IPFS: What You Need to Know

What is IPFS?

The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a decentralized and distributed file storage system that seeks to connect all computing devices with the same system of files. It stands out from traditional file storage methods due to its unique way of storing and accessing files, directories, websites, and data. It’s a popular type of web3 storage that uses peer-to-peer (P2P) technology, making it akin to a single BitTorrent swarm for exchanging objects within one Git repository.

How is content organized on IPFS?

How It’s Stored: In IPFS, files and other data are stored in a network of nodes. These nodes are essentially computers participating in the IPFS network, each storing only a portion of the entire data. When a file is added to IPFS, it is split into smaller blocks, hashed, and given a unique fingerprint called a cryptographic hash.

How It’s Retrieved: To retrieve data, a user requests it using the hash. IPFS locates the nodes storing the corresponding blocks and downloads them. This decentralized approach means that content can be served faster and more reliably, as it does not rely on a single point of failure.

Understanding Location Addressing vs Content Addressing: Traditional web uses location-based addressing, where content is accessed by its location on a server (URL). IPFS uses content-based addressing, where content is accessed by a hash of its content. This ensures that as long as the content remains the same, its address does not change, regardless of where it’s stored.

What is IPFS Used For?

Best Use Cases for IPFS Storage: IPFS storage is ideal for high-volume content distribution, like streaming services or software distribution. It's also used in decentralized applications (DApps) to store and access data in a distributed way, ensuring high availability and censorship resistance.

Industries Using IPFS Storage: Industries leveraging IPFS include media and entertainment for efficient content distribution, blockchain for decentralized applications, healthcare for secure and immutable patient records, and academic research for large data storage and retrieval.

Is IPFS Traceable?

Yes, to some extent. While IPFS offers a higher degree of anonymity compared to traditional systems, it’s not entirely untraceable. Nodes participating in the network can see the request for data, and depending on their configuration, might log this information. However, unlike traditional servers, there is no central authority overseeing data flow, which adds a layer of privacy.

Public vs Private IPFS

Public IPFS: The public IPFS network is open for anyone to join. Here, data is more accessible but also exposed to anyone on the network.

Private IPFS: Private IPFS networks are restricted networks where only authorized nodes can participate. This setup is used by organizations seeking to leverage IPFS's distributed nature while maintaining control over who can access the data.

Challenges with IPFS Storage

• Data Persistence: Since IPFS relies on nodes voluntarily storing data, there is no guarantee that data will be stored permanently. This can be mitigated by pinning services.
• Network Latency: Retrieval times can vary depending on the network’s state and the data's popularity.
• Content Regulation: The decentralized nature makes it challenging to regulate and remove inappropriate content.
• Technical Complexity: The setup and management of an IPFS network require a certain level of technical expertise.

Why Choose Kaleido for IPFS

Kaleido provides a simplified and enterprise-grade approach to using IPFS. Its advantages include:

• Ease of Use: Kaleido offers a user-friendly interface for managing IPFS nodes, making it accessible for non-technical users.
• Enterprise Integration: We allow seamless integration with existing enterprise systems, providing the scalability and reliability required by large organizations.
• Security and Compliance: Our platform ensures that data is stored and transmitted securely, with compliance to regulatory standards.
• Enhanced Support and Services: We provide dedicated support and additional services, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses wanting to leverage IPFS.

IPFS represents a significant shift in how data is stored and accessed on the internet. Its decentralized nature offers advantages in terms of speed, reliability, and resistance to censorship. While it comes with its own set of challenges, solutions like our are making it more accessible and practical for a wide range of applications.

To learn more about how to put IPFS storage to work for you, schedule a meeting with one of our solution architects to learn more.