A VPN uses centralized servers
To protect your online privacy, using a virtual private network (VPN ) is the main recommendation for security-aware internet users. No doubt, a VPN largely contributes to your anonymity and protects your personal data on the web. One of the drawbacks is that they use centralized servers; this makes a traditional VPN server vulnerable to potential data leaks and censorship. A relatively new trend is the decentralized private network (DVPN). By running serverless and distributed, a decentralized VPN provides better privacy and security levels when surfing.
A decentralized private network has no central point of control
With a DPN, web traffic gets routed through encrypted tunnels, as with a regurlarVPN. The difference with a decentralized private network is that a user becomes both client and server. Tunnels get established through other nodes all over the world. Routing rules change IP addresses automatically. As there is no central point of control to approach, it is impossible to bring down the network.
A DPN functions serverless and distributed
As the DPN is serverless and distributed, your personal data can not be logged, leaked, or hacked into. Most VPN service providers have a minimal or strict no-logging policy, and many operate from privacy-friendly jurisdictions. But as commercial instances run them, the end-user can only trust the VPN provider not to release personal traffic data intentionally or due to misconfigurations.
Sharing unused network traffic through decentralized VPNs
Unlike a centralized VPN, decentralized VPNs distribute traffic among multiple users, allowing for more efficient use of available bandwidth, without affecting your internet speed. By sharing unused traffic, the network of nodes acts as relays, forwarding data to others in the network, with built-in encryption. This creates a safer environment for online activities, as it is more difficult for attackers to compromise the network.
The blockchain gave rise to decentralized applications
The growing awareness around online security and anonymity, plus issues with the centralization of personal data and information gathered by big tech companies, has led to the rising popularity of DVPNs. DVPNs utilize distributed systems that break up the network’s infrastructure to run on multiple nodes, making it more difficult to hack or shut down. By decentralizing the network architecture, users can rely on an untraceable web of connected devices, each with their own separate IP addresses. The spin-off is mainly due to the rise of the blockchain and its crypto derivatives, where data protection is crucial.
Web 3.0 is the next generation of the internet
A characteristic of decentralized platforms is that they provide more security and privacy to users. The main idea behind Web 3.0 is to give power back to users by enabling them to have control over their data. Unlike Web 2.0, which centralizes control in the hands of large corporations, Web 3.0 is designed to be distributive, meaning that users are able to access information without relying on a central point of failure. The underlying foundation of Web 3.0 relies heavily on blockchain technology to keep user data safe and secure.
Peer-to-peer sharing networks through software or hardware
DVPNs come in two ways. On the one hand, there are software solutions like Hopr and the Mysterium network, where you can exchange information privately for a monthly or per-usage fee. And on the other hand, there are projects like Deeper Connect, which offers a hardware device as a one-time purchase without any further subscription fees. Both solutions are based on a peer-to-peer network architecture (P2P). In essence, a decentralized VPN network surpasses censorship and protects your online privacy and anonymity through bandwidth sharing.
Deeper Network project sells a hardware DVPN service solution
The business model of the Deeper Network project is built upon the sales of their physical hardware and not on the exploitation of your online data. At the moment they offer 2 models, the Mini and the Pico. A medium-sized Nano version is no longer being developed. Both the Mini and the Pico need an ethernet cable connected to your modem, but you can also purchase a Wifi adapter to establish a wireless connection.
3 easy setup configurations
Setting up your Deeper Connect device depends on your internet connection at home, but the installation remains an easy process. You only need to decide on one out of three setup configurations:
- Cable outlet – Deeper Connect hardware – LAN connection to your device
- Modem – Deeper Connect hardware – Wifi router
- All-in-one Wifi modem – Deeper Connect hardware – (additional) Wifi router
The Deeper Connect device is plug-and-play
Once your installation is completed, you simply connect to the Deeper network. Your decentralized VPN works without the need for a complex setup of VPN protocols. Deeper Connect is designed as a plug-and-play device with zero configuration. For those who want to know more about the technology behind DPN, follow this link.
Automatic tunnel selection via smart route feature
In its default configuration, a Smart Route feature automatically changes IP addresses based on the characteristics of the data stream. For example, if you want to watch streaming services like Netflix in the USA while you are located somewhere in Singapore, a smart route through the USA will automatically be selected. If for some reason, you prefer to reroute via Canada, you can easily switch to this smart route. The device allows you to create up to 16 tunnels worldwide.
A firewall device for your Internet-of-Things
Apart from being a peer-to-peer decentralized private network, the device also functions as a 7-layer firewall device. Through deep packet inspection, it blocks ads, trackers, and malware. If needed, you can even set parental control to protect younger family members from accessing adult or violent content. This secure gateway can protect all your Internet-of-Things devices (IoT) in your home network.
Monitoring via Atom OS
Though the Deeper Connect is a plug-and-play device, all settings can be monitored and (partly) modified via a web browser. The underlying Atom OS network operating system provides a clear overview of routing tunnels, web filters, traffic monitoring, and bandwidth sharing. To stimulate participation in the decentralized private network, connected nodes can earn tokens and mining rewards, but this blockchain feature is still in an ongoing and frequently changing phase.
