# Data-flow diagram

The diagram shows how one browser tab reaches a website through Vantage.

## Reading the diagram

- The **data path** goes from your browser tab to the broker, then over the encrypted mesh to an exit node, then to the website. The website only sees the exit node's IP address.
- The **control plane** (the controller, sign-in, the mesh service and the database) only chooses an exit. It never carries your browsing traffic.

## Controls

- **Packets** starts or stops the moving packets. Motion is off by default if your device asks for reduced motion.
- **Encryption** highlights the encrypted segments.
- **Control plane** shows or dims the control-plane services.
- **Fit** zooms the diagram to fit the screen.

Select a part of the diagram to read about it in the **Details** panel. The same information is in this help text, so you do not need a mouse to follow it.

## Live fleet

Below the diagram is a live 3D view of real exit nodes. Colour shows state: green is online, amber is deploying, cyan is idle and grey is paused. Use **Pause animation** to stop the rotation and moving particles.

[All help topics](/help)