Independent Tor encyclopedia Glossary
Glossary definition

Circuit

A circuit is the temporary path through several Tor relays that a client builds for connections. Typically three hops: Guard, Middle, Exit. Multiple streams can share the same circuit.

A circuit is not a permanent line, but an agreed route. The client picks relays by rules (bandwidth, family, role) and negotiates keys. See Onion Routing.

Category: Network

This page is a short glossary definition, not a full encyclopedia article. See the Tor glossary A–Z for the rest of the set.

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