Compare · vs ZeroTier
Network IDs vs cryptographic lineage.
ZeroTier is a virtual-Layer-2 overlay with a long heritage and impressive flexibility — it operates at a different layer than Beacons. Where ZeroTier identifies a device by node ID and assigns it to a network ID, Beacons identifies every peer by a `did:oas` rooted in lineage, and derives network membership from policy.
Different layer, different problem
ZeroTier sits at Layer 2 — virtual Ethernet — and gives you a generic mesh with custom flow rules. Anything that runs on Ethernet runs on ZeroTier.
Beacons is Layer-3+ overlay focused on identity, policy, and audit. You give up flexibility in the wire format to gain a stricter identity and access model.
Identity
In ZeroTier, the node ID is the credential. The network controller decides which nodes are allowed on which networks. Identity is opaque.
In Beacons, identity is cryptographic and lineage-rooted. Every peer carries verifiable provenance back to a human root. Revocation cascades down lineage automatically.
When ZeroTier is the right choice
If you need a virtual Ethernet that runs broadcast and multicast across continents, ZeroTier is purpose-built for that. Beacons does not try to replace it for Layer-2 use cases.