An Interview with the Developers of a Blockchain-Based Router
Nodio is a blockchain-based router solution focused on privacy that is still in development. It supporters decentralized applications (DApps) and has the ability to act as a VPN while also being able to be integrated with the Tor network. A Nodio can even act as a Tor relay node. In this interview, CCN.com asked a few questions of the team to get a clearer understanding of the purpose of the device.
CCN.com: How are the DApps integrated with the Bitcoin blockchain?
Nodio Team: Nodio uses blockchain in its decentralized applications because it resides on multiple computers. So, if one node fails, the network is still able to operate. Any app that uses a blockchain alongside other peer-to-peer tools can be distributed and decentralized. The principle of no central unit provides DApps with excellent security features, for example, protection against DDoS. We also use blockchains as a source for data verification. Moreover, Nodio can use multiple blockchains in a single solution.
CCN.com: What are some of the DApps you foresee people developing around your platform?
Nodio Team: We see decentralization as the future of Internet solutions. That’s why the DApps will touch every aspect of everyday life. For example, they will provide a secure cloud storage thanks to Nodio’s feature of distributed data storage. In this day and age people communicate online all the time, so a completely secure P2P messenger is a logical next step for us, and we are almost done with its development. An IoT sector is growing rapidly and Nodio can be a platform for DAaps that will manage and monitor your home or business IoT network while defending it from external hacks. DApps can be used in sharing economy for completing the deals via smart contracts (e.g. renting an apartment or a car). So, you name it – we can create a DApp for it: browsers, P2P Internet, wallets, marketplaces… Imagine that Nodio is your personal server and you can run anything on it.
CCN.com: The Nodio will act as a regular router, and appears to be mostly suited for small home-office and home situations. What about larger organizations?
Nodio Team: Right now Nodio can be used by up to 50 simultaneous users, but we are working on bringing the solution for a corporate sector, so the companies can create their own secure networks and storages.
CCN.com: Are there any drawbacks to Tor integration, such as speed? Will Nodios be configured as nodes for the Tor network as well?
Nodio Team: Naturally, there will be a decrease in speed, but the thing is that you don’t have to use Tor continuously. Tor can be used only to establish a connection between peers. Afterward, the encrypted traffic will be direct. We have the ambition to create a platform for a faster Tor analog using the network of Nodios. But it’s a long-term plan, and we are not developing it just yet. You can set up Nodio as a node for Tor or deactivate that function. The beauty of Nodio is in its simplicity and flexibility.
CCN.com: What is the primary use case for Nodio?
Nodio Team: Essentially we wanted to create a device for every home and office, something simple and useful for every customer. That’s why a form of a WiFi router was chosen. Almost every home has one and ours would perform not only the router functions but serve as a platform for countless DApps which could manage an IoT network, help your business and protect your data. So, Nodio is a very multifunctional device and on top of it is equipped with some pretty impressive hardware like a 500 GB hard drive, an LTE module, and a 4000 mAh battery. I bet you don’t see those advantage in other routers.
CCN.com: Tell us a bit more about the payment platform Nodio intends to include. Would this be useful for, say, a coffee shop selling access to its Wifi?
Nodio Team: Usually, the first thing we do when walking into a cafe – search for a WiFi. Nodio will allow those spots not only to provide their customers with WiFi but also receive payment for their services. And we are not talking strictly about Bitcoin, but also about other payment solutions. Of course, one can develop a DApp for a paid Internet access or any other purpose depending on the creativity of the developer and his/her task. Nodio is like your phone when it comes to DApps, you download them from the GitHub and afterward get interfaces from the App Store or Google Play.
CCN.com: How was Nodio’s development funded? Have any big names in Bitcoin weighed in on its merits or otherwise yet?
Nodio Team: No, not yet at least, but we do have a lot of consultants. What we are creating is a device never made before and due to its multipurpose nature we value the opinion and experience of successful people from all areas of business (entrepreneurs, CEOs of international companies and even a General Producer of a TV channel). This is one of the reasons we have started a crowdsale – to be able to receive feedback from diverse sources. It will help us to build a better product that will be a great fit for every user. So far we are using our own savings for funding the project.
CCN.com: Would someone be able to watch a region-based service like Netflix if their video device was connected through a Nodio?
Nodio Team: You can use someone else’s Nodio as a VPN if an owner allows it. So, it is possible to watch, for example, Netflix with US content while traveling around Europe. Although, we do stand for decentralized solutions and hope to see a Netflix DApp someday.
Images from Nodio.
