---
title: "Simple SD-WAN and Zero Trust Access"
url: https://www.zerotier.com/platform/
description: "Explore the ZeroTier platform for powerful Software-Defined Networking (SD-WAN), Zero Trust security, and hardware-free VPN replacement."
type: page
last_modified: 2026-11-05
---

# The Network You'd Build If You Could Start Over

Hardware-defined networks can’t follow your infrastructure to the cloud, the edge, or the field. ZeroTier replaces them with cryptographic identity and secure peer-to-peer connectivity, on ZeroTier One or post-quantum ZeroTier Quantum.

**4,000,000+** Daily Active Devices

**7,000+** Business Customers

**230+** Countries and Territories

Overview

## How ZeroTier Works

ZeroTier replaces physical network boundaries with cryptographic identity and secure peer‑to‑peer connectivity.

Each network member is identified, authenticated, and connected using four core mechanisms:

- Devices join networks using cryptographic identity
- Traffic is encrypted end‑to‑end
- Connections are established peer‑to‑peer whenever possible
- Policy is centrally defined and enforced locally at every endpoint

![Devices joining a ZeroTier network with cryptographic identity and direct encrypted links](https://www.zerotier.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Developers-Redundant-Connections-251029-DRAFT.png)

## Choose the Platform Right for You

## ZeroTier Quantum

The first networking platform designed for the post‑quantum era.

Built for environments where security, sovereignty, and resilience are non-negotiable. CNSA 2.0–aligned, self-hosted, or air-gapped.

[Explore Quantum](https://www.zerotier.com/quantum/)

## ZeroTier One

The networking platform trusted by millions of devices worldwide.

Simple to deploy. Infinitely flexible. Built for developers, operators, and distributed systems, with a FIPS 140-3 validated variant.

[Explore ZeroTier One](https://www.zerotier.com/one/)

Architecture

## Flexible Network Design

ZeroTier networks operate as secure virtual overlays on top of existing infrastructure.

Connectivity is defined through identity and policy rather than physical topology.

### Networks can span

- Public clouds
- Private data centers
- On‑prem environments
- Self-hosted and air-gapped networks
- Remote devices and edge systems

![ZeroTier network diagram showing a Tablet connecting securely to the Data Center, successfully traversing a NAT device.](https://www.zerotier.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Enterprise-IT-Connect-Wherever-251023-DRAFT.png)

Core Features

## Platform Capabilities

ZeroTier secures distributed networks across cloud, data center, edge, and field.

### Secure infrastructure overlays

Create private virtual networks that span cloud providers, data centers, and devices.

### Cloud‑to‑cloud networking

Connect infrastructure across multiple cloud providers without complex routing or VPN configuration.

### Global device fleets

Securely connect thousands of devices, servers, or embedded systems into unified networks.

### Identity‑based access control

Define network behavior through programmable policy tied to node identity.

### Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking

Support both Ethernet bridging and routed IP networking for flexible infrastructure integration.

### Programmable network management

Control networks via APIs and automation to integrate with modern infrastructure workflows.

## Simple

Deploy networks in minutes with the lightweight ZeroTier Agent.

## Resilient

Peer-to-peer connectivity removes single points of failure. Multipath failover keeps traffic moving when links degrade.

## Secure

All traffic is authenticated and encrypted by default, with FIPS 140-3 validated cryptography available ([NIST CMVP #5424](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cryptographic-module-validation-program/certificate/5424)).

ZeroTier powers secure connectivity for organizations operating in the world’s most demanding environments.

Trusted by

## 4M+ Devices Connected Worldwide

Logos: Thales, Microsoft, Volvo, TD Synnex, Astrion, Leidos, Superbet, Mikrotik, Advantech, KEYSIGHT, Metropolis, Mateco, Forest Rock, NTT Data, EMCOR Group, CEF, BTG, Ahorra Mas, mediapro, Wilson Group, Teltonika, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

## Start Building with ZeroTier

Create your first secure network in minutes.

Running regulated or air-gapped environments? Talk with our team about ZeroTier One Enterprise and ZeroTier Quantum.

[Start Free](https://accounts.zerotier.com/realms/zerotier/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=central-v2&scope=openid%20profile&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fcentral.zerotier.com%2F&response_type=code)

[Connect With Us](https://www.zerotier.com/connect-with-us/)

[See Pricing](https://www.zerotier.com/pricing/)