# Meshnet explained

NordVPN's [Meshnet](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/) is a type of virtual network that allows multiple devices to connect and communicate with one another directly, even when they are located in different parts of the world. Meshnet allows people to access resources and services on each other's devices for personal and business purposes. With end-to-end (E2E) encrypted connections and no middle server storage, Meshnet is fast, reliable, and secure.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="With Meshnet" %}

<figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FdjgbjlbY3ZPu1vq0E75P%2Fmeshnet-with-ptp-encrypted-connection-infographic-lg.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=83aab731-ee3e-4739-9a09-8f815f551a1a" alt="A device with Meshnet enabled is directly connected to other devices on different networks over encrypted network tunnels."><figcaption><p>Figure 1. Meshnet setup</p></figcaption></figure>

When using Meshnet, the following benefits are available:

* The limitations of CGNAT are bypassed by creating a direct connection between your device and a remote device, which can be accessed through its Meshnet IP or a custom name.
* The need for access to an office or other network VPN is eliminated.
* You do not need to configure firewall rules or set up port forwarding to establish a connection with a remote device.
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Without Meshnet" %}

<figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FOkL9D3l39hkyhjTazdNZ%2Fmeshnet-without-ptp-encrypted-connection-infographic-lg.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=45192995-dbbe-45c4-9e83-fdfc72926a57" alt="A device is trying to connect to remote devices on various networks."><figcaption><p>Figure 2. Traditional network setup</p></figcaption></figure>

As depicted, when using a conventional network architecture:

* Reaching a remote PC behind a [carrier-grade NAT](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/cgnat/) (CGNAT) gateway can be challenging. [Internet Service Providers](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/isp/) (ISPs) use CGNAT to share a single public IP address among multiple devices in a network, which prevents the customers from using port forwarding and makes their devices not directly accessible from the public internet.
* Accessing a work PC remotely with a secure and encrypted connection requires an office VPN.
* You have to set up [port forwarding](https://nordvpn.com/blog/port-forwarding/) on your router to grant your friends access to your media or gaming servers. This is because routers typically block incoming traffic to safeguard your network from malicious attacks.
* To allow only specific types of traffic to access your private cloud server, you need to configure a [firewall ](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/vpn-firewall/)with strict rules.
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

## Meshnet scalability  <a href="#meshnet-scalability" id="meshnet-scalability"></a>

Meshnet aims to make setting up and managing a private network easy. By [installing NordVPN](https://nordvpn.com/download/) on each device you want to connect, you can create your own network, which can be expanded to accommodate up to 10 of your own devices and up to 50 external devices.

## Meshnet security <a href="#meshnet-security" id="meshnet-security"></a>

The encrypted connections Meshnet creates ensure that data transmitted between devices is reliably protected, providing secure communication for gaming, remote work, file sharing, and other network-based applications. Additionally, Meshnet uses the [NordLynx](https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordlynx-protocol-wireguard/) protocol, known for its speed and improved connection.

## Meshnet features

Meshnet comes with powerful built-in features that allow you to [share files between devices](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet) on the network and [route your online activity](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/routing-traffic-in-meshnet) through another Meshnet device so you can access the internet using the IP address of that device.

[Read more about Meshnet >](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/)

## Next steps <a href="#next-steps" id="next-steps"></a>

* Learn [How to start using Meshnet](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/getting-started/how-to-start-using-meshnet).
* Learn more about [Linking devices in Meshnet](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet).

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