# Hole-punchability

{% hint style="info" %}
**If your network is "not hole-punchable," you may have trouble connecting to other peers.** This may be due to your network configuration.
{% endhint %}

Beaker's peer-to-peer networking relies on "hole-punching," a technique which makes your device accessible to people outside of your local network.

In some cases, hole-punching may fail. This will be indicated by Beaker in the top right:

![](https://3230537287-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LvGfMSYfHlK61i8WW-1%2F-M5wmT7AHANv5Kz3BNEl%2F-M5woYAq-M01YWP8xkMZ%2Fnot-hole-punchable.png?alt=media\&token=c7428937-d0c6-4103-9e9a-9fea5154d4c9)

This doesn't mean that **all** connections will fail, but it does mean that the odds of failed connection are higher.

## Why does this happen and what can I do?

Some network routers and VPNs do not support hole-punching. If you're using a VPN, try disabling it. You may also need to try other networks.

We're working on ways to ensure connectivity even if hole-punching fails. Sorry if this is an ongoing problem for you!
