This software provides a secure framework for peer-to-peer networking. Its encryption technology ensures safe communication between users without the need for a central server.
To achieve this level of security, GNUnet provides a transport abstraction layer, allowing users to encapsulate their network traffic in different ways, including UDP (IPv4 and IPv6), TCP (IPv4 and IPv6), HTTP, or SMTP messages. Additionally, GNUnet supports accounting, which helps provide contributing nodes with better service.
The primary service offered on top of the GNUnet framework is anonymous file sharing. However, the overarching goal of the project is to provide a secure infrastructure for peer-to-peer networking that is resistant to attacks. GNUnet achieves this goal through secure communication where all messages are authenticated and encrypted from link-to-link.
Furthermore, the economic model employed by GNUnet makes it increasingly difficult for attackers to disrupt network usage since economics can act as a control mechanism for resource usage.
To exchange messages, GNUnet peers utilize pluggable transport service abstraction, with UDP, TCP, HTTP, and SMTP all currently available options. The core of GNUnet provides several mechanisms to perform resource allocations for CPU, bandwidth, and storage space, fully enforcing user-defined resource limitations.
One of the advantages of GNUnet is that it does not rely on centralized services, ensuring a decentralized network infrastructure. Moreover, the framework is flexible enough to support the implementation of new Peer-to-Peer protocols easily.
While the current protocols available include anonymous file sharing and benchmarking, GNUnet offers the possibility for individuals to create their protocols, making it an excellent platform for secure peer-to-peer networking in the future.
Version 0.8.0c: N/A