STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT)

STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) is a protocol that helps devices behind NAT (Network Address Translation) find their public IP addresses and ports. When devices communicate over the internet, NAT often hides their real addresses, making direct connections difficult. STUN allows a device to discover its public-facing address by connecting to a special server. This information enables applications like voice or video calls to establish peer-to-peer connections, ensuring data flows directly between devices without needing complex configurations. In essence, STUN simplifies the process of establishing reliable internet connections across different network setups.