[coderatlarge]

it seems to me that a nation determined to control wired network traffic within its borders cannot be circumvented. if they can control the ISPs and observe packet flows then they can just obstruct any connection they cannot conclusively prove is acceptable.

it seems then that store-and-forward ad hoc p2p (ie extremely high unpredictable latency) is the only option for those who can reach some node with a connection to the outside (maybe laser near the border). or perhaps really clever steganography with outside partners assisting.

[baby_souffle]

> it seems to me that a nation determined to control wired network traffic within its borders cannot be circumvented.

Starlink/Kuiper and the geostationary satellites are an alternative. Not perfect... but far better than *nothing*

[bigfatkitten]

None of the major mobile satellite networks work without the terminal’s position being known.

[coderatlarge]

i believe the base stations for those can be triangulated leading to knocks on the for for unsanctioned traffic.

[ashoeafoot]

There is also the travelling salesman hauling in external culture like games and movies via SSD. Wish there was a protocoll to deaddrop large file requests smuggled into a country.

[coderatlarge]

yes massive store-and-forward :)

[robertlagrant]

> Starlink

Only when (if) Stalink removes the need for base stations and just sends the traffic directly between satellites.

[ACCount36]

It already does that. That's how Starlink works over the ocean.

[coderatlarge]

does that mean the authorities can’t locate someone transmitting or receiving to/from starlink? in many places the consequences of detection could be dire…

[ACCount36]

No. The links between the satellites are lasers, but the user traffic still goes up and down over radio.

You still need the Starlink coverage to be enabled on system level, and the local government to care enough to track down Starlink users at the same time. I can't imagine that there are many countries that meet both criteria.

[coderatlarge]

i believe countries with major firewalls and vpn blocking policies would track down and make examples of a set of users periodically if only to deter others.

[robertlagrant]

Oh, cool. I haven't kept up to date. That's amazing.