Blog Index

Iroh connections: What is DERP?

by b5

Introduction

Briefly introduce the concept of P2P networking and the role of NAT traversal. Introduce Iroh and its mission to simplify P2P connectivity.

The DERP Protocol in Iroh

Explain the original DERP protocol by Tailscale, focusing on its functionality and limitations. Discuss how Iroh has adapted and enhanced the DERP protocol, emphasizing the use of DERP URLs instead of regions.

Advancements in Connection Establishment

Elaborate on Iroh's modifications to connect users discovered in the wild. Explain the significance of using DERP URLs and how it improves connection flexibility and reliability.

NodeIDs and ED25519 Key

Describe the concept of a NodeID in Iroh's system. Explain how NodeIDs are derived from ED25519 keys and their role in secure and efficient connection establishment.

Conclusion

Summarize the benefits of Iroh's approach to the DERP protocol, highlighting ease of use, enhanced connectivity, and security. Encourage readers to explore Iroh for a streamlined P2P experience.

References

Iroh is a dial-any-device networking library that just works. Compose from an ecosystem of ready-made protocols to get the features you need, or go fully custom on a clean abstraction over dumb pipes. Iroh is open source, and already running in production on hundreds of thousands of devices.
To get started, take a look at our docs, dive directly into the code, or chat with us in our discord channel.