ZeroTier One is a software-defined networking platform that creates encrypted virtual overlay networks connecting devices, servers, and infrastructure across the internet without requiring specialized hardware. How it works: - Each device runs a lightweight software agent that generates a cryptographic identity for that node - Devices join virtual networks using this cryptographic identity and are authenticated before being granted access - Traffic between nodes is encrypted end-to-end - Connections are established peer-to-peer wherever possible, with automatic NAT traversal - Network policy is centrally defined and enforced locally by each node Platform components: - ZeroTier Central: A web-based management interface for creating networks, authorizing devices, defining routing and segmentation rules, and managing users and permissions - Control Layer: Manages network membership, routing configuration, segmentation rules, and access policy; distributes control information to nodes - Data Layer: The peer-to-peer overlay network that handles encrypted communication, NAT traversal, and adaptive path discovery - Agents and Clients: Lightweight background services installed on each device that create a virtual network interface, establish peer connections, and enforce policy locally Supported environments: - Public cloud providers - Private data centers - On-premises environments - Remote devices and edge/embedded systems - Servers, desktops, mobile devices, and routers The platform supports both Layer 2 Ethernet bridging and Layer 3 IP routing. Networks can be managed via a hosted controller (ZeroTier Central) or a self-hosted controller for organizations requiring full infrastructure control. A REST API is available for programmatic network management and automation integration.