How to install Trojan on Ubuntu?

Trojan requires compiling from source using CMake and dependencies like Boost and OpenSSL. Check the project's wiki for step-by-step guides, but be prepared for manual setup and configuration.

Trojan vs Shadowsocks: which is better for bypassing GFW?

Trojan uses TLS obfuscation to mimic HTTPS, making it stealthier against deep packet inspection, while Shadowsocks is simpler but may be more detectable. Trojan is often preferred for long-term evasion in heavily censored areas.

Does Trojan work on Windows?

Yes, but it involves compiling from source or using pre-built binaries from the wiki. Setup is more complex than on Linux, and you may need to configure clients separately for optimal performance.

How secure is Trojan compared to a VPN?

Trojan focuses on obfuscation to avoid detection, using TLS for encryption similar to HTTPS. However, it doesn't provide the same level of anonymity or features as full VPNs, which might offer better privacy in non-censored contexts.

Can Trojan be detected by firewalls?

Trojan is designed to evade detection by mimicking legitimate traffic, but advanced firewalls with behavioral analysis might still identify anomalies. Regular updates and configuration tweaks are recommended to maintain stealth.

What ports should I use for Trojan?

Trojan typically uses port 443 to blend in with HTTPS traffic, but any port can be configured. Using common web ports helps maintain the illusion of normal web services, reducing suspicion.

trojan — TLS-Based Proxy to Bypass Firewalls

What is trojan?

Trojan is an open-source network proxy tool that uses TLS encryption to disguise internet traffic as normal HTTPS connections. It is specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall of China (GFW) by making traffic appear indistinguishable from legitimate web services. The tool helps users avoid detection and censorship by imitating common internet protocols.

Target Audience

Users in regions with heavy internet censorship, such as China, who need reliable and stealthy access to the open internet. It is also suitable for privacy-conscious individuals and researchers studying network circumvention techniques.

Value Proposition

Trojan offers a highly stealthy approach to bypassing firewalls by perfectly mimicking standard TLS traffic, making it difficult for deep packet inspection to identify. Unlike traditional VPNs, it focuses on obfuscation and protocol imitation to provide a more resilient solution against advanced censorship mechanisms.

Overview

An unidentifiable mechanism that helps you bypass GFW.

Use Cases

Best For

Bypassing the Great Firewall of China (GFW) undetected
Accessing blocked websites and services in censored regions
Evading ISP throttling and QoS limitations
Researching network censorship and circumvention techniques
Securing internet traffic with TLS-based obfuscation
Running stealthy proxies for privacy protection

Not Ideal For

Users needing simple, plug-and-play VPN solutions for general privacy
Applications requiring ultra-low latency, like online gaming or real-time video streaming
Organizations in legally strict environments where circumvention tools are prohibited
General anonymity seekers without specific censorship threats, where tools like Tor might be more appropriate

Pros & Cons

Pros

Stealthy Traffic Obfuscation

Encapsulates traffic within standard TLS connections to appear as normal HTTPS, making it difficult for firewalls like GFW to detect through deep packet inspection.

Multi-Protocol Evasion

Works over various protocols to avoid both active and passive monitoring, enhancing resilience against advanced censorship techniques.

ISP Throttling Bypass

Helps circumvent Internet Service Provider quality-of-service limitations, ensuring more stable and consistent access speeds in restricted regions.

Philosophical Stealth Approach

Based on imitating common web services, aiming for permanent undetectability, which is a core idea rather than just a fixed protocol.

Cons

Complex Build Dependencies

Requires CMake, Boost, OpenSSL, and libmysqlclient for compilation, making installation and setup non-trivial compared to binary-distributed tools.

Niche Use Case Limitation

Specifically optimized for bypassing GFW, so it lacks features like kill switches or multi-hop routing found in general-purpose VPNs.

Sparse Initial Documentation

Relies on online docs and a wiki, which can be fragmented and require users to piece together configuration steps, especially for beginners.

trojan

What is trojan?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

trojan

What is trojan?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?