Refraction networking, also known as decoy routing, is a research anti-censorship approach that would allow users to circumvent a censor without using any individual proxy servers.
[1] Instead, it implements proxy functionality at the core of partner networks, such as those of Internet service providers, outside the censored country.
"[2] This prevents censors from selectively blocking proxy servers and makes censorship more expensive, in a strategy similar to collateral freedom.
There are five existing protocols: Telex,[6] TapDance,[7] Cirripede,[8] Curveball,[9] and Rebound.
[10] These teams are now working together to develop and deploy refraction networking with support from the U.S. Department of State.