Blockchain-Based File Replication for Data Availability of IPFS Consumers

In the Interplanetary File System (IPFS), consumers can help each other protect data against hardware failures and improve data availability through replication. While previous replication methods in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks can be used to increase data availability in the IPFS network, they are either hostile to peers with limited availability, preventing them from achieving adequate data availability, or lack flexibility. An ideal replication method should optimize data availability in a manner equitable to all peers while providing flexibility. To achieve this goal, this paper introduces a blockchain-based file replication mechanism. Leveraging the non-tamperable and traceable nature of blockchain technology, our mechanism achieves secure storage and trustworthy query of peers’ information used in the file replication process. Unlike most earlier methods, our mechanism employs an Arweave-inspired file replication algorithm that prioritizes the less available files within the system for replication until all files’ availabilities are optimized. Replicating files according to predefined system-wide cooperation rules like this not only limits the selfishness of peers but also facilitates timely adjustments in response to changes in the P2P system. In addition, our mechanism also uses smart contracts to judge and exclude dishonest peers, thereby fostering honest cooperation among peers without involving any third party.