# Tailscale VPN

The [Tailscale VPN](https://tailscale.com/) can be used to access PiKVM from the Internet
when using [port forwarding](port_forwarding.md) is not possible or does not seem secure enough.
Tailscale is a convenient and free (for private use) tool for organizing a small VPN network.

Basic Tailscale usage like whats shown below is provided as an example,
any other setting or functionality needs to be redirected to the [Tailscale support](https://tailscale.com/contact/support/).


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## Configuring the PiKVM

1. Install the client, run `tailscaled` service and register it in the network:

    ```console
    [root@pikvm ~]# rw
    [root@pikvm ~]# pacman -Syu
    [root@pikvm ~]# pacman -S tailscale-pikvm
    [root@pikvm ~]# systemctl enable --now tailscaled
    [root@pikvm ~]# tailscale up
    ```

2. Follow the link to authorize this installation.

3. After success, perform reboot to make sure that everything is working correctly:

    ```console
    [root@pikvm ~]# reboot
    ```

4. Now you can try to view the IP address of Tailscale network interface:

    ```console
    [root@pikvm ~]# ip addr show tailscale0
    ```

If everything is successful, PiKVM will become a member of your VPN network.

!!! warning "Do not update Tailscale if you don't have access to PiKVM without VPN"
    Unfortunately sometimes updating the Tailscale client can cause problems due breaking changes.
    This is a reality that has to be taken into account.


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## Configuring a client device

* [Download](https://tailscale.com/download) and install the Tailscale client for your OS
    to the system you are using (not to the system you want to control).
* Check the [admin page](https://login.tailscale.com/admin/machines) to view your VPN network.
* Follow the URL in the web browser: `https://<tailscale_kvm_ip>` and you will see PiKVM web interface.


-----
## Troubleshooting

If something not work, the usual advice is to completely remove the Tailscale from PiKVM and perform a clean installation:

```console
[root@pikvm ~]# rw
[root@pikvm ~]# pacman -Rscnd tailscale
[root@pikvm ~]# rm -rf /var/lib/tailscale /var/cache/tailscale
[root@pikvm ~]# reboot
```

Next, follow this page from the beginning to install the Tailscale again.