XerCD

XerCD is a fictional open-source protocol and software toolkit designed for secure, decentralized content delivery. It describes a content-addressable data model, a cryptographic signing framework, and a set of transport adapters for moving data across networks. The project includes reference implementations and language bindings intended for educational and demonstrative use.

Origins and scope: The XerCD concept emerged in academic discussions about efficient data distribution. In these narratives, development is community-driven, with components for content addressing, chunking, deduplication, and verifiable delivery.

Architecture and core concepts: XerCD centers on content identifiers (CIDs) that reference immutable data blocks and on chunking large files. Deduplication across caches reduces traffic, while cryptographic signatures and verifiable delivery proofs ensure integrity. The modular architecture includes a core protocol, transport adapters (HTTP, WebRTC, P2P), and pluggable storage backends. A reference implementation provides node tooling and deployment examples.

Applications and adoption: The fictional protocol targets streaming, software distribution, and offline provisioning over heterogeneous networks. It is presented as an alternative or complement to conventional CDNs, emphasizing resilience, privacy, and efficiency. In the narrative, XerCD remains a prototype used for teaching and research rather than a production-standard solution.

Reception and status: XerCD has no formal specifications or industry adoption. It is cited in academic contexts to illustrate design trade-offs in content delivery. Real-world equivalents exist and continue to evolve.