Introduction: Internet, Extranet, Intranet
The Intranet is a private and secure network that allows members of an organization to communicate and resources. Access is restricted to external members and the network is often guided by the use of a firewall( A firewall is a network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules) or a VPN(Virtual Private Network).
The Extranet is also a private and secured network, but differs from an intranet in that certain members of the public such as clients, partners and investors who are important components of the organization. Those selected people have access to company resources and data. Extranet networks also make use of firewalls.
The Internet is a system of interconnected computers around the world connected together through servers. It is a system architecture that allows for communication and file transfer between these interconnected computers.
Source:OHT 3.1, Marketing Insights Limited
ISP(Internet Service Providers) are institutions that provide people with access to internet. A few ISPs provide internet service to consumers at a fixed rate and charge unbelievable prices when the user travels out of the local area to a different city, roaming charges. ISPs limit the bandwidth we can access i.e the speed of upload and download from the server
What if we can control our own bandwidth and access the internet from any part of the world without extra cost?
BandZ! is the solution
What is BandZ
BandZ, derived from the word bandwidth, is a network, a global extranet powered by the blockchain, that aims to decentralize the internet by making internet connections available and cheaper with a robust security protocol.
The BandZ software will enable ISPs to interact with other ISPs and create partnerships so that users can use their devices internationally while still being tied to their providers. This will enable users to enjoy a more robust, comfortable, and global experience.
The BandZ network enables global outreach to remote areas by partnering with ISPs to help expand their customer base to these areas.
Check out the BandZ introduction video:
Bandwidth Sharing
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred within a fixed time. Bandwidth describes the maximum data transfer rate of a network or Internet connection.
The BandZ network would enable users to share bandwidth with each other in exchange for BandZ tokens.
Decentralized Internet and its benefits
Some years ago, the world realized that certain agencies was spying on the world through the internet( thanks to Edword Snowden). Recently, we realized that the data agencies swore to keep private was being sold for analytics. This shows that the somewhat centralized internet is no longer safe. Then why do we need a decentralized internet?
Decentralization of the internet can be done without the use of the blockchain technology but it would involve a peer to peer network of people such that each website will be spread out across several nodes. By using blockchain technology, we will be able to create a more decentralized and secure internet through encryption of data.
Benefits of a Decentralized internet:
- More secure and faster transactions
- Data Privacy
- In remote regions of the world,a decentralized internet will be profitable by connecting them to the rest of the world despite their infrastructure shortcomings.
- Ability to create mesh networks across different nodes
What are Mesh Networks
As an alternative to the internet, mesh networks were formed. These networks are an array which serve as connection points between two clients thereby enabling efficient data packet routing. These nodes connect dynamically with other nodes and this eliminates dependence on a central hub or provider.
For example, if a lecturer wants to distribute materials to over 200 students, traditionally, he would connect his PC to a WIFI access point, upload the file on a central server or hub. His students would have to download the file by connecting to their own WIFI access point in order to get the file from the server. In mesh networks, he could easily send the file over to all his students while they are connected to the mesh network.
Mesh Networks can be decentralized in that it will be controlled by a large number of people thereby reducing the cost of setting up servers or centralized mesh networks like the one in New York city. Decentralized mesh networks would go a long way in empowering communities which have difficulties accessing the internet due to infrastructural conditions.
BandZ networks would be a decentralized mesh network such that each device would be an intranet of it's own. Capable of sharing data packets among it's members.
Security through a decentralized VPN
VPN is a network used to add security and privacy to public or private networks. There are different types of VPN offered by different companies. VPN is used to hide a computer's true IP when surfing the web by masking the true IP with a fake one provided by the company. To register with this company, the user needs to put down their real name and identity. Isnt that defying the very reason why VPN was made?
As a solution, BandZ offers a decentralized VPN that is able to ensure maximum privacy of a client, VPN on the blockchain. It stores the true identity of the client on a private block thereby restricting access to the public, preventing
tampering of data . The VPN function is bulit into the netwprk at no extra costs incurred.
How BandZ affects roaming charges
Have you ever travelled out to a different country like Turkey, you might have to choose between accepting the roaming charges from your local service provider or you can buy a Turk Telkom sim card and purchase a data package.
There is a better way! You can connect to the BandZ network and purchase bandwidth from your local service provider at a fair price
Use Cases
Charlie's Party: Use Case 1
Charlie wants to host a party. After spending money on drinks and snacks, he forgot to save some to buy some bandwidth for the gaming section.
No need to worry, He connects to the BandZ network , buys his desired bandwidth at a fair price and now he is able to host the best party in the city.
Tech Hubs: Use-Case 2
The new tech hub is one of the coolest spots in the city because if their fast internet speed.
After their monthly review, they discovered that they could make more money by sharing this internet with people in the community. How?
Through the BandZ network! When people come to their hub, they pay BNZ tokens and are able to connect to the internet.
Remote areas in Africa:Use-Case 3
Areas in Africa which lack the infractructural means to set up a traditional network could still be connected through the BandZ network since the
BandZ Tokens
Every activity on the BandZ network would revolve around the BNZ token. It will be the backbone of the BandZnetwork.
The pre-ICO would commence on June 22nd.
BandZ is also holding another airdrop very soon! For details, visit the airdrop portal.
Summary
There is a lot the BandZ network has to offer, a decentralized, global and secure extranet that enables the exchange bandwidth and provides secure internet services. It is truly creating a decentralized internet
BandZ Team
Shakil Muhammad - KAIST PhD student and former cyber security (CEO) with the Government
of Pakistan; cryptocurrency exchange founder and serial entrepreneur
Antony Compton - Mathemacs
graduate, Chartered Accountant and online Insurance Execuve
@ InConnect and mulple
startup founder (CFO)
Ivan Svirid - Mulple
startup Founder and distributed systems developer (CTO)
Viktor Xhelilaj - Decentralized visionary and blockchain fund founder and Execuve
Advisor @
QuickCheck Canada (COO)
Adnan Mujahid Khan, PhD -- Core Developer
Oksana Griyo, PhD -- Full Stack Developer
Tumennast, PhD -- Global Partnership
Rajakumar Arul, PhD -- Network Researcher
Additional team details can be found on the BandZ website
For More Information and Resources:
- Bandz Website
- BandZ Whitepaper
- BandZ Telegram
- BandZ LinkedIn
- BandZ Facebook
- BandZ Twitter
- BandZ Reddit
- BandZ Github
- BandZ Youtube
This post was written in response to an @originalworks post, click here to view