URGENT UPDATE: A recent attempt to switch from Cloudflare Tunnels to Tailscale has sparked frustration among users relying on network services. This switch, driven by the desire for improved private connectivity, has revealed significant limitations in Tailscale’s public access capabilities.
Reports confirm that users have faced challenges when trying to migrate essential services, such as Nextcloud, to Tailscale. While Tailscale successfully offers private device connections, it struggles to provide the public service access needed in restrictive network environments.
The issue arises from specific network conditions, particularly in apartment settings where carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) is prevalent. These setups limit users’ ability to control their network, making it difficult to forward ports and create stable public access points. Cloudflare Tunnels, on the other hand, has long been praised for its ability to navigate these challenges effortlessly.
In a recent experiment, the user found that while Tailscale provided secure, private access, it fell short in exposing services publicly. Tailscale Funnel, the feature designed for public access, is not widely available across all platforms, causing further frustration. The user reported that “the fundamental design of Tailscale” does not align with their need for public accessibility, leading to failed attempts to reach their Nextcloud instance from outside the network.
As the situation develops, experts suggest that Tailscale must broaden its Funnel feature’s availability and enhance its public access model to compete effectively with Cloudflare. Without these improvements, Tailscale risks losing users who require reliable public services.
Interestingly, the user noted that the only real solution could be a change in their internet service provider. If the managed Wi-Fi system allowed residents to install their own internet, it would eliminate the barriers imposed by CGNAT. This would enable users to regain control over their network and utilize Tailscale more effectively for both private and public access.
In conclusion, while Tailscale excels in private networking scenarios, its limitations in public service exposure under strict network conditions could deter users from making the switch from Cloudflare Tunnels. As the demand for secure and accessible network solutions continues to rise, the need for comprehensive tools like Cloudflare remains critical for many users.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation and the potential responses from Tailscale and Cloudflare.
