The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods TCG058: Creating the Internet Layer That Should Have Been With Avery Pennarun
Sep 17, 2025
Avery Pennarun, co-founder and CEO of Tailscale, shares his journey from creating his first mesh VPN to revolutionizing modern networking. He discusses how Tailscale aims to enhance the OSI model by introducing a new internet layer and its innovative use of WireGuard. The conversation reveals insights into Tailscale’s unique full-mesh architecture and how DERP relays facilitate NAT traversal. Avery also delves into the impact of AI on networking, identity delegation, and the practicalities of implementing zero-trust models.
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Host Banter And Early Zoom Anecdote
- Avery joked about his Zoom room 'infamous bed' background and early home office stories during introductions.
- These light anecdotes set a casual tone before technical discussion.
Early Dial-Up And First ISP Job
- Avery recounted getting his first dial-up through a university Freenet and networking a 386 and 486 to share one modem.
- He later worked for the first commercial ISP in Thunder Bay while still in high school, gaining hands-on internet experience.
Focus On Small-Scale Needs Wins Big
- Tailscale targets the majority of apps that never need internet-scale by simplifying connectivity and security for small internal tools.
- Solving the top two pains (connectivity and security) created unexpected product-market fit in corporate VPNs.