Create Your Own VPN using Zerotier

This is just a copy paste from https://en.hitechpilot.net/build-your-own-cloud-gaming-pc/ but separated for future references.

You can use Zerotier to make a private VPN. It’s basically a way for you to create your own network. But this means that you can make LAN parties like the olden days. From the Zerotier meta description:

ZeroTier is a secure network overlay that allows you to manage all of your network resources as if they were on the same LAN. (https://www.zerotier.com/media-kit/)

Windows Setup

Step 1: install Zerotier from https://www.zerotier.com/download/,Installation is pretty straightforward, just open the .exe and click install.

Then, it will live on the up arrow / chevron near the clock, volume, etc. when started. Note that this is only the UI, and the service is already running in the background even when you close the UI.

Then you go to Zerotier Central (https://my.zerotier.com/) to create your network, like below. Create an account, and login, and then press “Create A Network”. It will give you a Network ID and a network name, and click on it.

After clicking, this page will show up. Click the Copy button next to the network ID. This will be used for the next step.

Right click on the Zerotier UI to bring up the context menu. Then, click on “Join New Network”. The window like the picture below will popup.

Paste (or type, up to you) the Network ID, then press on Join. Then, on the Network Details on your browser, refresh the page. You will now see one device that you just added.

After that, click on the square next to the device (producing the picture below) to select the device, and then Authorize the device.

Repeat for other computers. For Android devices, check the steps below:

Android Setup

Same steps, different UI. Download the Zerotier One app from Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zerotier.one), then open it. It should look like the picture below:

Click Add Network. Then, insert the same network ID as before. Then press Add.

When you’re done, turn the network ON. There should be a prompt like “allow Zerotier One to create and connect to a VPN profile blah blah” but I forgot to take a screenshot. Just press yes, and a key icon will be shown in your statusbar.

But then, a message showing that you’re not authorized. Just authorize in Zerotier central like we did before.

When you’re done, both devices should be green (authorized)

Then when you need the Zerotier IP, either by using the “Managed IPs” in Zerotier Central, or by the Zerotier UI, see pictures below: Right click, then hover on the network name, then hover on Managed Addresses. There you will find the IP.

Hope this helps!