1. What is IPFS#
InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). IPFS is a distributed web, peer-to-peer hypermedia protocol. It can make our internet faster, more secure, and more open. The goal of the IPFS protocol is to replace the traditional internet protocol HTTP.
2. Why do we have IPFS#
As we all know, the internet is built on the HTTP protocol. The HTTP protocol is a great invention that has allowed the rapid development of the internet. However, as the internet has evolved, HTTP has gradually shown its limitations.
2.1. Centralization of HTTP is inefficient and costly#
Using the HTTP protocol requires downloading complete files (web pages, videos, images, etc.) from centralized servers, which is slow and inefficient. By using a peer-to-peer (P2P) approach, nearly 60% of bandwidth can be saved. P2P divides files into small chunks and downloads them from multiple servers simultaneously, resulting in very fast speeds.
2.2. Web files are frequently deleted#
Think about how often you come across a page you have bookmarked, only to find that it returns a 404 error (page not found). The average lifespan of a web page using HTTP is only about 100 days. Web files are frequently deleted (due to high storage costs) and cannot be permanently preserved. IPFS provides a version history feature for files (similar to the git version control tool), making it easy to view the history of a file. Data can be permanently stored.
2.3. Centralization limits the growth of the web#
Our existing internet is a highly centralized network. The internet is a great human invention and an accelerator of technological innovation. Various regulations threaten the functionality of this internet, such as internet censorship, control, surveillance, etc. These issues stem from the centralization of the internet. Distributed IPFS can overcome these shortcomings of the web.
2.4. Internet applications heavily rely on the backbone network#
The backbone network is subject to various factors such as war, natural disasters, internet control, and centralized server downtime, all of which can interrupt our internet applications. IPFS can greatly reduce the dependence of internet applications on the backbone network.
3. Goals of IPFS#
IPFS is not just about speeding up the web. It aims to eventually replace the HTTP protocol and make the internet better.
4. What does IPFS include#
4.1. IPFS is a protocol, similar to the HTTP protocol#
- Defines a content-addressed file system
- Content distribution
- Uses technologies such as distributed hash, P2P transmission, and version control systems
4.2. IPFS is a file system#
- It has folders and files
- Can be mounted as a file system
4.3. IPFS is a web protocol#
- Can view internet pages like HTTP
- Future browsers can directly support the ipfs:/ or fs:/ protocol
4.4. IPFS is a modular protocol#
- Connection layer: connects through any other network protocol
- Routing layer: locates the location of files
- Data block exchange: uses BitTorrent technology
4.5. IPFS is a P2P system#
- A global P2P file transfer network
- Distributed network structure
- No single point of failure
4.6. IPFS is inherently a CDN#
- When a file is added to the IPFS network, it will be accelerated by CDNs worldwide
- Bandwidth management similar to BitTorrent
4.7. IPFS has a naming service#
- IPNS: based on the SFS (self-certifying system) naming system
- Can be bound to existing domain name systems