Utilizing Your Ubuntu Server as a Tailscale Exit Node for Enhanced Privacy

Have you ever considered routing all your Tailscale traffic through an Ubuntu server for increased privacy? Are you looking to access devices on a local Ubuntu network via Tailscale? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to set up your Ubuntu server as a Tailscale exit node.

What Exactly is a Tailscale Exit Node?

A Tailscale exit node is essentially a relay point for your network traffic. By configuring your devices to utilize an exit node, you can enhance your online privacy, ensuring that all internet traffic passes through this secure node.

Additionally, Tailscale exit nodes offer another significant benefit: they allow you to access devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) even when these devices aren’t directly connected to your Tailscale network. This dual functionality makes exit nodes an invaluable feature.

Creating Your Tailscale Account

Tailscale offers a free service, but you’ll need to set up an account to get started. Visit the official Tailscale website and click the “Get Started Free” button.

Once prompted, you can sign up using various identity providers such as Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Apple, or OIDC. Log in through your selected provider to quickly create your Tailscale account.

Installing Tailscale on Your Ubuntu Server

With your account set up, the next step is to install the Tailscale client on your Ubuntu server. First, access your server via SSH using your credentials. Then, execute the following curl command to download the Tailscale GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://pkgs.tailscale.com/stable/ubuntu/jammy.noarmor.gpg | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/tailscale-archive-keyring.gpg >/dev/null

Note: This guide is tailored for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. If you’re using a different version, please consult the “Download” section on Tailscale’s website.

After adding the GPG key, proceed to add the Tailscale repository via:

curl -fsSL https://pkgs.tailscale.com/stable/ubuntu/jammy.tailscale-keyring.list | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/tailscale.list

With the repository set up, refresh the software updates using:

sudo apt update

Finally, install the Tailscale software with the following command:

sudo apt install tailscale

Once the installation is complete, run the following command to log into the Tailscale network:

sudo tailscale up

Follow the provided URL in your SSH session to authenticate your server.

Setting Up Your Ubuntu Server as an Exit Node

After logging into Tailscale, you’ll need to temporarily bring the service down to configure it as an exit node. Use this command:

sudo tailscale down

Now that Tailscale is offline, bring it back up as an exit node using:

sudo tailscale up --advertise-exit-node

You’ll receive a warning about IP forwarding not being enabled. Correct this by executing the following commands:

sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.all.forwarding=1
sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.ip_forward=1

Upon enabling forwarding, your Ubuntu server will function as an exit node within your Tailscale network. For further adjustments, consider accessing the Tailscale admin interface.

Connecting Devices to Your Exit Node

To utilize the Tailscale exit node on your Ubuntu server, follow these steps based on your device type. Keep in mind that enabling LAN access is crucial during configuration.

For Linux Devices:

1. Disconnect from Tailscale with:

   sudo tailscale down

2. Reconnect using the exit node:

   sudo tailscale up --exit-node=TAILNET_IP_OF_UBUNTU_SERVER_EXIT_NODE

For Windows Devices:

Right-click the Tailscale icon in the system tray and select your Ubuntu server as the exit node.

For macOS Devices:

Use the Tailscale tray icon in the global menu to choose your Ubuntu server as the exit node.

For Mobile Devices:

Download the Tailscale app for your Android or iOS device. Connect to your Tailnet and select the Ubuntu server to use as your exit node.

By following this guide, you’ll enhance your online privacy while gaining easy access to local devices, all thanks to your Ubuntu server configured as a Tailscale exit node.

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Make sure to keep your device updated and secure while enjoying the enhanced privacy that Tailscale offers. Discover how to fully leverage this technology to keep your internet usage secure and efficient.