Stealth network

The stealth network is the layer users touch first. It carries traffic over multi-hop paths that are built on the device and thrown away after use.

Path construction#

1. 01The client downloads the signed node set for the current epoch.
2. 02It selects an entry, one or more middle relays and an exit, preferring diversity of operators, networks and regions.
3. 03It wraps the payload in one encryption layer per hop. Each relay can remove only its own layer and learns only the previous and next hop.
4. 04The path is used for a limited time or volume, then replaced.

Reducing traffic analysis#

Uniform cells

Traffic is split into fixed-size cells, so packet size says less about content.

Timing smoothing

Small, bounded delays and batching make it harder to line up traffic entering and leaving the network.

Cover traffic

Optional dummy traffic hides when a user is truly active. It costs bandwidth, so it is adjustable.

Path rotation

Paths expire with the epoch. A long session is spread across several unrelated routes.

Ephemeral relays#

Unlike networks where relays stay at the same address for years, MYTHASE relays can be retired and replaced each epoch by the infrastructure layer. A published list stays useful to an observer only for a short time.