Decentralized Storage Overview

Use this page to get a high level overview of what decentralized storage is if you are new to the space

What is Web3?

Web3 refers to the next generation of the World Wide Web built on decentralized technologies such as blockchain and peer-to-peer networks, which allow users to interact with each other in new and innovative ways. This is in contrast to the current version of the web (aka Web2) which is dominated by centralized platforms who brought upon the rise of social media, interactive design, cloud computing and eCommerce.

What's a decentralized storage?

Decentralized storage is a way of storing data that doesn't rely on a single, central location or authority. Instead, the data is distributed across many different devices or nodes, which are all connected to each other through a network. This allows for greater security and resilience, as the data is not stored in a single vulnerable location and can still be accessed even if some of the nodes go offline. A large portion of the data that is uploaded to decentralized storage networks today is public in that anyone can access it knowing the right identifier.

Why should someone use decentralized over centralized storage?

There are several reasons why someone might prefer to use decentralized storage over a centralized storage. One of the main advantages is increased security and resilience. Because the data is distributed across many different nodes and permanently stored, the data becomes more resilient to outages and removal from a central authority. Additionally, decentralized storage typically works off of a pay once, store forever model whereas a centralized storage (i.e. database, s3, etc...) requires monthly hosting/access/backup costs depending on the provider. With the Storedat API, you don't need to worry about the costs associated to uploading/hosting data to decentralized storage.

What's Arweave?

Arweave is a decentralized storage network designed to provide permanent and low-cost storage for data. Unlike traditional storage systems, where data is often stored in centralized servers that can be subject to censorship or failure, Arweave uses a distributed network of nodes to store data permanently.

Arweave uses a unique blockchain-based consensus algorithm called "Proof of Access" to ensure that data remains available and secure on the network. This algorithm incentivizes users to store data on the network by rewarding them with a cryptocurrency called "AR," which can be used to pay for storage fees or exchanged for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies. Overall, Arweave provides a secure, decentralized, and cost-effective way to store data for the long term.

What's Filecoin?

Filecoin is a decentralized storage network that allows users to store, retrieve, and share data securely and reliably. It uses a blockchain-based system to create a decentralized marketplace where users can buy and sell storage space, allowing them to store their data on a network of computers around the world.

Filecoin's unique feature is its use of a Proof of Replication and Proof of Space-Time consensus algorithm. This ensures that storage providers are actually storing the data they claim to be storing, and that the data is being stored securely and reliably. In return for providing storage space, storage providers receive Filecoin tokens, which they can use to purchase additional storage space, trade on exchanges, or convert into other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies. Overall, Filecoin provides a secure, decentralized, and cost-effective way to store and share data, without relying on centralized servers or storage providers.