IPFSbased

IPFS-based refers to software, systems, and architectures that rely on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) as the underlying data storage and retrieval layer. IPFS is a peer-to-peer, content-addressed distributed file system designed to address data by its content hash rather than by the location of a server.

In IPFS-based architectures, data is identified by content identifiers (CIDs). Each piece of data is stored across multiple peers, and requests are routed through a distributed Merkle DAG. IPNS provides mutable pointers to content, enabling updates without changing the underlying data’s CID. Data can be kept available by pinning, and gateways can offer HTTP access for traditional clients.

Common uses include hosting static websites on IPFS, distributing large datasets, and building decentralized applications (dApps) that use IPFS for data storage and IPFS-based databases such as OrbitDB. Integrations with Filecoin provide an incentive layer to store data persistently across the network.

Advantages include resistance to single-point failures, censorship resistance, and potential cost efficiencies for large-scale distribution. IPFS also enables offline access if data is cached locally and can improve distribution performance for globally replicated content.

Limitations involve non-guaranteed persistence without pinning or economic incentives, variable network performance, and privacy considerations due to data replication on multiple nodes. Interoperability often requires additional tooling and reliance on gateways or pinning services.

Related terms include CID, IPFS node implementations (go-ipfs, js-ipfs), IPNS, pinning, Filecoin, and Web3 storage solutions.