15 December 2021: The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a protocol peer-to-peer network developed by Protocol Labs in which file storage & sharing data are distributed through a decentralized file system. By utilizing cryptographic functions, IPFS works by conducting content-addressing to query files saved onto nodes all around the world.
In short, IPFS is a distributed system for storing and accessing:
- Files
- Websites
- Applications
- Data
IPFS provides the means to bypass finding digital information through centralized sources. It works by querying information by its contents, not location. When it searches for information, IPFS asks nodes around the world for the content - meaning that the information being searched for could come from anywhere, not just through a single organization.
Even better, anyone in the world with a computer is capable of running a node. This means IPFS is highly decentralized, a desirable feature in a global distribution system that is in line with ongoing Web3 development.
With IPFS as the core internet file sharing/storage protocol, this would:
- Make it much more difficult to censor content - It would be increasingly more difficult for organizations, institutions, governments, or any other centralized entitites from prohibiting access to information. Since anyone in the world can share a file, website, etc., this means that someone in a country that is plagued by internet censorship can simply access IPFS and ask the network for the file.
- Make the internet as a whole more resilient - IPFS essentially eliminates single points of failure for any vital or important information. The contents of critical information can be stored on computers around the world, ensuring that a single server failure cannot be responsible for any permanent losses.
- Provides fast, localized connectivity - Connections for information amongst peers on the IPFS network means that files generally are distributed much faster. For those with poor connectivity to major internet hubs, IPFS provides the means for highly efficient, localized file sharing.
Running a IPFS Node
To participate on the IPFS network, you must run a node. There are two different implementations for IPFS - Go-IPFS & JS-IPFS.
The Go Implementation (Go-IPFS)
This version of the IPFS node is specifically designed for servers & CPUs that can fully support IPFS capabilities. It is the first to receive updates and shares the following features:
- TCP and QUIC transports are enabled by default.
/ws/transport disabled by default.- HTTP gateway with subdomain support for origin isolation between content roots.
- Various experimental features
The Javascript Implementation (JS-IPFS)
This version can be run in a web browser, but has more limited capabilities. Features of the JS-IPFS node include:
- Can connect to server nodes using secure WebSockets.
- WSS requires manual setup of TLS at the server.
- Can connect to a browser node using WebRTC using a centralized ws-webrtc-star signaling service
As stated, there are some limitations with only running the JS version. Limitations of JS-IPFS are:
- Unless using WSS, a JS-IPFS node cannot connect to the main public DHT. They will only connect to other JS-IPFS nodes.
- The performance of the DHT is not on-par with the Go-IPFS implementation.
- The HTTP gateway is present, but it has no subdomain support
IPFS Desktop
Downloading IPFS Desktop is the quickest way to both install a node and get access to a full bundle of IPFS features.
IPFS Desktop comes with:
- IPFS Node
- File Manager
- Peer Manager
- Content Explorer
IPFS Companion
For those wishing to intregrate IPFS into their web browser, IPFS can be added to any of the following:
- Firefox
- Chrome
- Brave
- Opera
- Edge
It is important to note that IPFS Companion utilizes the traditional computer-based IPFS, so it is highly reccommended to install the IPFS Desktop first. The links on how to install IPFS are provided under the Summary section below.
What IPFS Can be Used For
IPFS has some very unique, appealing use cases. For one, anyone wishing to share files, information, data, etc. without the fear of censorship can do so by utilizing the IPFS network. Additionally, IPFS allows for unprecedented collaboration amongst peers.
This can include institutions & organizations such as:
- Schools, libraries, learning centers
- Hospitals, medical clinics, care facilities
- Within businesses, organizations, or DAOs
Collaboration can individuals anyone in the world, even through localized networks. This is made especially convenient by simply connecting by Peer ID and then utilizing IPFS to share & exchanges data or files. IPFS is even tied into the crypto-economy through the Filecoin network.
Filecoin Network
IPFS and Filecoin are considered to be complementary protocols within the distributed web. Every single Filecoin node already has IPFS capabilities built into it. While IPFS has no long term storage incentives for others, Filecoin is aiming to fill this void by creating a distributed storage marketplace for the safe, secure storage of long term data. Any nodes with an abundance of storage capacity may rent it in exchange for a fee.
Read more on how IPFS and Filecoin are integrated
Summary
IPFS is a foward thinking, open source protocol aiming to provide a decentralized, distributed file sharing & storage network for the entire world (and maybe even beyond - hence InterPlanetary). IPFS is a no brainer for anyone utilizing or operating within the Web3 space. It is super easy to set up and use, especially for pinning files (i.e. storing and broadcasting them on your IPFS node).
This is a protocol that should absolutely become widely used as the development of Web3 continues to make the internet a more decentralized, user friendly place.
Important links:
Protocol Labs Website: ipns://protocol.ai/
For Installation & Developers:
Install IPFS Desktop: ipns://docs.ipfs.io/install/ipfs-desktop/
Install IPFS Companion (for your web browser): ipns://docs.ipfs.io/install/ipfs-companion/
Set Up IPFS Cluster (for multiple IPFS nodes - helpful for DAOs or local networks): ipns://cluster.ipfs.io/
For Further Reading:
IPFS Documentation: ipns://docs.ipfs.io/
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