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Shortest distance between two points is not always a straight line

by David Irvine

This blog post explains XOR-based networking concepts used in MaidSafe, contrasting them with traditional linear/Euclidean thinking. The author explains how XOR distance metrics work differently from conventional number systems, creating unique properties useful for decentralized networks.

XOR Distance Properties

  • Distance is not based on normal number systems (e.g., distance from 4→3 is 7, but 2→3 is 1)
  • Each node has unique distances from every other node
  • No straight line distance between nodes (like points on a sphere)
  • Every node sees a different network perspective

    Closeness in MaidSafe

  • Closeness is uni-directional/asymmetric
  • Distance is bi-directional/symmetric
  • Close groups vary depending on the data element being considered

    Network Architecture

  • Address space is 2^512 (larger than atoms in visible universe)
  • Network of networks concept with multiple typed data layers
  • Nodes connect to 16 closest nodes plus random connections for logarithmic search
  • Continuous network reconfiguration provides security through node churn

    Security Features

  • Data has different protectors with each churn event
  • Moving target makes attacks difficult
  • Self-authentication without intermediaries