Distributed Systems and Web Growth
- The centralized web, where data and control reside in a few powerful entities, faces challenges such as:
- Single points of failure
- Limited scalability
- Concerns over privacy and control
- Distributed systems are catalyzing a shift towards a more decentralized web, where power is spread across many independent nodes.
Distributed Systems Enable Decentralization
- Distributed systems are inherently decentralized by design, operating without a single point of control.
- This architecture aligns perfectly with the goals of a decentralized web, where users have more control over their data and interactions.
Key Features of Distributed Systems Driving Decentralization
- Peer-to-Peer Networks:
- Distributed systems often rely on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, where nodes communicate directly without intermediaries.
- This eliminates the need for central servers, reducing the risk of censorship and single points of failure.
- Redundancy and Fault Tolerance:
- Data and services are replicated across multiple nodes, ensuring that the system remains operational even if some nodes fail.
- This resilience is a cornerstone of a decentralized web.
- Autonomy and Self-Organization:
- Nodes in a distributed system operate independently, making decisions based on local information.
- This autonomy reduces reliance on central authorities.
BitTorrent is a classic example of a distributed system enabling decentralization, where files are shared directly between users without a central server.
