Comparing Decentralized File Storage on Ethereum with InterPlanetary File System

As digital interaction intensifies with the proliferation of internet usage, there is a consequent surge in digital data storage needs. Recognizing this trend, numerous enterprises have extended file storage solutions for consumers to securely archive their data. Traditionally, this data resides on centralized servers and employs location-based addressing, optimizing distribution, management, security, and the scaling capacities of both servers and clients. Nonetheless, this centralized paradigm presents challenges, notably concerning security, privacy, and operational efficiency. Under this framework, there exists the potential for users’ data to be accessed, altered, or deleted by those administering the server. A promising avenue to address these challenges is the inception of a web-based decentralized file storage application characterized by precision and robust security. This innovative application leverages the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for its data storage layer, capitalizing on IPFS’s Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network architecture which fosters decentralized and distributed file sharing across a plethora of computers or nodes. To maintain a comprehensive record of all distributed files, the system incorporates a smart contract, enabling the execution of business logic on the blockchain. In this study, we undertake a systematic examination of deployment costs at the laboratory scale, focusing on platforms such as Ganache and the Ropsten network. We then juxtapose these findings within the context of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), analyzing comparative metrics across networks including Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, and Ethereum.