WireGuard as an alternative to TeamViewer?

VPN
1

Hi everyone,

I had a brief conversation with an IT specialist about remote access and remote control, and he told me that he did the maintenance on his family’s computers thanks to WireGuard and a user-friendly GUI. I’m currently using TeamViewer and I would like to discover WireGuard to see what it has to offer. I use Debian on my personal computer and Debian is also installed on the computers I would like to access.

What should I look into? I know that WireGuard was originally created to access a VPN, so I don’t totally understand how it can be used to control computers. I would say that my IT skills are intermediate.

Thank you for your help!

2

An open source alternative would be something like MeshCentral. However there’s no VPN in it per say.

3

WireGuard wasn’t created to access a vpn - it is a vpn. To access the remote computer you need a tool like ssh (cmd line) or something else. WireGuard only gets you to the door. To enter you need another tool.

4

I run a wireguard VPN server on a remote site, then using the wire guard client to connect to that vpn, i use remote desktop tools like vnc or rdp to do remote work. Wireguard is a vpn, like a network bridge to do “direct connections”, where as something like Teamviewer (usually) goes through their cloud to connect the sessions. For ease of use team viewer or similar applications can be better for alot of situations, but for more control over more permanent setups, a vpn like wireguard can be better

5

I use Tailscale to mange WireGuard, and then ya, either VNC or RDP to interface with host computers. Works super well.

6

Basically by using wireguard, you create a private “lan” or a so called VPN. After that you choose what you want to use to control your pc. You can control anything, from windows to mac to linux. I personally use SSH and VNC

7

These are not the same things; not alternatives to each other. It’s like asking lemonade as an alternative to pneumatic nail gun. It’s non sequitur.

8

Wireguard + NoMachine + built-in software like RDP (Windows) or VNC (macOS).

OR, instead of Wireguard, you can use something like Tailscale or ZeroTier. Those 2 are far easier to use with other random people. ZeroTier especially.

9

What are you on about?
wireguard is a VPN, and with that you can access your windows machines with RDP, remote desktop. No need to SSH into anything. Yes he would need a wireguard virtual/machine somewhere down the line.

10

So? I wrote he would need another tool for remote access like ssh. RDP would fit that description too, yes. And I don’t see the benefit of a VM there. Since you need to open the WireGuard port on the router I did install it there too. But if you want a VM for WireGuard more power to you I guess.