# Tailscale VPN

The [Tailscale](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.


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## Installation

Basic support 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/).


### On the PiKVM side

1. Execute these commands:

    ```
    # rw
    # pacman -Syu
    # pacman -S tailscale-pikvm
    # systemctl enable --now tailscaled
    # tailscale up
    ```

2. Follow the link to authorize this installation.

3. After success, perform soft reboot using the `reboot` command to make sure that everything is working correctly.

4. Perform the command `ip addr show tailscale0` to view the Tailscale IP address.

!!! warning
    Unfortunately sometimes updating the Tailscale client on PiKVM can cause problems.
    This is happening because features of its interaction with PiKVM OS running in protected read-only mode
    (since Tailscale has weak support of read-only systems).

    Do not update Tailscale if you don't have access to the device without VPN,
    because on breaking change in Tailscale, you may lose access to PiKVM.


### For each device you wish to access PiKVM

* [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.

To remove follow this:

```
# rw
# pacman -Rscnd tailscale
# rm -rf /var/lib/tailscale /var/cache/tailscale
# reboot
```

Next. follow this document from the beginning to install the Tailscale again.