weband

Weband is a term used in discussions of internet architecture to describe an integrated vision for the Web in which service layers, data networks, and identity systems are more tightly interconnected. It is not an official standard or product, and there is no widely accepted definition.

Origins: The term appears in speculative writings and academic discussions from the late 2010s onward, often within debates about next-generation web ecosystems that blend content delivery with programmable networks and real-world data streams.

Definition and scope: In theory, weband envisions a unified layer atop the World Wide Web that provides standardized mechanisms for data exchange, service composition, and authenticated access across domains. Proponents emphasize interoperability, data provenance, and privacy-preserving sharing.

Architecture: A weband-inspired model might include a universal data layer for linked resources, a service discovery and orchestration layer, decentralized identifiers and verifiable credentials for identity, and edge-aware networking to reduce latency.

Applications and impact: If realized, the concept could simplify cross-service workflows, enable richer mashups, and improve data portability. Critics warn that the lack of formal standards could hinder interoperability and raise privacy and security concerns.

See also: Semantic Web, Web of Data, Decentralized Identity.