Redundancy on Arweave & IPFS

Introduction

Having your data stored on one server or device is risky. Redundancy is essential to avoid a single point of failure and ensure your files are safe.

This article will examine how redundant Arweave and IPFS are and which option is safer for your data.

Redundancy on Arweave

Arweave is a blockchain designed to store data permanently. You are guaranteed at least 200 years of storage by making a one-time, upfront payment.

Arweave’s one-time payment covers at least 20 copies of your data on its decentralized global network.

Backup redundancy, a key feature of Arweave, is essential in enhancing data security and maintaining operational stability. Even in the case of node failures or network issues, your data remains safe and accessible.

Redundancy on IPFS

There are different ways to store data on IPFS. You can host your own IPFS node or use a third-party pinning service to host your data.

Hosting your own IPFS node is a complex task that demands significant time and technical expertise. Your data’s safety isn’t guaranteed as long as a single point of failure exists.

Similarly, some pinning services, despite their convenience, may only pin your data to a single node. If that node experiences downtime, your data becomes inaccessible.

To address this single point of failure, pinning services use data replication.

Filebase replicates data across their three nodes in Virginia, London, and Frankfurt.

Web3.storage makes deals with different filecoin storage providers to maintain 5 copies of data.

Estuary, now discontinued, used to replicate data across 6 nodes.

Your data is replicated across 3-6 nodes on average, but has the single point of failure been overcome?

Although your data is stored in a decentralized way, it’s still routed through a centralized service. If the pinning service shuts down, your data will be removed.

That’s why most users also self-host or use an additional pinning service, doubling costs. So, if you want to host your data on IPFS, be prepared to put in considerable effort and maintenance!

Conclusion

Arweave’s minimum threshold of 20 copies is more resilient than pinning services on IPFS. It requires less maintenance, effort, and monitoring, effectively saving your time, money, and resources.

You don’t have to worry about monthly payments or whether the service you’re using will shut down. Once your data is uploaded to Arweave via Akord, even if Akord were to cease operations, your data would still be accessible.

With Arweave, your data is on-chain and secure.