Comparing data redundancy on Arweave and IPFS

Source: PermaDAO

Storing data on a single server or device is risky, and data redundancy is essential to avoid single points of failure and keep your files safe.

This article will explore the redundancy of Arweave and IPFS, and which option is safer for your data.

Arweave's Redundancy

Arweave is a blockchain designed for permanent data storage, with a one-time prepayment that guarantees storage for at least 200 years.

Arweave's one-time payment covers at least 20 copies of the decentralized global network's data.

Backup redundancy is a key feature of Arweave and is essential to improving data security and maintaining operational stability. Even due to node failures or network problems, data remains secure and accessible.

IPFS Redundancy Mechanism

There are many ways to store data on IPFS. You can self-host your own IPFS node or use a third-party service (Pinning Service) to host your data.

Self-hosting an IPFS node is a complex task that requires a lot of time and technical expertise. As long as there is a single point of failure, the security of your data cannot be guaranteed. Similarly, some third-party services, although convenient, may only pin your data to a single node. If the node goes down, the data will be inaccessible.

To solve this single point of failure problem, Pinning Service generally uses a data replication mechanism:

• Filebase replicates data on three nodes in Virginia, London, and Frankfurt.

• Web3.storage has reached an agreement with different Filecoin storage providers to back up 5 copies of data.

• Estuary used to replicate data on 6 nodes, but it is no longer in operation.

Your data is replicated on an average of 3-6 nodes, but is the single point of failure problem solved?

Although your data is stored in a decentralized manner, it is still tracked by a centralized service. If the Pinning Service is shut down, your data will be deleted.

That's why most users also self-host or use an additional Pinning Service, but the cost is doubled. Therefore, if you want to host your data on IPFS, you need to prepare a lot of energy to maintain it.

Conclusion

Arweave's minimum of 20 replicas is more resilient than the Pinning Service on IPFS. It requires less maintenance and monitoring costs, effectively saving your time, money, and resources. You don't have to worry about monthly payments or whether the service you are using will be shut down. If your data is uploaded to Arweave through Akord, you can still access your data even if Akord stops operating. Use Arweave now and keep your data safe on the chain!