All About Decentralized Databases

February 28, 2020

FrederikNielsen
32

What is a database?

By creating a decentralized encrypted data repository and leaving private keys with the owners, we reduce the probability of attacks to almost zero. But removing central trusted servers requires total encryption and flexible data access control.

Centralized

In this case, all data is recorded in a single array, which is stored on one computer. To get information, you need to connect to the host computer, which is called a server.

Decentralized

What is decentralization for a database? This means that data is stored on computers on the network that anyone can control. A node can join and disconnect from the network at any time and should not affect data availability. Since the nodes are scattered geographically, decentralization makes it possible to resist censorship and always have all the information online.

How do databases work?

Modern applications are usually designed so that the data loaded by users can be processed, aggregated and used in different ways for the application to work. In addition, companies need a flexible mechanism to control access to various data without any difficulties.

Reliability

Since the information is stored on untrusted computers, there should be no way for anyone to read them except the owners of the data themselves. This is achieved by asymmetric encryption when only the owner can decrypt the data. Network computers store data and meta-information, but cannot extract anything valuable from them.

Scalability

The centralized model assumes the connection of all clients to the server. Data is stored only on the server. Therefore, all requests for receiving, changing, adding or deleting information pass through the host computer. However, server resources are limited. Therefore, it can work effectively only with a certain number of network members. If the number of clients is greater, during peak periods, the server load may exceed this limit. Decentralized and distributed models allow you to avoid such problems since the load is distributed between several computers.

Can decentralized databases improve security?

In such bases, there is no centralized storage. This means that all data is distributed between network nodes. If something is added, edited or deleted on any of the computers, it will affect all computers on the network. If authorized changes are made, the new information is distributed over the network to other users. Otherwise, the data will be restored from the backup to ensure that they coincide with other nodes.

Are decentralized databases reputable?

The trend towards decentralization of all walks of life has arisen since the removal of middlemen brings obvious economic prospects. The blockchain avoids manual verification by drawing the entire network to a consensus about each transaction. The data storage and processing markets built using the blockchain can significantly reduce prices by attracting unused computing resources.

How can decentralized databases be used?

Such databases allow you to speed up the interaction between different parts of the production chain. Consider the following example. During the service life, the car goes through different stages – assembling, selling, insurance, and so on, right up to recycling. At each stage, a variety of different documentation and reports are created. If any clarification is needed, requests are sent to the appropriate authorities. It takes a lot of time. Physical location, different working languages, and bureaucracy are just some of the difficulties.

The blockchain technology avoids all these problems. All information about each car can be stored online. This data cannot be deleted or modified without the consent of the participant. And the necessary information is available at any time. This scheme is implemented in practice by the authors of the CarFix project. Based on the idea of smart contracts, they are working to ensure that the entire life path of any vehicle is recorded in a chain of blocks.

How can decentralized databases be used?

The databases accelerate the interaction in between various events in the production line. Areas, language miscommunication, the administration may end up being severe problems. All the details about each car and truck are stored on the network.

Frederik Nielsen
Frederik Nielsen

I’m a freelance writer and full-time curious person. My main interests are philosophy, politics, art, culture, science, and how they’re all interlinked. When I’m not writing, I’m fronting a band, producing records, and making videos. I’m also currently working on launching a YouTube channel that will focus on culture and politics. I think blockchain technology is fascinating because of the huge potential it has to revolutionise not only the financial sector, but society as a whole.

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