Bridge & your devices · Staying connected
What does the Path line mean on a connected Bridge device?
Short answer: “Direct” means your devices reach each other straight across — the fastest link. A slower path means there's no direct route between the networks, often due to a mobile hotspot; Bridge stays end-to-end encrypted, just slower.
The Path line shows how your two devices are reaching each other. Direct means they connect straight across — the fastest kind of link, and always the case on the same Wi-Fi.
If the Path is marked as slower, there's no direct route between the two networks, so traffic takes a longer way round. It's still fully end-to-end encrypted, just slower. This usually happens when one device is on a mobile hotspot.
For the best speed, put both devices on the same Wi-Fi. If one must stay on a hotspot, start the connection from that device.