Tailscale: Your Ultimate Home Server Remote Access Solution

TL;DR: Tailscale creates a zero-configuration mesh VPN that lets you access all your home services securely, without complex firewall or port forwarding setup.

The Problem: Remote Server Access Complexity

Home server enthusiasts face a common challenge: securely accessing Proxmox, OpenMediaVault, and other services from outside their home network. Traditional solutions involve complex port forwarding, dynamic DNS, and potential security risks.

The Tailscale Solution: Easy, Secure Remote Access

Prerequisites

• Tailscale account (free for personal use)
• Linux-based server (Proxmox, OpenMediaVault)
• Internet connection

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Install Tailscale on Proxmox

   # Add Tailscale repository
   curl -fsSL https://pkgs.tailscale.com/stable/debian/bullseye.noarmor.gpg | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/tailscale-archive-keyring.gpg >/dev/null
   curl -fsSL https://pkgs.tailscale.com/stable/debian/bullseye.tailscale-keyring.list | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/tailscale.list
   
   # Install Tailscale
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install tailscale
   sudo tailscale up

2. Install Tailscale on OpenMediaVault

   # For Debian-based OMV
   sudo apt install tailscale
   sudo tailscale up

3. Configure Caddy with Tailscale

   # Caddyfile example for secure access
   {
       servers {
           protocol {
               experimental_http3
           }
       }
   }
   
   :443 {
       tls internal
       reverse_proxy localhost:8080
   }
   
   # Tailscale-specific routing
   tailscale.yourdomain.com {
       reverse_proxy 100.x.x.x:80
   }

Recommended Configuration

Advanced Configuration

For power users, consider using Tailscale's SSH and subnet routing features to extend your network's capabilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't expose management interfaces directly to the internet
• Always use two-factor authentication
• Regularly update Tailscale and your services