Gargoyle Forum

Eric wrote:I'm currently working on allowing Tor bridges/relays.
I'm inclined not to allow configuration as an exit node

Should I be a normal relay or bridge relay?
Bridge relays (or "bridges" for short) are Tor relays that aren't listed in the public Tor directory. That means that ISPs or governments trying to block access to the Tor network can't simply block all bridges.

Being a normal relay vs being a bridge relay is almost the same configuration: it's just a matter of whether your relay is listed publicly or not.

So bridges are useful a) for Tor users in oppressive regimes, and b) for people who want an extra layer of security because they're worried somebody will recognize that it's a public Tor relay IP address they're contacting.

Several countries, including China and Iran, have found ways to detect and block connections to Tor bridges. Obfsproxy bridges address this by adding another layer of obfuscation.

So should you run a normal relay or bridge relay? If you have lots of bandwidth, you should definitely run a normal relay. If you're willing to be an exit, you should definitely run a normal relay, since we need more exits. If you can't be an exit and only have a little bit of bandwidth, be a bridge. Thanks for volunteering!