Decentralized storage is becoming increasingly popular as a way to securely store data files. Unlike centralized storage servers, maintained by a single organization or entity, decentralized storage systems use geographically distributed nodes connected through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.
These networks provide greater security against errors, counterparty risks, and single points of failure. The technology Blockchain it can also be used to help ensure the security of these data files stored in decentralized systems. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what exactly decentralized storage is and why it's gaining ground in today's digital world.
Origin of decentralized storage
Decentralized storage has been a sought after solution since the early days of the internet as a way to avoid centralized storage on local servers. In the 90s, data access and sharing was done through requests to other computers, which required extensive network programming and cybersecurity experience to set up a server.
The early networks that pioneered the decentralization of the Internet, such as Napster, Gnutella, and Freenet, had difficulties in their attempt to share files through peer-to-peer technology and open source software due to their lack of a proper structure. . Most relied on central servers or did not have the ability to find data efficiently across distributed nodes.
Although technological advances have not ceased to emerge in terms of web storage in recent years, large data centers continue to dominate the Internet today. These centers are vital to ensure the proper functioning of the Internet, being a fundamental piece in terms of the function of most applications and web platforms.
In this sense, developers who want to offer decentralized storage alternatives find themselves with few options outside the centers of large network companies. Today, decentralized storage has been made possible by technology Blockchain, which enables the creation of a decentralized and secure network where users can serve and control their own files.
How decentralized storage works
The decentralized storage of data through Blockchain has been an innovative solution that has revolutionized the way data is stored and accessed. Unlike centralized storage, where data is stored in one place, decentralized storage breaks data into small pieces and sends them to various nodes on the network for storage.
This allows greater security in data storage, since no node has complete access to them. In addition, cryptographic hashing encryption adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring that data stored on the network is encrypted. To access the data, users must use their private keys, which ensures that only the owner of the file can access it. In general, decentralized storage is a secure and reliable way to independently store and access data, free from third-party intervention.
Comparison between centralized and decentralized storage
For a long time, centralized data storage has been the predominant way of managing data, allowing for convenient and efficient access and management. However, recently there has been an increase in the popularity of decentralized storage, and Blockchain has been the catalyst for this disruptive change.
Unlike the centralized model where data is stored on one server or group of servers, Blockchain decentralizes the data, distributing it over a large number of nodes connected to each other. This offers greater security and privacy, since the information is not in a single place vulnerable to possible attacks, but is distributed in a network. Although there is still a long way to go, the time when centralized storage loses ground in favor of decentralized storage seems to have arrived.
Advantages of decentralized storage
Decentralized storage networks offer several advantages compared to centralized systems:
Enhanced privacy and security
Decentralized storage systems such as blockchain offer a more robust and secure solution compared to conventional centralized storage. The distribution of data across multiple nodes makes it more difficult for hackers to attack and access information.
In addition, the absence of a central authority guarantees a higher degree of anonymity for users, which translates into greater security and privacy for their data.
There are no single points of failure
Decentralized storage systems offer greater redundancy and fault tolerance, ensuring that users can access their data at any time and from any node. Therefore, it is possible to state that there are no single points of failure in decentralized storage, making it a highly reliable and secure solution.
Faster download speed
One of the main challenges for centralized storage is its ability to handle large volumes of traffic. Download speeds can be significantly affected if too many users are accessing the same files at the same time.
Unlike decentralized storage, by distributing data across network nodes around the world, it reduces bandwidth usage and improves download speeds. The result is a more efficient and resilient storage system against outages. Something key to consider for those who want to enjoy faster download speeds.
Enhanced data integrity
Data integrity is essential in any system that handles valuable information. However, it is common to encounter accessibility and integrity problems in centralized storage systems, because the loss of the server or the change of location of the web page can cause the data to be inaccessible.
Luckily, an effective solution is decentralized storage, which guarantees accessibility and integrity through the use of technologies such as blockchain. With decentralized storage, data remains accessible and intact indefinitely, which is a clear advantage over centralized storage.
Examples of decentralized storage
Swarm
Swarm It is a decentralized storage platform developed on the Ethereum blockchain. The objective of Swarm is to provide a peer-to-peer storage solution that is resistant to censorship and server failure. Furthermore, its native incentive system ensures that the platform is self-sufficient and constantly operational to benefit users. Compared to centralized storage, Swarm provides enhanced security and superior reliability. This platform is a great option for those looking for new ways to store and distribute content more securely and reliably.
Both
Both is an interesting solution for decentralized storage that was conceived at the beginning of 2013 and finally launched in 2015. It uses a Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm for the management of its blockchain, something that allows it to have a more robust infrastructure and secure than common centralized storage systems.
In addition, this platform uses storage contracts that require providers to freeze a certain number of tokens to store their client files. Providers are required to constantly upload proof of storage to the blockchain. Both to verify your active participation in the network.
Filecoin
Filecoin is an innovative decentralized storage network that has revolutionized the cloud storage market. With a blockchain and a native token that incentivizes participants to provide and use storage services, Filecoin allows users to decentralize their data and store it securely with the help of the community. The advantage of Filecoin about centralized storage providers is that it enables greater transparency, security, and cost reduction, giving users greater control over their data while creating an open and fair market for storage.
Storj
Storj is an ambitious project that seeks to revolutionize the cloud storage market through blockchain technology. Its focus on decentralized storage allows users to make use of their computers' internal memory to create a globally distributed storage cloud. Furthermore, their migration to the Tardigrade network demonstrates their commitment to continuous development and innovation in the field of decentralized storage. This project offers an interesting alternative to centralized storage and has its own eponymous cryptocurrency that serves as an incentive system. This way, Storj stands as a fascinating and attractive option in the world of blockchain technology.
Conclusion
Decentralized storage is an attractive alternative to centralized storage, as it offers users greater control over their data and enhanced security. Whether you are looking for increased security or cost savings when it comes to your digital assets, these decentralized options offer exciting alternatives that can help you protect against errors and counterparty risks, as well as single points of failure. With the right solution, you can rest easy knowing that your valuable data will remain accessible and intact indefinitely.
