Global Discovery (EN)

Definition

Global Discovery is an optional feature in Syncthing that allows devices to find each other over the internet when they are not in the same local network. This function uses public directory services to discover devices in the network. For maximum security, Global Discovery can be disabled to prevent devices from being publicly visible and to connect only through manual device ID entry.

Architecture

flowchart LR   A[Device 1] -->|Global Discovery| B[Public Directory Service]   C[Device 2] -->|Global Discovery| B   B -->|Device Entry| A   B -->|Device Entry| C   D[Device 3] -->|Manual Entry| A   D -->|Manual Entry| C 

In Context

• Typically used together with Local Discovery
• Related to: Device ID, NAT Traversal, Relay Server
• Example use case: Synchronization between different locations without fixed IP addresses