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A distributed web (including proper mesh networks) has the potential of changing the status quo from constantly worrying about data limits and "I don't have any

A distributed web (including proper mesh networks) has the potential of changing the status quo from constantly worrying about data limits and "I don't have any wifi" to "normal" people having constant "internet" access everywhere they go. I think they don't care much about the underlying technology, but they will notice when some apps work faster and without a mobile data connection when others don't.

ketzu 9y ago
Couldn't people build webapps like this today by heavy caching and storing data locally?
- hobofan 9y ago
  To some degree yes, but with IPFS that becomes easier in my experience. Even with static websites you usually need to have a web server you are able to connect to, or have to go out of your way to add a Webworker that makes is offline-capable. There a single address that is served via an IPFS gateway behaves better with less additional tooling.
- TeMPOraL 9y ago
  In terms of caching, think of IPFS as making every node in the network also a dynamic CDN, with content automatically moving closer to the people who use it - including into your LAN.
mseebach 9y ago
> changing the status quo from constantly worrying about data limits and "I don't have any wifi" to "normal" people having constant "internet" access everywhere they go. So will rapidly increasing data allowances and cellular coverage. Plenty of European countries have effectively unlimited data packages and effectively complete network coverage. Crucially, whatever gaps there are in this are very likely to get filled through already underway progress much faster than a distributed web on mesh networks will get to a usable stage.
- hobofan 9y ago
  I am glad you are in a country where that seems to be the case or are just more optimistic. The status quo however is colleagues of mine discussing which of the main carriers to choose to get decent 3G/LTE coverage in Berlin(!), after all these years of progrrss, so I think it's worth to consider other options. Rural Germany is even worse. My data caps are also about the same (less than double) as they have been 5 years ago. Even if it won't take over as the dominant technology, it might create enough pressure on the carriers to act.

ketzu 9y ago

Couldn't people build webapps like this today by heavy caching and storing data locally?

hobofan 9y ago
To some degree yes, but with IPFS that becomes easier in my experience. Even with static websites you usually need to have a web server you are able to connect to, or have to go out of your way to add a Webworker that makes is offline-capable. There a single address that is served via an IPFS gateway behaves better with less additional tooling.
TeMPOraL 9y ago
In terms of caching, think of IPFS as making every node in the network also a dynamic CDN, with content automatically moving closer to the people who use it - including into your LAN.

mseebach 9y ago

> changing the status quo from constantly worrying about data limits and "I don't have any wifi" to "normal" people having constant "internet" access everywhere they go. So will rapidly increasing data allowances and cellular coverage. Plenty of European countries have effectively unlimited data packages and effectively complete network coverage. Crucially, whatever gaps there are in this are very likely to get filled through already underway progress much faster than a distributed web on mesh networks will get to a usable stage.

hobofan 9y ago
I am glad you are in a country where that seems to be the case or are just more optimistic. The status quo however is colleagues of mine discussing which of the main carriers to choose to get decent 3G/LTE coverage in Berlin(!), after all these years of progrrss, so I think it's worth to consider other options. Rural Germany is even worse. My data caps are also about the same (less than double) as they have been 5 years ago. Even if it won't take over as the dominant technology, it might create enough pressure on the carriers to act.