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Netmaker

Automate secure WireGuard networks from homelab to enterprise

VPN & Zero Trust Networks

Netmaker automates creation, management, and scaling of WireGuard‑based virtual networks with a web UI, OAuth, private DNS, and cross‑platform clients for cloud, edge, and on‑prem environments.

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Overview

Overview

Netmaker provides a unified platform to build, manage, and automate WireGuard virtual networks. It targets developers, SMBs, and enterprises that need fast, secure connectivity across clouds, data‑centers, and edge devices. The solution includes a web‑based admin UI, OAuth integration, private DNS, and granular ACLs, enabling zero‑trust networking without manual WireGuard configuration.

Deployment

A self‑hosted server can be launched on Ubuntu 24.04 with a single script, requiring a static public IP and inbound ports 443 and 51821 (TCP/UDP). Netclient agents run on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Docker, allowing devices to join meshes, site‑to‑site links, or remote‑access gateways instantly. For teams preferring a managed offering, Netmaker SaaS is available with a few clicks.

The platform scales from a single‑node homelab to multi‑region enterprise deployments, offering both UI‑driven and API‑based automation for continuous network provisioning.

Highlights

Web UI for network creation and ACL management
Built‑in OAuth and private DNS integration
Cross‑platform Netclient for Linux, macOS, Windows, Docker
Site‑to‑site and mesh VPN topologies with automatic WireGuard provisioning

Pros

  • Kernel‑level WireGuard performance and security
  • Scales from single‑node homelabs to multi‑region enterprises
  • Simple one‑line install script for Ubuntu
  • Rich UI and API for automation

Considerations

  • Server requires Ubuntu 24.04 with static public IP
  • Ports 443 and 51821 must be opened inbound
  • Initial DNS wildcard setup may be required
  • Community support varies; enterprise SLA only via SaaS

Managed products teams compare with

When teams consider Netmaker, these hosted platforms usually appear on the same shortlist.

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Tailscale

Zero-trust mesh VPN that connects devices with WireGuard encryption and no central server

Looking for a hosted option? These are the services engineering teams benchmark against before choosing open source.

Fit guide

Great for

  • Developers needing fast, automated mesh networking for Kubernetes
  • SMBs requiring secure remote access without complex VPN configs
  • Enterprises scaling VPN across multiple clouds and data centers
  • Homelab enthusiasts wanting a UI‑driven WireGuard solution

Not ideal when

  • Environments without static public IP or open firewall ports
  • Organizations requiring certified, vendor‑supported VPN appliances
  • Teams preferring fully managed SaaS without self‑hosting
  • Windows‑only server infrastructures lacking Linux host

How teams use it

Multi‑cloud site‑to‑site mesh

Unifies VPCs across AWS, GCP, and Azure into a single private network

Zero‑trust remote worker access

Provides secure, on‑demand VPN connections for employees from any location

Cross‑region Kubernetes cluster communication

Enables pods in different regions to communicate as if on the same network

Home lab device connectivity

Connects laptops, Raspberry Pis, and servers over the internet with a managed UI

Tech snapshot

Go94%
Shell6%
Dockerfile1%

Tags

vpn-servermesh-networkoverlay-networkkubernetesself-hostedwireguardvpnwg-quickwireguard-vpnsecure-remote-accessk8swireguard-uiipv6-supportcloudvirtual-networkingmeshsecurityzero-trustsite-to-sitedevsecops

Frequently asked questions

What operating system is required for the Netmaker server?

Ubuntu 24.04 is the recommended platform for the quick‑start installation.

Which network ports must be opened for Netmaker to function?

Inbound TCP and UDP traffic on ports 443 and 51821 are required.

Does Netmaker support Windows clients?

Yes, the Netclient agent runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Docker.

Is there a managed SaaS version available?

Yes, a fully managed Netmaker SaaS can be provisioned at netmaker.io.

How does Netmaker differ from using plain WireGuard?

Netmaker adds automated provisioning, a web UI, ACLs, OAuth, private DNS, and multi‑node mesh capabilities on top of WireGuard.

Project at a glance

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