Decentralized Datastorage

Writing to blockchains can quickly get expensive in terms of gas if tried to store large blobs of data like images or videos. Thus you might be considering decentralized datastorage providers in your dApp architecture. Unlike traditional cloud storage solutions that rely on centralized servers, decentralized storage systems utilize a network of peers to store and manage data. This approach enhances data security, privacy, and availability.

Currently in closed beta, blocktorch supports IPFS natively. To get access to IPFS data in your blocktorch project please reach out to us.

IPFS - InterPlanetary File System

IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a protocol and peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system. IPFS uses content-addressing to uniquely identify each file in a global namespace, connecting all computing devices with the same system of files.

Key Features of IPFS:

• Decentralization: Eliminates reliance on centralized servers.

• Content Addressing: Files are accessed by their content, not location.

• Efficiency: Reduces duplicate files and speeds up the web.

• Resilience: Enables websites and applications to remain accessible in the event of node failures.

Use Cases for IPFS

• Decentralized Websites: Hosting websites on IPFS makes them resistant to censorship and ensures they remain accessible even if parts of the network go down.

• Data Storage: IPFS provides secure, decentralized storage solutions for data, reducing reliance on centralized cloud providers.

• Digital Content Distribution: Content creators can distribute media directly to consumers without intermediaries, improving speed and reducing costs.

• Archiving: Offers a robust solution for preserving information over long periods, protecting it from loss due to centralized failures.

Decentralized data storage, particularly through IPFS, offers a more secure, efficient, and resilient way of managing digital information in the modern internet age.