IPFS is a revolutionary model that can change the way we use the Internet. Different from the typical server-client model that we are used to, IPFS is more like bitstream (a content distribution protocol that uses an efficient software distribution system and peer-to-peer technology to share large files, and makes each user redistribute nodes like a network Provide upload service like that)
1. Problems in the Internet today
HTTP is the basis of the Web (World Wide Web), and any website we visit is usually through HTTP. Essentially, this is the relationship between the server and the client. Our computer sends a request to the server hosting the website, and the server sends back a response. Hosting a website is a centralized model, and this centralized environment is dangerous.
If any large hosting company or service provider (such as Baidu, Google, Amazon, etc.) suddenly teeters, it will have a devastating disaster for the Web (World Wide Web) in the short term.
In addition to the centralized model of today's network, reliability is also worrying. Most websites and applications are hosted by a single server or by a redundant array of load balancing servers. If the owners of these servers, the management of the data center, or even a natural disaster evacuated these computers, the results can be imagined, and websites and applications will not function properly.
2. How does IPFS solve these problems
IPFS is distributed. When a user visits a website, there is no need for a centralized server to provide web pages. Each running IPFS machine will become a node in a cluster.
The way the bitstream works at the moment is that if we want to download a file, when we use the BT application to download, we actually make a request like all computers linked to the same bitstream network, if any of them contains the file we need , They will send it to our computer.
So how does the IPFS node work? Every computer running IPFS can choose the files it wants to provide for service.
Each file existing on IPFS will have a unique hash to indicate that any minor changes will result in a new hash. These hash values are how users view content. The client queries the system for the hash, and any node with the content available can provide it to the peer. "This cluster provides a torrent-like experience where peers can provide content to each other.
The system provides content to clients quickly and accurately. In addition, because the hash is used, it is possible to check whether the contents of the two ends of the exchange are accurate, because any difference will result in a different hash.
3. What are the practical advantages of IPFS distributed?
Reliability and durability
Distributed peer-to-peer content will not be affected by "direct denial of service" attacks. These attacks are mainly related to attacking host servers to shut down websites or services. However, the content you need is provided by different nodes. If you want to attack, you must clarify each node and attack one by one to achieve the goal.
Previously viewed content can be used offline
With the IPFS caching system, a lot of regularly viewed content can be used offline. Of course, any dynamic content may not be up-to-date, but no matter whether you are within Wi-Fi range or not, the static content resources you previously viewed are within reach.
IPFS is definitely not a polishing or oiling machine. It is more like a fascinating network prototype, which will change the way the entire Internet content is provided and stored.
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