diff --git a/include/opendht/callbacks.h b/include/opendht/callbacks.h
index ef142fca..9f6c8603 100644
--- a/include/opendht/callbacks.h
+++ b/include/opendht/callbacks.h
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 #include "infohash.h"
 #include "value.h"
+#include "transport.h"
 
 #include <vector>
 #include <memory>
@@ -97,7 +98,7 @@ struct OPENDHT_PUBLIC NodeInfo
  */
 struct OPENDHT_PUBLIC Config
 {
-    /** DHT node ID */
+    /** DHT node ID. Ignored if transport encryption is enabled: the node ID derives from the transport key. */
     InfoHash node_id {};
 
     /**
@@ -143,6 +144,9 @@ struct OPENDHT_PUBLIC Config
 
     /* Client mode, node will not be used by other nodes to store data. */
     bool client_mode {false};
+
+    /** Encryption of the DHT protocol, and optional private network */
+    TransportConfig transport {};
 };
 
 /**
diff --git a/include/opendht/network_engine.h b/include/opendht/network_engine.h
index 8eb39d47..cf4a67c5 100644
--- a/include/opendht/network_engine.h
+++ b/include/opendht/network_engine.h
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
 #include "rate_limiter.h"
 #include "logger.h"
 #include "network_utils.h"
+#include "transport.h"
 
 #include <vector>
 #include <string>
@@ -37,6 +38,8 @@ struct NetworkConfig
     ssize_t max_req_per_sec {0};
     ssize_t max_peer_req_per_sec {0};
     bool is_client {false};
+    /** Transport encryption is used only if enabled and a key is set */
+    TransportConfig transport {};
 };
 
 class DhtProtocolException : public DhtException
@@ -214,6 +217,9 @@ public:
 
     net::DatagramSocket* getSocket() const { return dht_socket.get(); };
 
+    /** Our transport key, or nullptr if transport encryption is disabled */
+    const transport::KeyPair* getTransportKey() const { return transport_ ? &config.transport.key : nullptr; }
+
     void clear();
 
     /**
@@ -487,10 +493,35 @@ private:
     static constexpr unsigned BLACKLISTED_MAX {10};
 
     static constexpr size_t MTU {1280};
+    /* Value fragment size for encrypted peers, keeping packets close to the MTU */
+    static constexpr size_t ENCRYPTED_FRAGMENT_SIZE {MTU - transport::MAX_ENVELOPE_OVERHEAD};
     static constexpr size_t MAX_PACKET_VALUE_SIZE {600};
     static constexpr size_t MAX_MESSAGE_VALUE_SIZE {56 * 1024};
     static constexpr size_t RX_MAX_EARLY_BYTES {MAX_MESSAGE_VALUE_SIZE + MAX_VALUE_SIZE + 32};
-    static constexpr size_t RX_MAX_EARLY_PARTS {RX_MAX_EARLY_BYTES / MTU + 2};
+    static constexpr size_t RX_MAX_EARLY_PARTS {RX_MAX_EARLY_BYTES / ENCRYPTED_FRAGMENT_SIZE + 2};
+
+    struct OpenedEnvelope
+    {
+        Sp<transport::Peer> peer;
+        Blob payload;
+    };
+    std::optional<OpenedEnvelope> openEnvelope(const uint8_t* buf, size_t buflen, const SockAddr& from);
+    bool authorize(transport::Peer& peer, const uint8_t* credential, size_t size) const;
+    const transport::Key* sharedKey(transport::Peer& peer) const;
+    void attachPeer(Node& node, const Sp<transport::Peer>& peer);
+    Sp<transport::Peer> makePeer(const InfoHash& id, const transport::Key& key) const;
+
+    /* Advertise our transport key in plaintext messages to nodes not known to support encryption */
+    bool advertiseKey(const Node& node) const
+    {
+        return transport_ and not config.transport.isPrivate() and not node.getTransport();
+    }
+    /* Number of optional top-level fields packed by packOptionalFields */
+    unsigned optionalFields(bool key) const
+    {
+        return (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0) + (key ? 1 : 0);
+    }
+    void packOptionalFields(msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer>& pk, bool key) const;
 
     void process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&&, const SockAddr& from);
     bool isExpectedReply(const ParsedMessage&, const SockAddr& from);
@@ -521,9 +552,11 @@ private:
     };
 
     // basic wrapper for socket sendto function
-    int send(const SockAddr& addr, const char* buf, size_t len, bool confirmed = false);
+    int sendRaw(const SockAddr& addr, const uint8_t* buf, size_t len, bool confirmed = false);
+    // send to a node, encrypted if supported
+    int send(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, const char* buf, size_t len, bool confirmed = false);
 
-    void sendValueParts(Tid tid, const std::vector<Blob>& svals, const SockAddr& addr);
+    void sendValueParts(Tid tid, const std::vector<Blob>& svals, const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr);
     std::vector<Blob> packValueHeader(msgpack::sbuffer&,
                                       std::vector<Sp<Value>>::const_iterator,
                                       std::vector<Sp<Value>>::const_iterator) const;
@@ -538,31 +571,44 @@ private:
      *  Answers  *
      *************/
     /* answer to a ping  request */
-    void sendPong(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid);
+    void sendPong(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid);
+    struct BufferedNodes
+    {
+        Blob nodes4, nodes6;
+        /* transport keys, aligned with nodes, zeros if unknown. Empty if none is known. */
+        Blob keys4, keys6;
+    };
     /* answer to findnodes/getvalues request */
-    void sendNodesValues(const SockAddr& addr,
+    void sendNodesValues(const Node& node,
+                         const SockAddr& addr,
                          Tid tid,
-                         const Blob& nodes,
-                         const Blob& nodes6,
+                         const BufferedNodes& nodes,
                          const std::vector<Sp<Value>>& st,
                          const Query& query,
                          const Blob& token);
-    Blob bufferNodes(sa_family_t af, const InfoHash& id, std::vector<Sp<Node>>& nodes);
+    std::pair<Blob, Blob> bufferNodes(sa_family_t af, const InfoHash& id, std::vector<Sp<Node>>& nodes);
 
-    std::pair<Blob, Blob> bufferNodes(
+    BufferedNodes bufferNodes(
         sa_family_t af, const InfoHash& id, want_t want, std::vector<Sp<Node>>& nodes, std::vector<Sp<Node>>& nodes6);
     /* answer to a listen request */
-    void sendListenConfirmation(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, const Blob& token = {});
+    void sendListenConfirmation(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, const Blob& token = {});
     /* answer to put request */
-    void sendValueAnnounced(const SockAddr& addr, Tid, Value::Id);
+    void sendValueAnnounced(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, Tid, Value::Id);
     /* answer in case of error */
-    void sendError(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, uint16_t code, const std::string& message, bool include_id = false);
+    void sendError(const Node& node,
+                   const SockAddr& addr,
+                   Tid tid,
+                   uint16_t code,
+                   const std::string& message,
+                   bool include_id = false);
 
     void deserializeNodes(ParsedMessage& msg, const SockAddr& from);
 
     /* DHT info */
     const InfoHash& myid;
     const NetworkConfig config {};
+    const bool transport_ {false};
+    const Blob credential_ {};
     const std::unique_ptr<DatagramSocket> dht_socket;
     Sp<Logger> logger_;
     std::mt19937_64& rd;
diff --git a/include/opendht/node.h b/include/opendht/node.h
index 8b5b6135..f3f312ef 100644
--- a/include/opendht/node.h
+++ b/include/opendht/node.h
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@ struct Request;
 struct Socket;
 struct RequestAnswer;
 } /* namespace net */
+namespace transport {
+struct Peer;
+}
 
 using Tid = uint32_t;
 using SocketCb = std::function<void(const Sp<Node>&, net::RequestAnswer&&)>;
@@ -46,6 +49,10 @@ struct Node
     bool isClient() const { return is_client; }
     bool isIncoming() { return time > reply_time; }
 
+    /** Transport encryption state, if the node is known to support it */
+    const Sp<transport::Peer>& getTransport() const { return transport_; }
+    void setTransport(const Sp<transport::Peer>& peer) { transport_ = peer; }
+
     const time_point& getTime() const { return time; }
     const time_point& getReplyTime() const { return reply_time; }
     void setTime(const time_point& t) { time = t; }
@@ -155,6 +162,7 @@ private:
 
     std::map<Tid, Sp<net::Request>> requests_ {};
     std::map<Tid, Sp<Socket>> sockets_;
+    Sp<transport::Peer> transport_ {};
 };
 
 } // namespace dht
diff --git a/src/dht.cpp b/src/dht.cpp
index ba8fad30..c6955eab 100644
--- a/src/dht.cpp
+++ b/src/dht.cpp
@@ -1987,6 +1987,18 @@ fromDhtConfig(const Config& config)
     netConf.max_peer_req_per_sec = config.max_peer_req_per_sec ? config.max_peer_req_per_sec
                                                                : netConf.max_req_per_sec / 8;
     netConf.is_client = config.client_mode;
+    netConf.transport = config.transport;
+    auto& transport = netConf.transport;
+    if (transport.isPrivate() and not transport.enabled)
+        throw DhtException("Private networks require transport encryption");
+    if (transport.enabled and not transport.key)
+        transport.key = transport::KeyPair::generate();
+    if (transport.isPrivate()) {
+        if (transport.credential.key != transport.key.pub)
+            throw DhtException("Transport credential doesn't match the transport key");
+        if (not transport.credential.verify(transport.authorities))
+            throw DhtException("Invalid or expired transport credential");
+    }
     return netConf;
 }
 
@@ -2024,6 +2036,8 @@ Dht::Dht(std::unique_ptr<net::DatagramSocket>&& sock,
     , maintain_storage(config.maintain_storage)
     , public_stable(config.public_stable)
 {
+    if (auto key = network_engine.getTransportKey())
+        myid = transport::nodeId(key->pub);
     scheduler.syncTime();
     auto s = network_engine.getSocket();
     if (not s or (not s->hasIPv4() and not s->hasIPv6()))
@@ -2053,6 +2067,9 @@ Dht::Dht(std::unique_ptr<net::DatagramSocket>&& sock,
 
     if (logger_)
         logger_->debug("DHT node initialised with ID {:s}", myid);
+    if (config.transport.isPrivate() and logger_
+        and config.transport.credential.expiration < std::chrono::system_clock::now() + std::chrono::hours(24 * 7))
+        logger_->warn("Transport credential expires in less than a week");
 }
 
 bool
@@ -2948,7 +2965,7 @@ Dht::loadState(const std::string& path)
             auto state = oh.get().as<DhtState>();
             if (logger_)
                 logger_->debug("Importing {} nodes", state.nodes.size());
-            if (state.id)
+            if (state.id and not network_engine.getTransportKey())
                 myid = state.id;
             std::vector<Sp<Node>> tmpNodes;
             tmpNodes.reserve(state.nodes.size());
diff --git a/src/network_engine.cpp b/src/network_engine.cpp
index e5f04073..015f7800 100644
--- a/src/network_engine.cpp
+++ b/src/network_engine.cpp
@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ NetworkEngine::NetworkEngine(InfoHash& myid,
     , onRefresh(std::move(onRefresh))
     , myid(myid)
     , config(c)
+    , transport_(config.transport.enabled and config.transport.key)
+    , credential_(transport_ and config.transport.isPrivate() ? config.transport.credential.pack() : Blob {})
     , dht_socket(std::move(sock))
     , logger_(log)
     , rd(rand)
@@ -161,7 +163,7 @@ NetworkEngine::tellListener(const Sp<Node>& node,
         if (version >= 1) {
             sendUpdateValues(node, hash, std::move(values), scheduler.time(), ntoken, socket_id);
         } else {
-            sendNodesValues(node->getAddr(), socket_id, nnodes.first, nnodes.second, std::move(values), query, ntoken);
+            sendNodesValues(*node, node->getAddr(), socket_id, nnodes, std::move(values), query, ntoken);
         }
     } catch (const std::overflow_error& e) {
         if (logger_)
@@ -179,8 +181,9 @@ NetworkEngine::tellListenerRefreshed(const Sp<Node>& n,
 {
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
 
-    pk.pack_map(4 + (version >= 1 ? 1 : 0) + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    pk.pack_map(4 + (version >= 1 ? 1 : 0) + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(version >= 1 ? KEY_A : KEY_U);
     pk.pack_map(1 + (version >= 1 ? 1 : 0) + (not values.empty() ? 1 : 0) + (not token.empty() ? 1 : 0));
@@ -205,14 +208,7 @@ NetworkEngine::tellListenerRefreshed(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(version >= 1 ? KEY_Q : KEY_R);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     if (version >= 1) {
         Tid tid(n->getNewTid());
@@ -237,7 +233,7 @@ NetworkEngine::tellListenerRefreshed(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(socket_id);
 
     // send response
-    send(n->getAddr(), buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+    send(*n, n->getAddr(), buffer.data(), buffer.size());
 }
 
 void
@@ -250,8 +246,9 @@ NetworkEngine::tellListenerExpired(const Sp<Node>& n,
 {
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
 
-    pk.pack_map(4 + (version >= 1 ? 1 : 0) + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    pk.pack_map(4 + (version >= 1 ? 1 : 0) + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(version >= 1 ? KEY_A : KEY_U);
     pk.pack_map(1 + (version >= 1 ? 1 : 0) + (not values.empty() ? 1 : 0) + (not token.empty() ? 1 : 0));
@@ -276,14 +273,7 @@ NetworkEngine::tellListenerExpired(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(version >= 1 ? KEY_Q : KEY_R);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     if (version >= 1) {
         Tid tid(n->getNewTid());
@@ -308,7 +298,7 @@ NetworkEngine::tellListenerExpired(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(socket_id);
 
     // send response
-    send(n->getAddr(), buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+    send(*n, n->getAddr(), buffer.data(), buffer.size());
 }
 
 bool
@@ -364,7 +354,11 @@ NetworkEngine::requestStep(Sp<Request> sreq)
             req.on_expired(req, false);
     }
 
-    auto err = send(node.getAddr(), (char*) req.msg.data(), req.msg.size(), node.getReplyTime() < now - UDP_REPLY_TIME);
+    auto err = send(node,
+                    node.getAddr(),
+                    (char*) req.msg.data(),
+                    req.msg.size(),
+                    node.getReplyTime() < now - UDP_REPLY_TIME);
     if (err == ENETUNREACH || err == EHOSTUNREACH || err == EAFNOSUPPORT || err == EPIPE || err == EPERM) {
         node.setExpired();
         if (not node.id)
@@ -376,7 +370,7 @@ NetworkEngine::requestStep(Sp<Request> sreq)
             req.attempt_duration += req.attempt_duration
                                     + uniform_duration_distribution<>(0ms, ((duration) Node::MAX_RESPONSE_TIME) / 4)(rd);
             if (not req.parts.empty()) {
-                sendValueParts(req.tid, req.parts, node.getAddr());
+                sendValueParts(req.tid, req.parts, node, node.getAddr());
             }
         }
         std::weak_ptr<Request> wreq = sreq;
@@ -480,6 +474,19 @@ NetworkEngine::processMessage(const uint8_t* buf, size_t buflen, SockAddr f)
         return;
     }
 
+    std::optional<OpenedEnvelope> envelope;
+    if (transport::isEnvelope(buf, buflen)) {
+        if (not transport_)
+            return;
+        envelope = openEnvelope(buf, buflen, from);
+        if (not envelope)
+            return;
+        buf = envelope->payload.data();
+        buflen = envelope->payload.size();
+    } else if (transport_ and config.transport.isPrivate()) {
+        return;
+    }
+
     auto msg = std::make_unique<ParsedMessage>();
     try {
         msgpack::unpacked msg_res = msgpack::unpack((const char*) buf, buflen);
@@ -498,6 +505,19 @@ NetworkEngine::processMessage(const uint8_t* buf, size_t buflen, SockAddr f)
         return;
     }
 
+    if (envelope) {
+        // value fragments carry no node ID
+        if (msg->type != MessageType::ValueData and msg->id != transport::nodeId(envelope->peer->key)) {
+            if (logger_)
+                logger_->warn("Dropping encrypted message from {}: node ID doesn't match its key", from.toString());
+            return;
+        }
+        msg->peer = std::move(envelope->peer);
+        msg->encrypted = true;
+    } else if (transport_ and msg->transport_key) {
+        msg->peer = makePeer(msg->id, *msg->transport_key);
+    }
+
     const auto& now = scheduler.time();
 
     // partial value data
@@ -626,9 +646,24 @@ void
 NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& from)
 {
     const auto& now = scheduler.time();
-    auto node = cache.getNode(msg->id, from, now, true, msg->is_client);
+    // Plaintext can be spoofed: it never moves a node known to support encryption to a new address.
+    Sp<Node> node;
+    bool trusted = msg->encrypted;
+    if (not trusted) {
+        node = cache.getNode(msg->id, from.getFamily());
+        if (not node or not node->getTransport() or node->getAddr() == from) {
+            node.reset();
+            trusted = true;
+        }
+    }
+    if (not node)
+        node = cache.getNode(msg->id, from, now, true, msg->is_client);
+    if (msg->peer)
+        attachPeer(*node, msg->peer);
 
     if (msg->type == MessageType::ValueUpdate) {
+        if (not trusted)
+            return;
         auto rsocket = node->getSocket(msg->tid);
         if (not rsocket)
             throw DhtProtocolException {DhtProtocolException::UNKNOWN_TID, "Unable to find socket", msg->id};
@@ -642,6 +677,10 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                 logger_->warn("Unable to deserialize nodes {}", e.what());
         }
     } else if (msg->type == MessageType::Error or msg->type == MessageType::Reply) {
+        if (not trusted)
+            return;
+        if (msg->encrypted)
+            node->getTransport()->acked = true;
         auto rsocket = node->getSocket(msg->tid);
         auto req = node->getRequest(msg->tid);
 
@@ -724,9 +763,11 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
             break;
         }
     } else {
-        node->received(now, {});
-        if (not node->isClient())
-            onNewNode(node, 1);
+        if (trusted) {
+            node->received(now, {});
+            if (not node->isClient())
+                onNewNode(node, 1);
+        }
         try {
             switch (msg->type) {
             case MessageType::Ping:
@@ -735,7 +776,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                     if (logger_)
                         logger_->debug("[node {}] sending pong", node->toString());
                 onPing(node);
-                sendPong(from, msg->tid);
+                sendPong(*node, from, msg->tid);
                 break;
             case MessageType::FindNode: {
                 // if (logger_)
@@ -744,7 +785,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                 ++in_stats.find;
                 RequestAnswer answer = onFindNode(node, msg->target, msg->want);
                 auto nnodes = bufferNodes(from.getFamily(), msg->target, msg->want, answer.nodes4, answer.nodes6);
-                sendNodesValues(from, msg->tid, nnodes.first, nnodes.second, {}, {}, answer.ntoken);
+                sendNodesValues(*node, from, msg->tid, nnodes, {}, {}, answer.ntoken);
                 break;
             }
             case MessageType::GetValues: {
@@ -754,7 +795,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                 ++in_stats.get;
                 RequestAnswer answer = onGetValues(node, msg->info_hash, msg->want, msg->query);
                 auto nnodes = bufferNodes(from.getFamily(), msg->info_hash, msg->want, answer.nodes4, answer.nodes6);
-                sendNodesValues(from, msg->tid, nnodes.first, nnodes.second, answer.values, msg->query, answer.ntoken);
+                sendNodesValues(*node, from, msg->tid, nnodes, answer.values, msg->query, answer.ntoken);
                 break;
             }
             case MessageType::AnnounceValue: {
@@ -767,7 +808,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                    This is to prevent them from backtracking, and hence
                    polluting the DHT. */
                 for (auto& v : msg->values) {
-                    sendValueAnnounced(from, msg->tid, v->id);
+                    sendValueAnnounced(*node, from, msg->tid, v->id);
                 }
                 break;
             }
@@ -778,7 +819,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                                    msg->info_hash.toString());
                 onRefresh(node, msg->info_hash, msg->token, msg->value_id);
                 /* Same note as above in MessageType::AnnounceValue applies. */
-                sendValueAnnounced(from, msg->tid, msg->value_id);
+                sendValueAnnounced(*node, from, msg->tid, msg->value_id);
                 break;
             case MessageType::Listen: {
                 if (logIncoming_ and logger_)
@@ -787,7 +828,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                 RequestAnswer answer
                     = onListen(node, msg->info_hash, msg->token, msg->socket_id, std::move(msg->query), msg->version);
                 auto nnodes = bufferNodes(from.getFamily(), msg->info_hash, msg->want, answer.nodes4, answer.nodes6);
-                sendListenConfirmation(from, msg->tid, answer.ntoken);
+                sendListenConfirmation(*node, from, msg->tid, answer.ntoken);
                 break;
             }
             case MessageType::UpdateValue: {
@@ -800,7 +841,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
                     logger_->error("[node {}] 'update' request without socket for {}",
                                    node->toString(),
                                    msg->info_hash.toString());
-                sendListenConfirmation(from, msg->tid);
+                sendListenConfirmation(*node, from, msg->tid);
                 break;
             }
             default:
@@ -810,7 +851,7 @@ NetworkEngine::process(std::unique_ptr<ParsedMessage>&& msg, const SockAddr& fro
             if (logger_)
                 logger_->e("Unable to send value: buffer not large enough.");
         } catch (const DhtProtocolException& e) {
-            sendError(from, msg->tid, e.getCode(), e.getMsg().c_str(), true);
+            sendError(*node, from, msg->tid, e.getCode(), e.getMsg().c_str(), true);
         }
     }
 }
@@ -827,10 +868,151 @@ insertAddr(msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer>& pk, const SockAddr& addr)
     pk.pack_bin_body((char*) addr_ptr, addr_len);
 }
 
-int
-NetworkEngine::send(const SockAddr& addr, const char* buf, size_t len, bool confirmed)
+void
+NetworkEngine::packOptionalFields(msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer>& pk, bool key) const
 {
-    return dht_socket ? dht_socket->sendTo(addr, (const uint8_t*) buf, len, confirmed) : ENOTCONN;
+    if (config.network) {
+        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
+        pk.pack(config.network);
+    }
+    if (config.is_client) {
+        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
+        pk.pack(config.is_client);
+    }
+    if (key) {
+        const auto& pub = config.transport.key.pub;
+        pk.pack(KEY_TRANSPORT);
+        pk.pack_bin(pub.size());
+        pk.pack_bin_body((const char*) pub.data(), pub.size());
+    }
+}
+
+const transport::Key*
+NetworkEngine::sharedKey(transport::Peer& peer) const
+{
+    if (not peer.shared)
+        peer.shared = transport::deriveSharedKey(config.transport.key, peer.key, config.network);
+    return peer.shared ? &*peer.shared : nullptr;
+}
+
+Sp<transport::Peer>
+NetworkEngine::makePeer(const InfoHash& id, const transport::Key& key) const
+{
+    if (key == transport::Key {} or transport::nodeId(key) != id)
+        return {};
+    return std::make_shared<transport::Peer>(key);
+}
+
+void
+NetworkEngine::attachPeer(Node& node, const Sp<transport::Peer>& peer)
+{
+    const auto& current = node.getTransport();
+    if (not current) {
+        node.setTransport(peer);
+    } else if (current != peer) {
+        // Both keys match the node ID, so they are the same
+        current->authorizedUntil = std::max(current->authorizedUntil, peer->authorizedUntil);
+        if (not current->shared)
+            current->shared = peer->shared;
+    }
+}
+
+bool
+NetworkEngine::authorize(transport::Peer& peer, const uint8_t* data, size_t size) const
+{
+    if (peer.isAuthorized(std::chrono::system_clock::now()))
+        return true;
+    try {
+        auto credential = transport::Credential::unpack(data, size);
+        if (credential.key != peer.key or not credential.verify(config.transport.authorities))
+            return false;
+        peer.authorizedUntil = credential.expiration;
+        return true;
+    } catch (const std::exception&) {
+        return false;
+    }
+}
+
+std::optional<NetworkEngine::OpenedEnvelope>
+NetworkEngine::openEnvelope(const uint8_t* buf, size_t buflen, const SockAddr& from)
+{
+    using transport::EnvelopeType;
+    constexpr size_t CREDENTIAL_SIZE = transport::Credential::PACKED_SIZE;
+    const auto type = static_cast<EnvelopeType>(buf[1]);
+    transport::Key sender;
+    std::copy_n(buf + 2, sender.size(), sender.begin());
+    if (sender == config.transport.key.pub)
+        return std::nullopt;
+
+    Sp<transport::Peer> peer;
+    if (auto node = cache.getNode(transport::nodeId(sender), from.getFamily()))
+        peer = node->getTransport();
+    if (not peer)
+        peer = std::make_shared<transport::Peer>(sender);
+
+    const bool isPrivate = config.transport.isPrivate();
+    if (type == EnvelopeType::Hello) {
+        constexpr size_t credentialEnd = transport::HEADER_SIZE + CREDENTIAL_SIZE;
+        if (not isPrivate or buflen <= credentialEnd or not rateLimit(from)
+            or not authorize(*peer, buf + transport::HEADER_SIZE, CREDENTIAL_SIZE))
+            return std::nullopt;
+        return OpenedEnvelope {std::move(peer), Blob(buf + credentialEnd, buf + buflen)};
+    }
+    if (type != EnvelopeType::Data and type != EnvelopeType::DataCredential)
+        return std::nullopt;
+
+    // Key agreement is the costly part of an unknown sender
+    if (not peer->shared and not rateLimit(from))
+        return std::nullopt;
+    auto key = sharedKey(*peer);
+    if (not key)
+        return std::nullopt;
+    auto payload = transport::open(*key, buf, buflen);
+    if (not payload) {
+        if (logger_)
+            logger_->debug("Unable to decrypt message from {}", from.toString());
+        return std::nullopt;
+    }
+    if (type == EnvelopeType::DataCredential) {
+        if (payload->size() < CREDENTIAL_SIZE or (isPrivate and not authorize(*peer, payload->data(), CREDENTIAL_SIZE)))
+            return std::nullopt;
+        payload->erase(payload->begin(), payload->begin() + CREDENTIAL_SIZE);
+    } else if (isPrivate and not peer->isAuthorized(std::chrono::system_clock::now())) {
+        return std::nullopt;
+    }
+    return OpenedEnvelope {std::move(peer), std::move(*payload)};
+}
+
+int
+NetworkEngine::sendRaw(const SockAddr& addr, const uint8_t* buf, size_t len, bool confirmed)
+{
+    return dht_socket ? dht_socket->sendTo(addr, buf, len, confirmed) : ENOTCONN;
+}
+
+int
+NetworkEngine::send(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, const char* buf, size_t len, bool confirmed)
+{
+    const auto data = (const uint8_t*) buf;
+    if (not transport_)
+        return sendRaw(addr, data, len, confirmed);
+    const bool isPrivate = config.transport.isPrivate();
+    const auto& pub = config.transport.key.pub;
+    if (const auto& peer = node.getTransport()) {
+        if (auto key = sharedKey(*peer)) {
+            auto packet
+                = isPrivate and not peer->acked
+                      ? transport::seal(*key, pub, transport::EnvelopeType::DataCredential, data, len, credential_)
+                      : transport::seal(*key, pub, transport::EnvelopeType::Data, data, len);
+            return sendRaw(addr, packet.data(), packet.size(), confirmed);
+        }
+    } else if (isPrivate and not node.id) {
+        // ping to an address: introduce ourselves
+        auto packet = transport::hello(pub, credential_, data, len);
+        return sendRaw(addr, packet.data(), packet.size(), confirmed);
+    }
+    if (isPrivate)
+        return EPERM;
+    return sendRaw(addr, data, len, confirmed);
 }
 
 Sp<Request>
@@ -839,7 +1021,8 @@ NetworkEngine::sendPing(const Sp<Node>& node, RequestCb&& on_done, RequestExpire
     Tid tid(node->getNewTid());
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(5 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*node);
+    pk.pack_map(5 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_A);
     pk.pack_map(1);
@@ -854,14 +1037,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendPing(const Sp<Node>& node, RequestCb&& on_done, RequestExpire
     pk.pack(KEY_Q);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     auto req = std::make_shared<Request>(
         MessageType::Ping,
@@ -882,11 +1058,12 @@ NetworkEngine::sendPing(const Sp<Node>& node, RequestCb&& on_done, RequestExpire
 }
 
 void
-NetworkEngine::sendPong(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid)
+NetworkEngine::sendPong(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid)
 {
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(4 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(node);
+    pk.pack_map(4 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
     pk.pack_map(2);
@@ -900,16 +1077,9 @@ NetworkEngine::sendPong(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid)
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
-    send(addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+    send(node, addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
 }
 
 Sp<Request>
@@ -919,7 +1089,8 @@ NetworkEngine::sendFindNode(
     Tid tid(n->getNewTid());
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(5 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
+    pk.pack_map(5 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_A);
     pk.pack_map(2 + (want > 0 ? 1 : 0));
@@ -944,14 +1115,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendFindNode(
     pk.pack(KEY_Q);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     auto req = std::make_shared<Request>(
         MessageType::FindNode,
@@ -981,7 +1145,8 @@ NetworkEngine::sendGetValues(const Sp<Node>& n,
     Tid tid(n->getNewTid());
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(5 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
+    pk.pack_map(5 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     unsigned sendQuery = (not query.where.empty() or not query.select.empty()) ? 1 : 0;
     unsigned sendWant = (want > 0) ? 1 : 0;
@@ -1015,14 +1180,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendGetValues(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(KEY_Q);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     auto req = std::make_shared<Request>(
         MessageType::GetValues,
@@ -1070,6 +1228,14 @@ NetworkEngine::deserializeNodes(ParsedMessage& msg, const SockAddr& from)
     }
     // deserialize nodes
     const auto& now = scheduler.time();
+    const bool isPrivate = transport_ and config.transport.isPrivate();
+    auto listedPeer = [&](const Blob& keys, size_t count, size_t i, const InfoHash& id) -> Sp<transport::Peer> {
+        if (not transport_ or keys.size() != count * transport::KEY_SIZE)
+            return {};
+        transport::Key key;
+        std::copy_n(keys.data() + i * transport::KEY_SIZE, key.size(), key.begin());
+        return makePeer(id, key);
+    };
     for (unsigned i = 0, n = msg.nodes4_raw.size() / NODE4_INFO_BUF_LEN; i < n; i++) {
         const uint8_t* ni = msg.nodes4_raw.data() + i * NODE4_INFO_BUF_LEN;
         const auto& ni_id = *reinterpret_cast<const InfoHash*>(ni);
@@ -1083,7 +1249,12 @@ NetworkEngine::deserializeNodes(ParsedMessage& msg, const SockAddr& from)
         }
         if (isMartian(addr) || isNodeBlacklisted(addr))
             continue;
+        auto peer = listedPeer(msg.nodes4_keys, n, i, ni_id);
+        if (isPrivate and not peer)
+            continue;
         msg.nodes4.emplace_back(cache.getNode(ni_id, addr, now, false));
+        if (peer)
+            attachPeer(*msg.nodes4.back(), peer);
         onNewNode(msg.nodes4.back(), 0);
     }
     for (unsigned i = 0, n = msg.nodes6_raw.size() / NODE6_INFO_BUF_LEN; i < n; i++) {
@@ -1099,7 +1270,12 @@ NetworkEngine::deserializeNodes(ParsedMessage& msg, const SockAddr& from)
         }
         if (isMartian(addr) || isNodeBlacklisted(addr))
             continue;
+        auto peer = listedPeer(msg.nodes6_keys, n, i, ni_id);
+        if (isPrivate and not peer)
+            continue;
         msg.nodes6.emplace_back(cache.getNode(ni_id, addr, now, false));
+        if (peer)
+            attachPeer(*msg.nodes6.back(), peer);
         onNewNode(msg.nodes6.back(), 0);
     }
 }
@@ -1136,25 +1312,19 @@ NetworkEngine::packValueHeader(msgpack::sbuffer& buffer,
 }
 
 void
-NetworkEngine::sendValueParts(Tid tid, const std::vector<Blob>& svals, const SockAddr& addr)
+NetworkEngine::sendValueParts(Tid tid, const std::vector<Blob>& svals, const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr)
 {
+    const size_t fragmentSize = transport_ and node.getTransport() ? ENCRYPTED_FRAGMENT_SIZE : MTU;
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     unsigned i = 0;
     for (const auto& v : svals) {
         size_t start {0}, end;
         do {
-            end = std::min(start + MTU, v.size());
+            end = std::min(start + fragmentSize, v.size());
             buffer.clear();
             msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-            pk.pack_map(3 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
-            if (config.network) {
-                pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-                pk.pack(config.network);
-            }
-            if (config.is_client) {
-                pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-                pk.pack(config.is_client);
-            }
+            pk.pack_map(3 + optionalFields(false));
+            packOptionalFields(pk, false);
             pk.pack(KEY_Y);
             pk.pack(KEY_V);
             pk.pack(KEY_TID);
@@ -1168,7 +1338,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendValueParts(Tid tid, const std::vector<Blob>& svals, const Soc
             pk.pack("d"sv);
             pk.pack_bin(end - start);
             pk.pack_bin_body((const char*) v.data() + start, end - start);
-            send(addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+            send(node, addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
             start = end;
         } while (start != v.size());
         i++;
@@ -1176,34 +1346,36 @@ NetworkEngine::sendValueParts(Tid tid, const std::vector<Blob>& svals, const Soc
 }
 
 void
-NetworkEngine::sendNodesValues(const SockAddr& addr,
+NetworkEngine::sendNodesValues(const Node& node,
+                               const SockAddr& addr,
                                Tid tid,
-                               const Blob& nodes,
-                               const Blob& nodes6,
+                               const BufferedNodes& nodes,
                                const std::vector<Sp<Value>>& st,
                                const Query& query,
                                const Blob& token)
 {
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(4 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(node);
+    pk.pack_map(4 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
+    auto packBlob = [&](std::string_view key, const Blob& b) {
+        if (b.empty())
+            return;
+        pk.pack(key);
+        pk.pack_bin(b.size());
+        pk.pack_bin_body((const char*) b.data(), b.size());
+    };
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
-    pk.pack_map(2 + (not st.empty() ? 1 : 0) + (nodes.size() > 0 ? 1 : 0) + (nodes6.size() > 0 ? 1 : 0)
-                + (not token.empty() ? 1 : 0));
+    pk.pack_map(2 + (not st.empty() ? 1 : 0) + (not nodes.nodes4.empty() ? 1 : 0) + (not nodes.nodes6.empty() ? 1 : 0)
+                + (not nodes.keys4.empty() ? 1 : 0) + (not nodes.keys6.empty() ? 1 : 0) + (not token.empty() ? 1 : 0));
     pk.pack(KEY_REQ_ID);
     pk.pack(myid);
     insertAddr(pk, addr);
-    if (nodes.size() > 0) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_REQ_NODES4);
-        pk.pack_bin(nodes.size());
-        pk.pack_bin_body((const char*) nodes.data(), nodes.size());
-    }
-    if (nodes6.size() > 0) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_REQ_NODES6);
-        pk.pack_bin(nodes6.size());
-        pk.pack_bin_body((const char*) nodes6.data(), nodes6.size());
-    }
+    packBlob(KEY_REQ_NODES4, nodes.nodes4);
+    packBlob(KEY_REQ_NODES6, nodes.nodes6);
+    packBlob(KEY_REQ_KEYS4, nodes.keys4);
+    packBlob(KEY_REQ_KEYS6, nodes.keys6);
     if (not token.empty()) {
         pk.pack(KEY_REQ_TOKEN);
         packToken(pk, token);
@@ -1233,24 +1405,17 @@ NetworkEngine::sendNodesValues(const SockAddr& addr,
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     // send response
-    send(addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+    send(node, addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
 
     // send parts
     if (not svals.empty())
-        sendValueParts(tid, svals, addr);
+        sendValueParts(tid, svals, node, addr);
 }
 
-Blob
+std::pair<Blob, Blob>
 NetworkEngine::bufferNodes(sa_family_t af, const InfoHash& id, std::vector<Sp<Node>>& nodes)
 {
     std::sort(nodes.begin(), nodes.end(), [&](const Sp<Node>& a, const Sp<Node>& b) {
@@ -1278,26 +1443,39 @@ NetworkEngine::bufferNodes(sa_family_t af, const InfoHash& id, std::vector<Sp<No
             memcpy(dest + HASH_LEN, &sin6.sin6_addr, sizeof(in6_addr));
             memcpy(dest + HASH_LEN + sizeof(in6_addr), &sin6.sin6_port, sizeof(in_port_t));
         }
+    } else {
+        return {};
     }
-    return bnodes;
+
+    Blob bkeys;
+    if (transport_) {
+        bool hasKey = false;
+        bkeys.resize(transport::KEY_SIZE * nnode);
+        for (size_t i = 0; i < nnode; i++) {
+            if (const auto& peer = nodes[i]->getTransport()) {
+                std::copy(peer->key.begin(), peer->key.end(), bkeys.begin() + transport::KEY_SIZE * i);
+                hasKey = true;
+            }
+        }
+        if (not hasKey)
+            bkeys.clear();
+    }
+    return {std::move(bnodes), std::move(bkeys)};
 }
 
-std::pair<Blob, Blob>
+NetworkEngine::BufferedNodes
 NetworkEngine::bufferNodes(
     sa_family_t af, const InfoHash& id, want_t want, std::vector<Sp<Node>>& nodes4, std::vector<Sp<Node>>& nodes6)
 {
     if (want < 0)
         want = af == AF_INET ? WANT4 : WANT6;
 
-    Blob bnodes4;
+    BufferedNodes buffered;
     if (want & WANT4)
-        bnodes4 = bufferNodes(AF_INET, id, nodes4);
-
-    Blob bnodes6;
+        std::tie(buffered.nodes4, buffered.keys4) = bufferNodes(AF_INET, id, nodes4);
     if (want & WANT6)
-        bnodes6 = bufferNodes(AF_INET6, id, nodes6);
-
-    return {std::move(bnodes4), std::move(bnodes6)};
+        std::tie(buffered.nodes6, buffered.keys6) = bufferNodes(AF_INET6, id, nodes6);
+    return buffered;
 }
 
 Sp<Request>
@@ -1312,7 +1490,8 @@ NetworkEngine::sendListen(const Sp<Node>& n,
     Tid tid(n->getNewTid());
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(5 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
+    pk.pack_map(5 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     auto has_query = not query.where.empty() or not query.select.empty();
     pk.pack(KEY_A);
@@ -1340,14 +1519,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendListen(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(KEY_Q);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     auto req = std::make_shared<Request>(
         MessageType::Listen,
@@ -1366,11 +1538,12 @@ NetworkEngine::sendListen(const Sp<Node>& n,
 }
 
 void
-NetworkEngine::sendListenConfirmation(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, const Blob& token)
+NetworkEngine::sendListenConfirmation(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, const Blob& token)
 {
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(4 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(node);
+    pk.pack_map(4 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
     pk.pack_map(2 + (not token.empty() ? 1 : 0));
@@ -1388,16 +1561,9 @@ NetworkEngine::sendListenConfirmation(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, const Blob&
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
-    send(addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+    send(node, addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
 }
 
 Sp<Request>
@@ -1412,7 +1578,8 @@ NetworkEngine::sendAnnounceValue(const Sp<Node>& n,
     Tid tid(n->getNewTid());
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(5 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
+    pk.pack_map(5 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     bool add_created = created < scheduler.time();
     pk.pack(KEY_A);
@@ -1437,14 +1604,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendAnnounceValue(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(KEY_Q);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     auto req = std::make_shared<Request>(
         MessageType::AnnounceValue,
@@ -1510,7 +1670,8 @@ NetworkEngine::sendUpdateValues(const Sp<Node>& n,
 
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(5 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
+    pk.pack_map(5 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_A);
     pk.pack_map((created < scheduler.time() ? 7 : 6));
@@ -1538,14 +1699,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendUpdateValues(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(KEY_Q);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     auto req = std::make_shared<Request>(
         MessageType::UpdateValue,
@@ -1572,7 +1726,8 @@ NetworkEngine::sendRefreshValue(const Sp<Node>& n,
     Tid tid(n->getNewTid());
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(5 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(*n);
+    pk.pack_map(5 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_A);
     pk.pack_map(4);
@@ -1593,14 +1748,7 @@ NetworkEngine::sendRefreshValue(const Sp<Node>& n,
     pk.pack(KEY_Q);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
     auto req = std::make_shared<Request>(
         MessageType::Refresh,
@@ -1628,11 +1776,12 @@ NetworkEngine::sendRefreshValue(const Sp<Node>& n,
 }
 
 void
-NetworkEngine::sendValueAnnounced(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, Value::Id vid)
+NetworkEngine::sendValueAnnounced(const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, Value::Id vid)
 {
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(4 + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(node);
+    pk.pack_map(4 + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
     pk.pack_map(3);
@@ -1648,24 +1797,19 @@ NetworkEngine::sendValueAnnounced(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, Value::Id vid)
     pk.pack(KEY_R);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
-    send(addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+    send(node, addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
 }
 
 void
-NetworkEngine::sendError(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, uint16_t code, const std::string& message, bool include_id)
+NetworkEngine::sendError(
+    const Node& node, const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, uint16_t code, const std::string& message, bool include_id)
 {
     msgpack::sbuffer buffer;
     msgpack::packer<msgpack::sbuffer> pk(&buffer);
-    pk.pack_map(4 + (include_id ? 1 : 0) + (config.network ? 1 : 0) + (config.is_client ? 1 : 0));
+    bool advertise = advertiseKey(node);
+    pk.pack_map(4 + (include_id ? 1 : 0) + optionalFields(advertise));
 
     pk.pack(KEY_E);
     pk.pack_array(2);
@@ -1685,16 +1829,9 @@ NetworkEngine::sendError(const SockAddr& addr, Tid tid, uint16_t code, const std
     pk.pack(KEY_E);
     pk.pack(KEY_UA);
     pk.pack(OPENDHT_UA);
-    if (config.network) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_NETID);
-        pk.pack(config.network);
-    }
-    if (config.is_client) {
-        pk.pack(KEY_ISCLIENT);
-        pk.pack(config.is_client);
-    }
+    packOptionalFields(pk, advertise);
 
-    send(addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
+    send(node, addr, buffer.data(), buffer.size());
 }
 
 void
diff --git a/src/parsed_message.h b/src/parsed_message.h
index e467416d..49690eb8 100644
--- a/src/parsed_message.h
+++ b/src/parsed_message.h
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 #include "infohash.h"
 #include "sockaddr.h"
+#include "transport.h"
 #include "net.h"
 
 #include <algorithm>
@@ -26,6 +27,7 @@ static constexpr auto KEY_NETID = "n"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_ISCLIENT = "s"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_Q = "q"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_A = "a"sv;
+static constexpr auto KEY_TRANSPORT = "k"sv;
 
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_SID = "sid"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_ID = "id"sv;
@@ -36,6 +38,8 @@ static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_TOKEN = "token"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_VALUE_ID = "vid"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_NODES4 = "n4"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_NODES6 = "n6"sv;
+static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_KEYS4 = "k4"sv;
+static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_KEYS6 = "k6"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_CREATION = "c"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_ADDRESS = "sa"sv;
 static constexpr auto KEY_REQ_VALUES = "values"sv;
@@ -93,6 +97,8 @@ struct ParsedMessage
     time_point created {time_point::max()};
     /* IPv4 nodes in response to a 'find' request */
     Blob nodes4_raw, nodes6_raw;
+    /* transport keys of the nodes, or zeros if unknown */
+    Blob nodes4_keys, nodes6_keys;
     std::vector<Sp<Node>> nodes4, nodes6;
     /* values to store or retreive request */
     std::vector<Sp<Value>> values;
@@ -129,6 +135,11 @@ struct ParsedMessage
     std::string ua;
     int version {0};
     SockAddr addr;
+    /* transport key advertised by the sender in plaintext */
+    std::optional<transport::Key> transport_key;
+    /* transport state of the sender, if authenticated */
+    Sp<transport::Peer> peer;
+    bool encrypted {false};
     void msgpack_unpack(const msgpack::object& o);
 
     bool append(const ParsedMessage& block);
@@ -229,6 +240,11 @@ ParsedMessage::msgpack_unpack(const msgpack::object& msg)
             parsed.q = o.val.as<std::string_view>();
         else if (key == KEY_A)
             parsed.a = &o.val;
+        else if (key == KEY_TRANSPORT and o.val.type == msgpack::type::BIN
+                 and o.val.via.bin.size == transport::KEY_SIZE) {
+            transport_key.emplace();
+            std::copy_n((const uint8_t*) o.val.via.bin.ptr, transport::KEY_SIZE, transport_key->begin());
+        }
     }
 
     if (parsed.e)
@@ -321,6 +337,10 @@ ParsedMessage::msgpack_unpack(const msgpack::object& msg)
             nodes4_raw = unpackBlob(o.val);
         else if (key == KEY_REQ_NODES6)
             nodes6_raw = unpackBlob(o.val);
+        else if (key == KEY_REQ_KEYS4)
+            nodes4_keys = unpackBlob(o.val);
+        else if (key == KEY_REQ_KEYS6)
+            nodes6_keys = unpackBlob(o.val);
         else if (key == KEY_REQ_ADDRESS)
             parsedReq.sa = &o.val;
         else if (key == KEY_REQ_CREATION)