SoftBridge is a free, peer-to-peer VPN that creates a switched, encrypted network between every computer in your group — built for gaming, and built to just work.
SoftBridge was written by and for gamers — a personal project that grew from a 1999 hobby into a stable, shareable tool. It's 64-bit only and tested on Windows 7 and Windows 10. The interface is basic, but it's fully functional and does the job.
Every packet is encrypted end-to-end using the SynCrypto module from the mORMot project.
Computers connect directly to one another — a switched network with no central relay in the data path.
Free to use as long as server costs stay low and no expensive signing certificates are needed.
SoftBridge exchanges IP addresses and creates port mappings through a lightweight server, so connections usually just work. In most cases you don't have to do anything yourself.
A server helps exchange addresses and build port mappings so peers find each other automatically.
Handles most routers out of the box. Symmetric-NAT setups (e.g. pfSense, OPNSense) are easily fixed with a few settings.
Built on the OPENVPN virtual TAP adapter and the mORMot SynCrypto module — thanks to both projects.
Essentially, SoftBridge creates a switched, encrypted network between all computers in the same network group.
A personal project that has gone through many iterations over the years.
SoftBridge starts as a hobby project — written by a geek, for him and his geek friends.
Many iterations and rebuilds, adapting to new platforms and networking standards.
64-bit only, tested on Windows 7 and Windows 10, shared as a stable alpha version.