Device Pairing
Pair Your Devices
Add devices to your OrbMesh network quickly and securely. Use QR code scanning for instant pairing or let mDNS auto-discovery find devices on your local network automatically.
Pairing Methods
OrbMesh provides two methods for adding devices to your network. Choose the method that works best for your situation.
QR Code Pairing
Scan a QR code displayed on one device using the camera of another. Works for both local and remote pairing scenarios.
mDNS Auto-Discovery
Devices on the same local network automatically discover each other using multicast DNS. One tap to approve and connect.
QR Code Pairing
QR code pairing is the most versatile method. It works regardless of whether the devices are on the same network and provides a cryptographically secure handshake.
Open OrbMesh on Device A
Launch OrbVPN on the device that is already part of your mesh network. Navigate to the OrbMesh dashboard.
Generate Pairing QR Code
Tap 'Add Device' and select 'QR Code'. The app generates a unique QR code containing an encrypted pairing invitation.
Scan with Device B
Open OrbVPN on the new device. Navigate to OrbMesh and tap 'Join Network'. Use the camera to scan the QR code displayed on Device A.
Approve the Pairing
Device A receives a pairing request notification. Review the device name and tap 'Approve' to complete the secure handshake.
Connection Established
Both devices are now connected in the mesh network. A direct peer-to-peer tunnel is established with end-to-end encryption.
QR Code Security
Each QR code contains a one-time cryptographic token that expires after 5 minutes. This ensures that only the intended device can join your network, even if someone photographs the QR code.
mDNS Auto-Discovery
When devices are on the same local network (e.g., the same Wi-Fi), OrbMesh can automatically discover them without any manual configuration using multicast DNS (mDNS).
What is mDNS?
Multicast DNS (mDNS) is a protocol that allows devices on a local network to discover each other without a central DNS server. It works by sending multicast queries on port 5353 within your local network. OrbMesh uses mDNS to broadcast its presence so that other OrbVPN devices on the same network can detect it automatically.
Automatic Discovery
OrbMesh broadcasts its presence on your local network using mDNS. Other OrbVPN devices on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network detect the broadcast and appear in the discovery list.
Local Network Only
mDNS discovery only works within your local network. Devices on other networks or the internet cannot discover your OrbVPN instance through mDNS, ensuring your privacy.
How mDNS Discovery Works in OrbMesh
Enable Discovery
Ensure OrbMesh is active on both devices and they are connected to the same local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). mDNS broadcasts begin automatically.
Devices Appear in Discovery Screen
OrbMesh uses mDNS to broadcast presence on the local network. Nearby OrbMesh devices appear in the 'Nearby Devices' discovery screen with their device name, type, and platform icon.
One-Tap Pairing
Select the discovered device from the list with a single tap. The app displays the device name and type for easy identification before initiating the pairing handshake.
Confirm on Both Devices
Both devices display a pairing confirmation dialog showing the other device's name. Approve on both sides to establish the secure mesh connection with end-to-end encryption.
Local Network Permissions
For mDNS discovery to work, OrbVPN needs local network permissions on your device. On iOS, you will be prompted to grant this permission the first time. On Android, ensure the app has location permission, which is required for local network scanning.
Privacy Note
mDNS discovery only operates within your local network segment. Devices outside your LAN (on the internet, different subnets, or behind a separate router) cannot see your OrbMesh broadcast. Your device is only visible to other OrbVPN users on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
Managing Paired Devices
Once devices are paired, you can manage them from the OrbMesh dashboard.
Device Status
View online/offline status, connection quality, and latency for each paired device in real time.
Access Control
Set per-device permissions to control what resources each device can access within your mesh network.
Remove Device
Revoke access for any paired device instantly. The device is disconnected and its encryption keys are invalidated.
Device Types
OrbMesh supports a wide range of device types across multiple platforms.
Mobile Phones
iOS and Android smartphones pair seamlessly and maintain connections in the background.
Tablets
iPads and Android tablets work as full mesh peers with all features available.
Desktops
Windows, macOS, and Linux computers can join the mesh as always-on nodes.
Servers
Deploy dedicated OrbMesh nodes on servers for persistent, high-bandwidth mesh connectivity.
Troubleshooting Pairing
QR Code Not Scanning
Ensure adequate lighting and hold the camera steady. If the code has expired (after 5 minutes), generate a new one.
Device Not Discovered
Verify both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that local network permissions are granted and mDNS is not blocked by the router.
Pairing Fails
Ensure both devices are running the latest version of OrbVPN. Restart the OrbMesh service on both devices and try again.
Connection Drops After Pairing
If the P2P connection drops, check your firewall settings. OrbMesh requires UDP traffic to maintain direct connections.
Firewall Configuration
Some network firewalls and corporate routers block mDNS traffic (port 5353) and UDP peer-to-peer connections. If auto-discovery fails, use QR code pairing instead, which works regardless of network restrictions.
Connect All Your Devices
Pair your phones, tablets, and computers into a secure mesh network. QR code scanning or auto-discovery makes it effortless.