Peer Nodes
A Peer Node is a specialized 12Port application node deployed in a remote or isolated network, designed to extend the capabilities of the primary deployment into environments that would otherwise be unreachable. These nodes are crucial for scenarios involving secure remote access, delegated task execution, data replication, and more. Whether operating across isolated datacenters, segmented cloud networks, or managed client environments, peer nodes provide a trusted bridge between networks, enabling seamless and secure operational control.
Secure, Zero Trust Remote Access One of the primary use cases for a Peer Node is enabling zero trust access from a client machine to a remote endpoint via a secured chain of trust. For example, an administrator working from a laptop can initiate a session that travels securely through the central 12Port Vault, through a Peer Node located in the destination network, and finally to the endpoint device. This access path may involve up to four systems working in concert: the client, two relay nodes, and the destination endpoint, each participating in a secure, audited, and policy-enforced session.
These sessions can be established using either the browser-based interface or a native client, depending on the operational requirements. Session features include credential injection, traffic monitoring, and just-in-time authorization, ensuring that access is both secure and compliant with organizational policies.
Delegated Execution in Isolated Networks Peer Nodes are particularly effective in environments where the main deployment cannot reach certain endpoints directly—such as air-gapped networks, secure enclaves, or customer-controlled segments. In these cases, the Peer Node acts as an execution delegate, running scripts on behalf of the main node. This allows organizations to manage and automate tasks across environments that would otherwise require manual intervention or separate tooling.
For example, an IT administrator may initiate a script from the central node that executes on devices behind the Peer Node, without ever exposing the devices directly to the wider network. This setup enhances operational efficiency and significantly reduces the attack surface.
Use in Password Rotation and Access Automation Peer Nodes also play a critical role in access automation tasks such as password rotation. For example, the service account credentials used for accessing a remote database are rotated through a workflow initiated on the central node. However, the actual access and update of the credentials took place via a Peer Node within the secured network where the database resides. This not only enforces least-privilege access but also keeps sensitive operations localized within trusted boundaries.
Ideal for Multi-Tenant and MSP Scenarios In managed service provider (MSP) and multi-tenant setups, Peer Nodes offer an elegant solution for securely managing infrastructure across customer environments. Each client can have a dedicated Peer Node deployed within their network, allowing the service provider to perform administration, automation tasks, or remote access sessions without requiring open network connections.
This architecture ensures complete separation between client environments while allowing centralized oversight and orchestration, streamlining operations while maintaining robust security postures.
Peer Nodes represent a foundational element of distributed infrastructure management within the 12Port ecosystem. By enabling secure, delegated, and automated control across network boundaries, they empower organizations to extend trust and visibility into even the most isolated environments.