Hamachi

A secure virtual network without complex configuration

Hamachi links remote computers into a private network that applications can use much like a physical LAN. The client creates a virtual network adapter, assigns a 25.x address and establishes an encrypted connection over the internet.

Network topologies

• Mesh — every member can connect to every other member;
• Hub-and-spoke — workstations connect through designated central computers;
• Gateway — remote computers access an existing LAN through a gateway machine.

Networks and members can be managed centrally. A background service maintains unattended connectivity, making Hamachi useful for remote administration, collaboration, gaming and access to internal resources.

Licensing and security

The free tier supports up to five computers in one network; larger networks require a paid plan. Hamachi installs a Windows service and virtual adapter, so join trusted networks only, use a strong network password and disable file or printer sharing when it is not required.

Note: this is a device-to-device networking tool, not a consumer privacy VPN that anonymizes all web traffic.