TON Storage — A New Standard for Decentralized Data Storage

What is TON Storage?

How Does TON Storage Work?

1. File Fragmentation:
When you upload a file to TON Storage, the system divides it into smaller pieces called chunks. These chunks are designed so that each one can be independently reconstructed. This process, known as sharding, enhances data resilience.

2. Data Encryption:
Before being sent to the network, each chunk is encrypted using cryptographic algorithms. The encryption keys remain solely with the file owner. This ensures that even if chunks are accessed by other network participants, the data remains unreadable.

3. Distribution Across Network Nodes:
Encrypted chunks are distributed across multiple nodes participating in the TON network. These nodes provide their unused disk space for storage and are rewarded in Toncoin. The chunks are duplicated across several nodes, ensuring file availability even if some nodes go offline.

4. Storage and Management via Smart Contracts:
Each chunk is associated with a smart contract that defines the storage and payment terms. Users pay for data storage in Toncoin, and nodes are rewarded automatically without intermediaries. This process is transparent and secure, as smart contract records cannot be altered.

5. File Retrieval:
When you want to download your file, the network begins locating all its chunks. This happens simultaneously: nodes hosting the fragments send them back to the user. Thanks to duplication, even the loss of several nodes does not hinder file recovery. The system reassembles and decrypts the chunks, delivering the original file.

6. Data Updates:
If you need to update a file, TON Storage creates new chunks and replaces the old ones. This approach saves resources and ensures the stored data remains up to date.

7. Durability and Availability:
Network nodes are required to keep data accessible; otherwise, they stop receiving rewards. This incentivizes participants to maintain high service quality. Additionally, the system regularly verifies data integrity and automatically restores it if any corruption is detected.
 

Why Does It Matter?

1. Independence:
TON Storage’s resilience is ensured by thousands of network participants, eliminating the risk of data loss or blockage.
2. Efficient Resource Use:
Storage space is voluntarily provided by users, who are rewarded in Toncoin. This approach makes the system both accessible and cost-effective.
3. Transparency:
Every aspect of the system’s operation is recorded in smart contracts, ensuring the storage and payment processes are entirely fair and clear.
4. Integration with the TON Ecosystem:
TON Storage works seamlessly with other tools such as TON Payments and TON Proxy, creating a comprehensive solution for data management.
 

Where Can TON Storage Be Used?

TON Storage unlocks new opportunities for secure, decentralized, and flexible data storage. It addresses limitations of traditional cloud solutions, offering advantages in managing big data, protecting sensitive information, content hosting, and enabling Web3 innovations. From scientific research to corporate archives, TON Storage optimizes processes and meets unique challenges. Let’s explore how this technology can set new standards in data management.
1. NFT Platforms: Strong Metadata and Media Files:
TON Storage is an ideal solution for NFT marketplaces. A persistent issue in the industry is storing token-related data on centralized servers, which are vulnerable to failures, attacks, or even data loss if servers shut down.
With its decentralized architecture, TON Storage allows metadata and media files to be distributed across a network. This ensures uninterrupted access to data, regardless of the state of individual nodes. NFT platforms can enhance user trust by offering a secure and sustainable storage solution for tokens.
2. Decentralized Applications (dApps):
• Developers of decentralized applications can use TON Storage for storing user data and content.
• For example, apps facilitating large file transfers can leverage TON Storage to host data across a distributed network, eliminating dependence on centralized services while maintaining high security standards.
• Social platforms can rely on TON Storage to store user-generated content—photos, videos, and text—making these platforms more resilient to censorship, breaches, and downtime.
3. Corporate Data Storage:
TON Storage provides companies with a secure method to store corporate archives and backups. Unlike centralized solutions, its distributed architecture protects data from loss or damage.
Organizations dealing with sensitive information, such as law firms, financial institutions, or healthcare providers, can benefit greatly from this technology. Data encryption ensures only authorized users can access the information, maintaining confidentiality.
4. Content Hosting:
TON Storage can support hosting websites and applications, protecting them from censorship and restrictions.
For instance, journalistic platforms, blogs, or other sites requiring robust protection from external interference can use distributed storage for hosting media files, scripts, and other assets. This ensures content remains accessible even under attempts to block its dissemination.
5. Big Data Storage for Scientific Research:
Scientific projects often work with large datasets, such as experimental results, medical research, or genomic databases. TON Storage is a reliable solution due to its scalability and distributed architecture.
Data encryption ensures confidentiality, while distributed storage provides consistent access even under high load.
6. Entertainment Industry:
Multimedia platforms can use TON Storage to host films, music, or games. Decentralized storage ensures reliable and fast content delivery, reducing reliance on central servers.
For example, digital content buyers can rest assured that access to their purchases will persist even if a platform shuts down.
7. Distributed Document Management Systems:
TON Storage enables the creation of document management systems that prioritize transparency, security, and resilience.
These solutions are ideal for storing notarial documents, contracts, or other legally significant files. Decentralized storage eliminates risks of tampering or unauthorized deletion, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
 

What is the Storage Daemon?

The Storage Daemon is a program designed to manage the upload and distribution of files within the TON network. It operates similarly to torrent technology but incorporates several enhancements:
• RLDP Protocol via ADNL: A reliable method for data transmission.
• Merkle Tree: Ensures file integrity verification and facilitates the transfer of only modified parts.
• TON DHT: Enables efficient discovery of other network participants.
 

Core Features of the Storage Daemon:

File Uploading: Users can upload "Bag of Files" (data bundles) into the network. Files are split into chunks, encrypted, and distributed across network nodes.
Download and Upload Management: Using the storage-daemon-cli command-line tool, users can:
• Add files via a BagID or metadata file.
• Download specific files within a bundle.
• Set download priorities.
• Pause or resume data transfers.
Creating a Bag of Files: This functionality enables users to package files or folders into a single bundle that can be distributed across the network. Each bundle is identified by a unique hash (BagID).
Partial Downloads: If only specific files within a bundle are needed, the -partial flag allows users to retrieve only the required data, optimizing resources.
File Updates: Thanks to the Merkle Tree architecture, only modified chunks need to be uploaded, reducing resource usage and ensuring data consistency.
 

Example Use Case:

Imagine a research team working with large datasets, such as satellite imagery. They can upload data into TON Storage, generate a metadata file, and share it with colleagues. Team members can download only the files they need, saving both space and bandwidth.
If new data is added (e.g., updated satellite images), the system transmits only the changes, expediting the process and reducing network load.
 

How to Start Using TON Storage

For Users: Storing Data:

Step 1: Download and Install the Software

• Visit the official GitHub repository.
• Download the latest version of the software for your operating system (Linux, macOS, or Windows).
• Follow the documentation to install the program.

Step 2: Prepare Your File for Upload

• Identify the file or folder you want to upload to the network.
• Ensure your TON wallet has sufficient funds to cover storage fees, calculated based on data volume and storage duration.

Step 3: Upload Your File

• Use the command-line interface to upload your file:

storage-daemon-cli upload --file <file path> --duration <number of days>

• The file is split into encrypted chunks and distributed across network nodes.

Step 4: Save Metadata

• After the upload, the system provides a unique identifier (BagID) or a metadata file. Save this information—it is required for data recovery.

Step 5: Recover Your Data

• To download your file, use the command:

storage-daemon-cli download --bag-id <BagID> --output <output path>

• The chunks are retrieved, decrypted, and reassembled into the original file.
For Node Operators: Providing Storage Space:

Step 1: Install the Storage Daemon

• Download the Storage Daemon from the official repository.
• Ensure your device meets the minimum requirements:
• CPU: 1 GHz (dual-core).
• RAM: 2 GB.
• Disk Space: 10 GB or more.
• Internet Connection: 10 Mbps with a static IP address.

Step 2: Configure Your Node

• Run the program and configure your node using the command:

storage-daemon -v 3 -C global.config.json -I <your IP>:3333 -p 5555 -D storage-db

• Specify your IP address, ports, and storage directory.
• Allocate the amount of disk space you want to contribute to the network.

Step 3: Connect to the Network

• Once configured, your node becomes available to other network participants. The system begins utilizing the allocated space to store encrypted data chunks.

Step 4: Earn Toncoin

• Rewards for providing storage space are distributed automatically via smart contracts.
• Check your node’s balance with:

storage-daemon-cli balance

• Toncoin earnings can be withdrawn to your wallet or used within the TON ecosystem.
The Storage Daemon provides a robust foundation for decentralized data storage within the TON network. While command-line interaction may seem complex for beginners, the detailed documentation ensures a smooth learning curve. By investing a little time in setup, users can enjoy the full benefits of secure and decentralized file management.
 

Tips for New Users

• Frequent Checks: Regularly monitor your node's status and network connectivity to ensure smooth operation.
• Backup Metadata: Always save your BagID and metadata files to ensure seamless uploads and data recovery.
• Stay Updated: Use the latest version of the software for enhanced security and performance.
• Explore the Documentation: TON Storage provides comprehensive guides to help you fully utilize its features.

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Your Data — Your Control

TON Storage introduces a revolutionary approach to data storage based on decentralization and security. Its distributed architecture and encryption ensure that every user has full control over their files without relying on centralized providers or risking censorship.
The flexible, usage-based payment model makes the platform appealing to individual users, startups, and large enterprises alike. Coupled with Toncoin, the system creates an economically efficient ecosystem where rewards for nodes are distributed automatically, minimizing the need for intermediaries.
Integration with the TON ecosystem further expands the capabilities of TON Storage: interaction with smart contracts, support for decentralized applications (dApps), and traffic anonymization through TON Proxy all contribute to a unified solution for secure content management. Together, these features pave the way for a future where your data truly belongs to you.