network without the need to pass by a central gateway (in the case of Meshnet, one of the international NordVPN servers).
In other words, because it connects devices directly, Meshnet works just like a secure local area network (LAN).
As a result, Meshnet is an excellent choice for activities that require advanced security, low latency, and high speed (think intense multiplayer gaming, active work collaborations, or file sharing).
While Meshnet isn't unique – there are other mesh VPN and cloud network solutions available – NordVPN was the first to bring the technology to personal VPNs and everyday users.
How does Meshnet work?
Meshnet is powered by NordLynx, NordVPN's proprietary WireGuard-based protocol. It works by assigning a special IP address to each of the devices in the mesh network. This allows you to access the connected devices remotely, link them together, send your online traffic, and manage their access.
More specifically, to build up your own private network, you need to switch on the Meshnet option on your NordVPN app across all the devices you wish to connect. You can then invite other NordVPN users to join the network. Once all the desired devices/users are connected, they can type the special IP that's been allocated to them to access their new mesh network and start securing their workload.
You must have NordVPN's app and Meshnet downloaded to take part it the network. You cannot access the feature otherwise.
However, you don't need a NordVPN subscription to use the feature. It's free and can be used by anyone.
Since Meshnet is designed to work across different platforms, including MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and even Android TV, you can connect a wide range of devices to the network.
To access Meshnet, ensure you have an active NordVPN subscription and download its app onto your device.
Meshnet sits under its own tab on NordVPN's desktop app. Its icon is a four-sided, diamond-like shape. Clicking this will bring up the Meshnet window, featuring the feature's toggle switch.
On mobile, it's located within the Products tab – the icon is a square made up of four smaller squares. After clicking the icon, you'll see Meshnet listed as an option. Select it and turn the feature on.
Should I use Meshnet?
Meshnet is included with all NordVPN plans and has several uses:
- File sharing: With Meshnet, you can safely share files among your colleagues, but also with your family and friends almost instantly. You don't even need to host these on a different server or cloud space.
- Gaming: If you're looking for the best gaming VPN, NordVPN could be an excellent choice. This is because Meshnet can be handy while gaming, as it will work as a virtual local area network (LAN). You'll be able to play multiplayer games with your friends around the world without needing any LAN cables to do so.
- Virtual routing: You might be on holiday abroad and really need to browse via your own home IP address. A regular NordVPN connection can simply route your internet traffic through its available servers. With Meshnet – it'll be redirected via the laptop you left at home instead.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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