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How Floe Works

A plain-language overview of what happens behind the scenes when you share a file.

The Short Version

Floe uses a technology called WebRTC to send your files directly from one browser to another. Think of it like handing a USB drive to someone. It happens over the internet, in real time. In most cases, no one else is in the middle.

In some network situations, a secure relay server acts as a bridge. Either way, your files are end-to-end encrypted and never stored on any server.

Direct Connection

Fastest

Files travel straight from your device to the recipient. No server sits in between. Speed is limited only by your internet connection.

  • + No file size limit
  • + Zero bandwidth cost to Floe
  • + Works on most home and mobile networks

Relay Connection

Via TURN Server

Used on strict corporate firewalls or carrier-grade NAT networks where a direct path cannot be found. Floe falls back automatically.

  • ~ Works on restricted networks
  • ~ Files remain encrypted in transit
  • ~ Capped at 2 GB per session

Every connection, direct or relayed, is encrypted with DTLS built into WebRTC. Even the relay server cannot read your files.

Want the full technical detail?

The Floe documentation covers signaling, ICE and NAT traversal, DTLS encryption, and the binary transfer protocol in depth.

Read the full technical breakdown