When to Use (or Not Use) RunPod's Proxy

RunPod's proxy system facilitates easy access to pods by utilizing Cloudflare, allowing users to connect without making configuration changes, but it comes with certain trade-offs such as increased latency and potential network interruptions. The proxy ensures consistent access to pods regardless of network changes by using a fixed URL format, although it may introduce latency due to additional network hops and has a default timeout of 100 seconds for inactive connections, which can impact large operations like those involving hosted LLMs. Users can bypass the proxy by adjusting the template to switch from HTTP to TCP ports and using the Connect -> TCP Port Mapping to find the correct IP and ports, though this method lacks the ability to set specific ports permanently. While the proxy offers streamlined access and standardization, users must weigh its convenience against potential drawbacks and decide based on their specific needs.