• Peer-to-Peer File Storage and Retrieval System
  • Table of Contents
  • Introduction
  • Project Overview
  • Architecture
  • Flowchart
  • Components
    • Client Nodes
    • Peer Nodes
    • Directory Server
  • Definitions
  • Future Enhancements
  • Conclusion

This project aims to develop a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) file storage and retrieval system using Go. The focus is on distributed design, secure file handling, and efficient data retrieval, ensuring data integrity and availability.

The system leverages P2P networking principles to distribute file storage across multiple nodes, ensuring redundancy and security. Users can store and retrieve files in a decentralized manner, eliminating the need for a central server.

The architecture consists of the following components:

• Client Nodes: Nodes operated by end-users that interact with the network to upload and download files.
• Peer Nodes: Nodes that store and manage files, ensuring data redundancy and availability.
• Directory Server: A lightweight server that maintains a directory of nodes and file locations, facilitating efficient file retrieval.

The flow of operations in the system:

1. File Upload:

   • The client node splits the file into chunks.
   • Each chunk is hashed and encrypted.
   • Chunks are distributed to multiple peer nodes.
   • The directory server is updated with the file metadata and chunk locations.

2. File Retrieval:

   • The client requests the file from the directory server.
   • The directory server provides the locations of the file chunks.
   • The client retrieves and decrypts the chunks from the peer nodes.
   • The chunks are reassembled into the original file.

• Responsible for file uploads and downloads.
• Interacts with the directory server and peer nodes.

• Stores file chunks.
• Ensures data redundancy through replication.
• Participates in the P2P network to maintain data availability.

• Maintains a mapping of file metadata to peer nodes.
• Facilitates efficient file retrieval by providing chunk locations.

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network: A decentralized network where each participant (node) acts as both a client and a server.
• Chunking: The process of dividing a file into smaller pieces for distribution and storage.
• Hashing: Creating a unique identifier for each file chunk to ensure data integrity.
• Encryption: Securing file chunks to prevent unauthorized access.

• Implementing advanced encryption techniques for enhanced security.
• Developing a more robust directory server with failover capabilities.
• Integrating blockchain technology for immutable file metadata storage.
• Implementing an incentive mechanism for peer node participation.

This P2P file storage and retrieval system aims to provide a decentralized solution for secure and efficient data storage. By leveraging P2P principles, the system ensures data redundancy, security, and availability without relying on a central authority.

Feel free to contribute to this project by suggesting improvements, reporting issues, or submitting pull requests. Let's build a more decentralized future together!