Relayed: Re-route traffic through an entry point
A relayed route connects to an entry point first, which then forwards traffic to the regional exit. An extra step does not necessarily mean a worse experience. The overall connection may be more consistent when your local network connects well to the entry point or when the forwarding route better suits the destination. Focus on route quality, not simply the number of steps.
Relayed routes require entry points, forwarding resources, and exits to be maintained. Costs vary with the architecture and resources involved, so there is no single fixed price difference. Compare them for everyday browsing, remote collaboration, or streaming. If a route’s performance changes, try another route in the same region first; changing the exit region as well can make troubleshooting harder.