Xray, VLESS, Reality
Xray is the program on the server that actually forwards traffic; VLESS is the protocol it speaks with your app; Reality is a disguise that makes a node look like an ordinary HTTPS website.
Think of it like this
Xray is the driver, VLESS is the password between driver and passenger, Reality dresses the private car up as an ordinary taxi.
In this setup
The main node uses VLESS + Reality (port 443), disguised as the certificate site on your own IP — it does not borrow anyone else's site. The backup node uses VLESS + TLS (port 2443). The Xray version is pinned because newer versions stopped Shadowrocket from connecting.
Common misconceptions
- "A disguise means it can never be blocked": nothing is foolproof; if the IP is restricted somewhere, change the IP.
Related: Proxy, VPN, node, "airport", 3x-ui, HTTPS and certificates