As a content-addressable, peer-to-peer storage mechanism, BTFS aims to overcome some of the major limitations of centralized file transfer protocols, like performance bottlenecks, low tolerance, and increased running costs.
BitTorrent, the software company behind the massively popular BitTorrent file-sharing protocol, has just announced that the BitTorrent BTFS mainnet will serve as the primary storage solution for nodes running on the TRON network — one of the largest decentralized content sharing ecosystems and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.
The BitTorrent file system, or BTFS for short, is a decentralized protocol and next-gen storage solution that enables BitTorrent network users to host data that can be accessed in a secure, redundant manner. The adoption of BTFS is expected to drastically reduce the amount of time it takes TRON nodes to sync to the blockchain.
What Is the BitTorrent file system (BTFS)?
The BitTorrent file system (BTFS) first entered into development in mid-2019, not long after BitTorrent was acquired by TRON CEO Justin Sun to help build out the TRON ecosystem. The new file system was due to be a merger of the older P2P BitTorrent file system used for torrent data, in addition to the best parts of the blockchain-based file sharing protocol—the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), which is used for storing and sharing data over decentralized networks.
📢LAST WEEK IN #BitTorrent
✅#BTFS Fixed long duration validating and uptime instability issue
✅#BitTorrentSpeed wallet addresses exceeded 200M
✅#BitTorrentSpeed can now manage $TRX, $BTT, $USDT, $USDJ, $JST, $WIN balance https://t.co/4PtE9H8Wqz— TRON Foundation (@Tronfoundation) September 30, 2020
As a content-addressable, peer-to-peer storage mechanism, BTFS aims to overcome some of the major limitations of centralized file transfer protocols, like performance bottlenecks, low tolerance, and increased running costs. BTFS is both a protocol and a network application, making file sharing between network nodes, or individuals completely decentralized.
How TRON Will Use BTFS
BTFS can be utilized by all nodes that sync to the TRON blockchain, irrespective of hardware. In total, the more than 1,200 TRON full nodes will now be able to benefit from significantly improved sync speeds, while new nodes will be able to cut the time it takes to download the entire TRON blockchain down from potentially several days to just hours by utilizing the BTFS decentralized cloud.
Though TRON will be the first blockchain to use BTFS to speed up downloads for nodes, the announcement teased that other blockchains will also be using the technology—but mentioned no names.
Overall, it is expected that the new update will make running a full node a far less time consuming and resource-intensive task, since users will now be able to get their full node up and running within a few hours in most cases. It will also improve the performance and stability of the TRON network in general, since current nodes will be able re-sync far faster than before to ensure better uptime while reducing the barrier to entry for new users.
BitTorrent has created an incentive system that sees users rewarded in BitTorrent tokens (BTT) for contributing their individual storage space to the network. The ultimate aim is to create a novel, fair, and efficient file sharing and storage solution with dynamic value exchanges for content creators and storage providers to maximize the utilization of existing resources while providing an additional revenue stream for storage providers.
Having obtained a diploma in Intercultural Communication, Julia continued her studies taking a Master’s degree in Economics and Management. Becoming captured by innovative technologies, Julia turned passionate about exploring emerging techs believing in their ability to transform all spheres of our life.
