🔒Tailcat: Tailscale's Open Source Remixed
Netcat over Tailscale, no account needed
TL;DR
Tailcat is an open-source CLI tool that uses Tailscale's data plane for encrypted point-to-point connections, no Tailscale account required. Ideal for developers needing secure, easy-to-set-up tunnels.
Tailcat is a new open-source CLI tool that leverages Tailscale's data plane for secure, WireGuard-encrypted point-to-point connections without requiring a Tailscale account. Developers can establish tunnels for SSH, TCP port forwarding, and more, all while bypassing the need for root access or altering system configurations. Tailcat supports both DERP relays and direct connections, ensuring reliable connectivity even through NAT. The tool is built on a Go library and can be installed via Go or Nix. Tailcat's flexibility and ease of use make it a go-to solution for developers looking to quickly set up secure tunnels for various network tasks.
Key Points
Tailcat CLI built on Go library, install with `go install github.com/tailscale/tailcat/cmd/tailcat@latest` or `nix run github:tailscale/tailcat`
Tailcat uses DERP relays for NAT traversal, supports direct connections if possible
Server runs with `tailcat --serve`, client connects with token, no root access needed
Supports SSH without authentication, TCP port forwarding, and SOCKS5 proxy routing
Tokens can be DNS TXT records, allowing connections via name anywhere the CLI takes a token
Why It Matters
If you're setting up secure tunnels for SSH, TCP port forwarding, or SOCKS5 proxies, Tailcat simplifies the process. No Tailscale account, root access, or system alterations required. Ideal for developers needing quick, secure connections without the overhead of traditional setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're setting up secure tunnels for SSH, TCP port forwarding, or SOCKS5 proxies, Tailcat simplifies the process. No Tailscale account, root access, or system alterations required. Ideal for developers needing quick, secure connections without the overhead of traditional setups.
What happened?
Tailcat is an open-source CLI tool that uses Tailscale's data plane for encrypted point-to-point connections, no Tailscale account required. Ideal for developers needing secure, easy-to-set-up tunnels.
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