Skip to main content

Architecture

Omninet VPN Architecture

The diagram above presents an IPFS architecture. The IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) File Storage system used by Omninet is designed to offer a decentralized way of storing and accessing files. Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation of how this architecture works:

  1. Decentralized Structure: Unlike traditional file storage systems that store files in a central location, Omninet's IPFS system distributes files across multiple locations. Imagine a library where copies of a book are held in many different branches instead of just one. If one branch is too far or closed, you can still borrow the book from another branch. This setup enhances reliability and speeds up access since users can retrieve files from the closest or least busy node.

  2. File Splitting: When a file is uploaded to the IPFS system on Omninet, it doesn't stay whole. Instead, it's split into smaller pieces known as blocks. Each block is stored on different nodes in the network, making it highly resistant to data loss. Even if some nodes go offline, the complete file can often still be reconstructed from the remaining blocks.

  3. Unique Identification: Each piece of the file gets a unique fingerprint called a cryptographic hash. This hash acts like a precise address that helps in locating each piece across the sprawling network. When a user wants to download a file, they use this hash code to find all the file's pieces and reassemble them.

  4. Redundancy and Caching: To further ensure that files are always available and accessible quickly, IPFS uses redundancy (storing multiple copies of data) and caching (keeping frequently accessed data ready for quick retrieval). This means even in high demand situations, files can be accessed smoothly.

  5. Updating Files: If a file needs to be updated, a new version of the file is created and its pieces are stored across the network. This new version gets a new, unique hash. However, previous versions of the file remain accessible via their original hashes, ensuring that older data isn’t lost or overwritten.

This decentralized IPFS architecture, as implemented by Omninet, means better security, faster access to files, and lower risk of data loss compared to traditional, centralized file storage systems. This system is especially useful for those who value privacy, need high availability, or live in areas with unstable internet connections.