Relay Server
A relay server is an intermediary network component that forwards data between clients or servers, often used to facilitate communication in scenarios where direct connections are impractical or restricted. It acts as a middleman to route traffic, handle protocol conversions, or provide anonymity and security by masking the original source or destination. Common applications include web proxies, VPN gateways, and real-time communication systems like WebRTC or gaming servers.
Developers should learn and use relay servers when building distributed systems that require indirect communication, such as in peer-to-peer applications where NAT traversal is needed, or to enhance privacy and security by obfuscating IP addresses. They are essential in scenarios like real-time multiplayer games, video conferencing tools, and IoT networks where devices behind firewalls need to exchange data reliably without exposing direct endpoints.