Set Up ZeroTier Personal VPN for Remote Access – Starfront Observatories

Overview

ZeroTier allows you to create a secure private VPN network, enabling remote access to your telescope system and observatory equipment from anywhere. Once configured, you can access your remote systems (Windows PCs, Linux computers, power switches, etc.) without exposing them to the public internet.

This guide covers setting up ZeroTier on your home computer and your remote system, whether it's a Windows PC or Linux-based device.

Prerequisites

A ZeroTier account (free tier available at https://www.zerotier.com/)
Your home computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
Your remote system (Windows PC or Linux-based device such as Raspberry Pi, Ubuntu mini PC, etc.)
Internet connectivity on both systems

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Create a ZeroTier Account

Go to https://www.zerotier.com/ and click Sign Up
Create an account and log in to the ZeroTier Central dashboard

Step 2: Create a Private Network

In the ZeroTier Central dashboard, click Create a Network
Note down your Network ID (you'll need this to connect devices)
Click on your new network to open network settings
Under Access Control, select Private (recommended for security)
Ensure IPv4 Auto-Assign is enabled for automatic IP assignment

Step 3: Install ZeroTier on Your Home Computer

Download ZeroTier for your operating system from https://www.zerotier.com/download/
Install the software and launch ZeroTier
In the ZeroTier system tray icon, select Join Network
Enter your Network ID from Step 2 and click Join
Go back to ZeroTier Central and approve your home device in the Members section

Step 4: Install ZeroTier on Your Remote System

For Windows Remote PC

Download and install ZeroTier from https://www.zerotier.com/download/
Run ZeroTier One, right-click the system tray icon, and select Join Network
Enter your Network ID and click Join
Approve the device in ZeroTier Central under Members

For Linux-Based System (Raspberry Pi, Ubuntu, etc.)

Open a terminal on your Linux device

Install ZeroTier:

curl -s https://install.zerotier.com/ | sudo bash

Join your private network:
```
sudo zerotier-cli join YOUR_NETWORK_ID
```
Approve the device in ZeroTier Central under Members
Verify the connection:
```
sudo zerotier-cli listnetworks
```

Step 5: Verify the Connection

In ZeroTier Central, confirm that both your home PC and remote system appear under Members and show as Online
Note your remote system's ZeroTier virtual IP address (typically 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x)
Test connectivity by pinging the remote system from your home PC:
```
ping [ZeroTier_IP_of_Remote_System]
```
If successful, you're ready to access your remote system

Step 6: Enable Auto Start (Optional but Recommended)

For Windows

Open Services (press WIN+R, type services.msc)
Find ZeroTier One in the list
Right-click and set Startup Type to Automatic

For Linux

Enable ZeroTier to start automatically at boot:

sudo systemctl enable zerotier-one
sudo systemctl start zerotier-one

Access Your Remote System

Once connected to ZeroTier, use the assigned virtual IP address to access your remote system. Choose the method appropriate for your setup:

Windows Remote Desktop (RDP):

mstsc /v:[ZeroTier_IP]

SSH for Linux systems:

ssh username@[ZeroTier_IP]

Third-party tools (AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop):
Enter your ZeroTier IP address or use the application normally when both systems are on the same ZeroTier network.

Optional: Power Switch Integration

If you use a Digital Loggers Web Power Switch for remote equipment control, you can integrate it with ZeroTier for secure power cycling.

See Set Up ZeroTier on a Digital Loggers Web Power Switch for instructions.

This integration allows you to:

Securely access and control your power switch over a private network
Power cycle devices remotely without exposing them to the public internet
Manage multiple systems from a single VPN network

Troubleshooting

Device not showing as online in ZeroTier Central?

Ensure ZeroTier is running on the device
Check that the network settings in ZeroTier Central allow new members to join

Can't ping the remote system?

Verify both devices are approved in ZeroTier Central
Check that your firewall allows ZeroTier traffic
Restart ZeroTier on both systems

Remote system has no internet access?

This is expected if your ZeroTier network is not configured for "Default Route Override"
If needed, contact Starfront Support for advanced network configuration

Firewall blocking access?

Windows: Ensure ZeroTier is allowed through Windows Defender Firewall
Linux: Check that iptables or UFW rules aren't blocking ZeroTier traffic

Need Help?

If you have questions about ZeroTier setup or need assistance, contact Starfront Support at support@starfront.space.