02 / LINE TYPES
How route types work
IEPL, relay and direct routes are not simple tiers from better to worse. They use different path structures, with different use cases, scheduling flexibility and resource costs. Understanding the path is more useful than focusing on a single momentary test result.
IEPL
Dedicated route
IEPL
IEPL routes place the cross-border segment on a relatively fixed, enterprise-grade transport path, with a clearer structure across the entry point, international segment and overseas exit. The goal is not a more complicated route name, but fewer uncontrollable detours on public networks, helping long-lived connections, continuous downloads, video buffering and remote sessions stay consistent.
These routes suit scenarios where connection continuity matters, such as extended video streaming, streamed output from AI tools, work-file synchronization and remote work. If the local network fluctuates in the evening, start by testing an IEPL route in the same region.
Dedicated routes require separate entry points and transport resources, so their cost is generally higher than ordinary direct routes. The same path is therefore not configured for every city. Treat IEPL as a priority option, not a requirement for every task.
RELAY
Scheduling entry
Relay routes
A relay route first connects to an entry point suited to the current access network, then forwards traffic through the relay layer to the target region. Separating local access from the overseas exit makes it easier to combine paths across networks, regional exits and target services, while offering different connection directions within the same country.
Relay routes suit most everyday access and are a common alternative when direct connections are unsatisfactory. For international websites, online documents, images and common cloud tools, start with a nearby relay entry point and switch the exit region based on the content you need.
Relay paths add a scheduling step, so their maintenance complexity and resource use fall between dedicated and direct routes. Their advantage is flexibility, but not every relay route is automatically better than direct. The entry point, target region and local network determine the actual experience.
DIRECT
Direct exit
Direct routes
Direct routes connect from the current network straight to an overseas server without an additional dedicated relay entry point. Their simpler structure can cover more long-tail regions, complement less frequently used countries and cities, and serve as a comparison path against other route structures.
When the local network has a clean route to the target region, direct access can provide a simple, straightforward path. Try it first for everyday pages, text messages, short queries and tasks with clear regional requirements but infrequent use.
Direct routes depend more on local networks and public routing, with a greater chance of cross-region detours. If page responses become inconsistent or long-lived connections drop, do not repeatedly reconnect to the same route. Try a relay in the same region, or switch to a nearby region to determine whether the issue is with the entry point or the target service.