Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Tonnet Browser
What is Tonnet Browser?
Tonnet Browser is a native desktop application that lets you browse
.ton and .t.me sites directly via peer-to-peer connections, without relying on centralized gateways. It includes built-in TON Storage support and advanced privacy features like garlic routing.
What is Garlic Routing?
Garlic routing encrypts your traffic through 3 independent relay nodes before reaching the destination. Each relay only knows the previous and next hop, so no single node can trace your full connection path. Circuits rotate automatically for enhanced anonymity.
Is Tonnet Browser safe to use?
Yes. Tonnet Browser is fully open source and can be audited on GitHub. It runs in a sandboxed environment with WebRTC disabled, no cookies, and no browsing history stored locally.
What are the system requirements?
Windows: Windows 10 or later
macOS: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
Linux: Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, or equivalent
Android: Android 8.0 or later
macOS: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
Linux: Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, or equivalent
Android: Android 8.0 or later
How is this different from using a TON gateway?
Gateways like
ton.run or tonsite.app are centralized proxies that can see your traffic and be blocked. Tonnet Browser connects directly to TON sites via P2P (RLDP over ADNL), with no middleman. Your connection is decentralized and censorship-resistant.
What is TON Storage?
TON Storage is a decentralized file storage network built on TON. Tonnet Browser includes a built-in client that lets you download and seed files (called "bags") directly from the network, with real-time progress monitoring.
How does Tonnet compare to Tor Browser?
Both use onion-style routing, but Tonnet has key advantages:
Speed: Tonnet uses UDP-based ADNL protocol, significantly faster than Tor's TCP-based circuits.
Decentralization: Tor relies on a centralized directory authority. Tonnet uses TON's fully decentralized DHT for relay discovery.
Incentives: Tonnet's roadmap includes TON-based payments for relay operators, creating sustainable infrastructure. Tor relies on volunteers.
Integration: Native access to TON ecosystem (.ton sites, TON Storage, TON DNS) without plugins or configuration.
Fingerprinting: Tor Browser is often detected and blocked. Tonnet traffic blends with regular TON network activity.
Speed: Tonnet uses UDP-based ADNL protocol, significantly faster than Tor's TCP-based circuits.
Decentralization: Tor relies on a centralized directory authority. Tonnet uses TON's fully decentralized DHT for relay discovery.
Incentives: Tonnet's roadmap includes TON-based payments for relay operators, creating sustainable infrastructure. Tor relies on volunteers.
Integration: Native access to TON ecosystem (.ton sites, TON Storage, TON DNS) without plugins or configuration.
Fingerprinting: Tor Browser is often detected and blocked. Tonnet traffic blends with regular TON network activity.