> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://rdswiki.raftmodding.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://rdswiki.raftmodding.com/readme/introducing-rtcp-our-custom-networking-layer.md).

# Introducing RTCP (Our custom networking layer)

As said above, RTCP relies on the **TCP/IP(\*)** protocol, this allows us to provide dedicated servers without using Steam Networking and without being limited on the bandwidth etc..\
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As we are using a different networking layer than the original game, **vanilla users(\*)** won't be able to join dedicated servers that uses this networking layer.\
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As we don't rely on the steam services anymore, we needed a way to verify that users aren't using a pirated version and that they really own the account they are trying to join the server with.\
That's why when using RTCP you will need a [Steam Web API Key](https://steamcommunity.com/dev/apikey) which will allow your server to ask steam for authentication verification.\
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Side Note : The steam API also have some benefits as it will allow you to reject users that are VAC banned, Publisher banned or users using family sharing.<br>

\* Vanilla Users : Users that are playing the original game without Raft Mod Loader.\
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\* TCP/IP : (Transport Control Protocol) provides reliable data transmission service with end-to-end error detection and correction.