TCP hole punching for Bitcoin nodes behind home NATs?

Iroh is a UDP-based holepunching library built on QUIC, which is available at Github. This library has demonstrated high efficiency with a 90%+ holepunching rate and a 99%+ connection rate. To achieve these impressive metrics, Iroh utilizes federated relays that operate in a manner similar to WebRTC STUN and TURN servers. However, the use of such federated relays might not be fully suitable for applications like Bitcoin.

The development team behind Iroh has invested considerable effort into enhancing its functionality, which includes integration with TOR to ensure anonymity and security. Additionally, the library supports encrypted exchanges of candidate addresses, which adds another layer of security important for maintaining user privacy during communications. The team has also applied innovative techniques specifically for the holepunching process itself, further optimizing performance and reliability.

These developments suggest a robust framework capable of supporting secure and efficient network connections, although the suitability of the federated relay approach for certain applications remains a topic for further investigation. The ongoing commitment to monitor discussions and contribute expertise indicates an active engagement with the community to refine and adapt the technology as needed.