# Restrict media zones (/en/realtime-media/interactive-live-streaming/build/secure-and-protect-channels/geofencing/web)

> For AI agents: see the complete documentation index at [llms.txt](/llms.txt).

When a user joins a channel, Video SDK automatically connects them to the Agora SDRTN(R) media zone that is geographically closest to the user. However, to meet the laws and regulations of the user's country, you may need to specify, or filter out connections to a specific geographical zone. Agora enables you to control and customize data routing in your app by specifying the Agora SDRTN(R) media zone users connect to.

    <CalloutContainer type="info">
      <CalloutDescription>
        This is an advanced feature suitable only for use-cases with access security restrictions.
      </CalloutDescription>
    </CalloutContainer>

    ## Understand the tech [#understand-the-tech-6]

    After you turn on the restricted media zones feature, the SDK only accesses the Agora server in the specified zone(s), irrespective of the geographical location of the user. As an example, the following table shows the outcome if you specify North America as the access zone, and users connect to Agora SDRTN(R) from North America and China respectively:

    | Designated access zone | User's location | Zone actually accessed by the SDK | User experience         |
    | ---------------------- | --------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
    | North America          | North America   | North America                     | Normal                  |
    | North America          | China           | North America                     | Quality may be affected |

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        * If a server in the specified zone is not available, the SDK reports an error.
        * Due to cross-regional public internet between the designated zone and the geographical location where the app user is located, the audio and video experience may be affected.
      </CalloutDescription>
    </CalloutContainer>

    The following figure shows the workflow you implement to restrict access to media zones:

    **Restrict media zones**

    ![Restrict media zones](https://assets-docs.agora.io/images/video-sdk/restrict-media-zones.svg)

    ## Prerequisites [#prerequisites-6]

    Ensure that you have implemented the [SDK quickstart](/en/realtime-media/video/get-started-sdk) in your project.

    ## Implement restricted media zones [#implement-restricted-media-zones-6]

    This section shows you how to restrict access to media zones in your app.

    You call the `AgoraRTC.setArea` method to specify the media zone. By default, the SDK selects the nearest Agora server region to connect to. After you set the media zone, the SDK only connects to Agora servers in the specified zone.

    Use one of the following values for `areaCode` and `excludedArea`:

    * `ASIA`: Asia except Mainland China
    * `CHINA`: Mainland China
    * `EUROPE`: Europe
    * `GLOBAL`: Global (Default)
    * `INDIA`: India
    * `JAPAN`: Japan
    * `NORTH_AMERICA`: North America

    Refer to the following sample code:

    ```javascript
    AgoraRTC.setArea('ASIA');
    ```

    Use the `excludedArea` parameter to specify a smaller zone to be excluded from a larger zone. Currently, you can only set the larger zone to `GLOBAL`.

    ```js
    // Exclude Mainland China from media zones
    AgoraRTC.setArea({
      areaCode: 'GLOBAL',
      excludedArea: 'CHINA',
    });
    ```

    ## Reference [#reference-6]

    This section contains content that completes the information on this page, or points you to documentation that explains other aspects to this product.

    ### API reference [#api-reference-6]

    * [`setArea`](https://api-ref.agora.io/en/video-sdk/web/4.x/interfaces/iagorartc.html#setarea)
    * [`AREAS`](https://api-ref.agora.io/en/video-sdk/web/4.x/enums/areas.html)