Tunneling is a way to cross terrain or boundaries that cannot normally be crossed.
Similarly, in networking, tunnels are a method for discretely transmitting data across a network using protocols that are not supported by that network. Tunneling works by encapsulating packets: wrapping packets inside of other packets. Tunneling involves six key processes: encryption, encapsulation, header addition, transmission, decapsulation, and decryption.
Network tunnels provide a direct connection between a remote server and the local network, and the transmission of data is undetectable by the public network.
One big advantage of tunneling is that it allows remote workers and field teams to safely work offsite without compromising personal or organizational security. Other practical use cases include remote support, disaster recovery, safe supply chain management, network monitoring, and more.
All of the programs in this roundup are free and open source software.
We’ve not prepared a ratings chart for this roundup. This may change in the future.
Click the links in the table below to learn more about each tool. The software is listed in alphabetical order.
| Network Tunnels | |
|---|---|
| 6tunnel | Tunnelling for applications that don't speak IPv6 |
| ClashT | Rule-based tunnel in Go |
| Gurren | SSH tunnel manager |
| iodine | Tunnel IPv4 data through a DNS server |
| isatapd | Creates and maintains an ISATAP tunnel |
| Pangolin | Tunneled mesh reverse proxy server with access control |
| Ping Tunnel | Tunnel TCP connections to a remote host using ICMP echo request |
| Tuntox | Forwards TCP connections over the Tox protocol |
| VTun | Create virtual tunnels over TCP/IP networks |
| wstunnel | Tunnel traffic over Websocket or HTTP2 |
This article has been revamped in line with our recent announcement.
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