Route types describe how traffic travels, not how well a connection performs. Routes with the same label can behave differently depending on your local network and the destination service.
IEPLManaged international transit
For greater control over international links
IEPL generally refers to an international Ethernet private line, using dedicated transmission resources to organize an international connection. Compared with connections that rely entirely on public internet routes, this approach puts more emphasis on managing the transit segment. It concerns how the route is arranged; it does not make your home internet, Wi-Fi connection, or destination website part of a private line.
Dedicated lines typically cost more to procure and maintain because of how their resources are arranged. They may suit tasks where a steady connection, meetings, or extended access are priorities. Check the specific location in the client to assess its performance. If your local network is congested or the destination service is slow to respond, a dedicated-line label alone may not solve the problem.
What to check: Test your apps on the networks and at the times you normally use them. Don’t assume a route performs well based on its name alone.
RelayForwarded from an entry point to an exit
A route organized around an entry point and an exit
A relay route connects first to a designated entry point, which then forwards traffic to the destination exit. This offers an alternative to a direct international connection, with the entry and exit regions arranged separately. An extra forwarding hop does not necessarily mean a slower connection; what matters is how well those parts connect on your current network.
Relay routes require forwarding resources and interconnection, with costs that depend on the specific route and setup. There is no universal rule that they fall between dedicated lines and direct connections. Relays can be worth trying for everyday browsing, streaming, or cross-border work. If access is slow, check both the entry connection and the destination service instead of assuming distance is the cause.
What to check: Keep the destination service the same and compare different entry points or route types to see which works better on your local network.
DirectClient connects to the destination exit
A simpler route; performance depends on public internet interconnection
A direct route generally means the client connects to the destination exit without an additional relay entry point provided by the service. Its simpler structure can make it easier to distinguish between issues with your local connection, the public international route, and the destination exit. “Direct” describes how the connection is arranged, not a promise about physical distance or connection quality.
Direct routes generally require fewer additional forwarding resources, but public internet performance can still vary with your provider, time of day, and routing changes. They can be useful for everyday access or as an alternative route. If a regular relay entry point has a problem, a direct connection can also help narrow down where it occurs. Decide whether it suits ongoing use based on how your apps perform, not simply the number of route hops.
What to check: Confirm your local network can connect to the exit, then check whether the destination app accepts that exit and region.
These cost differences are general explanations of how route types are arranged. They do not mean VPNHead charges different rates for each route label or that every plan includes a fixed proportion of any route type. Refer to the plan details and the route directory in your account when choosing a plan.