Framework for a Decentralized Web

TL;DR

This paper proposes a decentralized web framework utilizing mesh networks and blockchain technology to enhance internet accessibility, security, and resilience against centralization and censorship.

Contribution

It introduces a novel decentralized web architecture combining mesh networking and blockchain-based object indexing for improved resilience and security.

Findings

Supports operation during network partitions

Enables quick re-synchronization after disconnections

Provides secure, immutable object references

Abstract

Over the past decade, we have witnessed the Internet becoming increasingly centralized in the hands of a small number of giant technology firms, that control many of the most popular applications and the content they host on their platforms. In addition, in the majority of instances today, access to the Internet is usually provided through local internet service providers (ISPs) in each country. Governments in different jurisdictions can exert pressure on these technology firms and ISPs to enforce restrictions on Internet usage by their citizens, such as the blocking access to certain sites and/or content. In this paper, we present a promising new approach to circumventing some of these issues. Our decentralized web (DWeb) proposal makes use of a mesh network to connect community based routers. In addition, objects on the DWeb are indexed using Bblockchain technology, which allows for secure storage of immutable object references, and integrity checking of the data being served to users. Our DWeb design is also capable of operating during network partitions, and is able to quickly re-synchronize with the larger network once connectivity has been restored.