{{tag>internet software privacy overlay_networks}}
====== Overlay network ======
An **overlay network** is a network design that leverages the [[internet]] to provide another network layer, with the goal of mitigating the limitations of the one beneath it. Specifically, they usually aim to provide [[anonymity]].
==== Benefits of overlay networks ====
  * Anonymity
  * Easier P2P, no port forwarding

==== Drawbacks of overlay networks ====
  * Reduced speed
  * Hosting public services is made more difficult due to the lack of static addressing