NordVPN's Meshnet Lets Users Create Their Own Private Networks

What is Meshnet? 

NordVPN, one of the world’s leading VPN providers with 14 million users worldwide, has unveiled Meshnet –– a brand new feature allowing users to create their own private networks. 

Instead of connecting to a VPN server, users can connect to other devices anywhere in the world through private connection tunnels. All traffic on Meshnet is securely encrypted, just like when you’re using a VPN. 

The feature is powered by NordLynx — NordVPN’s ultra-secure VPN protocol that combines WireGuard's® high speeds and the Network Address Translation (NAT) system for additional user privacy. You can rely on NordLynx to keep your connection stable and deliver faster speeds than many other VPN protocols. 

So, what does the arrival of Meshnet mean for NordVPN users? Well, it opens up many new possibilities — from accessing files on a laptop thousands of miles away to joining LAN gaming parties with people from anywhere. Let’s look into all that in more detail. 

How can Meshnet be used? 

You can use Meshnet in many ways, and here are some of the main ones. 

• Remote file sharing

Need to access an important file stored on your home computer while road tripping in another continent? No problem. Meshnet allows you to remotely access files from connected devices, wherever they are. 

As long as you’re connected to the internet, have NordVPN installed, and have Meshnet enabled on both devices, you can access shared files no matter how far you’ve gone. 

• Team projects

Bring your remote team together and work on a group project seamlessly wherever you’re based. With Meshnet, others can access your local web server in a click or two. 

You can store files on a central server, securely share them, and even route your traffic — all very handy for projects involving app, software, or web testing. 

Plus, there’s an added layer of security and privacy not offered by third-party services like Google Drive. 

• Internet traffic routing

Ever felt the blow of internet restriction while abroad? Meshnet allows internet traffic routing (i.e., using another device’s IP address), so you can browse on your cell phone abroad as if you were using your devices back home. 

Forget country-specific restrictions: watch your favorite shows, catch up on local news, and access social networks that may be restricted in the country you’re in. You can set different routing permissions for every device, so you’re always in control of your privacy. 

• Virtual LAN parties

Party with your long-distance friends like they’re in your living room. Meshnet works as a virtual encrypted LAN, meaning your location no longer matters. 

You can share IP addresses and host a server for your friends, allowing you to play multiplayer games as if you were in the same room. 

How does Meshnet work? 

In simple terms, Meshnet allows you to route your online traffic through another machine, creating your own VPN. Your device becomes a personal private server you and other users you’ve chosen can connect to, no matter where you are. 

You can link up to 60 devices — 10 of your own under your NordVPN account, plus 50 external devices, like those of your family and friends. 

All you need is a NordVPN subscription and to enable Meshnet on the devices you want to add to this personal network. 

Each device will have an allocated IP address or a unique Nord name that will only work with Meshnet and allow connections between devices in seconds. 

What devices can you use Meshnet on? 

Meshnet is available on Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux devices. 

At the moment, all these devices can route traffic through other devices using Meshnet, but only Linux and Windows devices permit traffic routing through them. 

All device pairings must be authorized by the users to ensure no one joins your network uninvited. 

How to enable Meshnet 

• Open the NordVPN app on your device. 
• Select the Meshnet icon.
• Use the toggle to turn on Meshnet. 

Once you’ve enabled Meshnet on the devices you want to use it on, you can start sending out invitations. You’ll be able to access each connected device using an allocated IP address or a unique Nord name. 

For more information, check out this detailed guide on how to start using Meshnet. Or, to find out more about Meshnet, visit our dedicated Meshnet page. 

More about Nord Security 

NordVPN was developed by Nord Security, a multinational company offering everyday cybersecurity solutions. With a growing global user base of 14 million, NordVPN is a leader among VPN providers. To protect user privacy, NordVPN operates out of Panama — a jurisdiction without data retention laws. 

The company has recently been taking big steps towards becoming “more than just a VPN,” with the launch of several features beyond your regular virtual private network. 

One such feature is Threat Protection, offering ad and tracker blocking and protection against malware. 

Nord Security offers several other cybersecurity products:  

NordPass — an encrypted password manager 

NordLocker — file encryption and storage 

NordLayer — a VPN for businesses 

How much does NordVPN cost? 

NordVPN has three pricing plans: 2-year, 1-year, and monthly. The 2-year plan offers the best value at $3.29/month for two years (taken as one payment of $78.96). 

The 1-year plan is the second-best option for value, offering 39% off right now. You’ll pay $59.88, amounting to $4.99 per month.

You can also pay monthly, but the cost increases to $11.99/month. NordVPN often has special deals and discounts, especially with the 2-year subscription plans. 

Right now, NordVPN’s “Back to school” offer will save you 65% and gift you three free months of service. 

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee that’ll guarantee a full refund if you’re unhappy with the service. 

Customer Support at NordVPN 

NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support that helps users solve any issues and make the most of their cybersecurity products. You can reach the support team via chat or email. 

For more information about NordVPN’s products and services and cybersecurity news, visit the NordVPN blog. You’ll find answers to your technical questions on how to use NordVPN in the FAQ section.