# tailscale/tailcat

tailscale/tailcat: A Netcat Alternative Over Tailscale's Data Plane

- HackerByte page: <https://hackerbyte.net/en/projects/tailscale-tailcat-a-netcat-alternative-over-tailscale-s-data-plane-880414192>
- GitHub: <https://github.com/tailscale/tailcat>
- Programming language: Go

like netcat, but over Tailscale's data plane, without Tailscale's control plane

## AI-generated summary

Tailcat reimagines netcat for use over Tailscale's data plane, offering encrypted point\-to\-point tunnels without requiring Tailscale's control plane. It leverages Tailscale's \`magicsock\` for NAT traversal and DERP relays, enabling secure communication between two machines using WireGuard encryption. The tool operates entirely in userspace, eliminating the need for root access or system modifications.

## Key points

- Provides netcat\-like functionality over Tailscale's encrypted data plane.
- Uses WireGuard for end\-to\-end encryption between peers.
- Does not require Tailscale accounts or administrative privileges.
- Supports various use cases including file transfer, SSH server hosting, and network performance testing.
- Offers both a CLI tool and a Go library for integration into other applications.