P2P Sharing File System Based on Blockchain and IPFS
Technology
Kusprasapta Mutijarsa
School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics
Institut Teknologi Bandung
Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
soni@stei.itb.ac.id
Abstract – Data storage with decentralized platforms
provides security of privacy, transparency and data availability.
This platform can be used to build information exchange systems
that are safe from attacks. One platform that can be used is
blockchain. However, this technology still has weaknesses, namely
the problem of cost and scalability. This problem is caused by the
limited block size. Because, the verification process is carried out
from the last block to the earliest block. In addition, the cost of
storing data on blockchain (ethereum) is expensive. So that it will
require a long process and large storage. What's more if
blockchain technology is used to store large amounts of data. For
this reason, system development is carried out by utilizing the
InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) network that can be accessed
by anyone while connected to the network. The IPFS network
will be used as file or information storage and blockchain is used
to store file addresses in IPFS and verify each transaction. The
design is done using a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)
approach. Not all stages in SOA are carried out, only a few steps
to obtain the required operations. After that, the implementation
of the test was carried out. The implementation is done using
Metamask, react.js, ipfs, etc. Evaluation is done by analyzing the
costs incurred and comparing between ethereum and IPFS and
ethereum. The conclusions of this study are the use of IPFS as file
storage is very efficient in terms of the costs incurred, but still has
drawbacks if the saved file is smaller than the ipfs hash size.
Index Terms – Decentralized, Ethereum Blockchain, IPFS.
I. INTRODUCTION
Centralized systems using closed software can monopolize
data or information from system users [1]. This is because, the
centralized system has non-transparent characteristics.
Moreover we are in an age where information security of
organizations or individuals is important [1]. The centralized
platform has a single point failure [1] [2]. Controlled and
centralized systems do not support user flexibility [1]. In order
to ensure data transparency, user privacy and data availability,
it is necessary to replace the data storage platform to be
decentralized from centralized [1] [2]. In the future
decentralized storage is required to provide data sharing and
storage services [2]. Blockchain technology becomes its
candidate [1].
Blockchain has become more popular since the use of
blockchain technology in bitcoin by Nakamoto S in 2008 [4].
Blockchain is a distributed database system. Its function is
organized an increasing number of blocks [5] [6] [7] 8]. The
advantages of blockchain technology are digital identity
Dian Pratiwi Adiningsih
School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics
Institut Teknologi Bandung
Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
dian.pratiwi.adi@students.itb.ac.id
management that can be done by each user. [1]. Users do not
have to worry about their data access rights, as data
availability can be ensured by using smart contracts from
blockchain [2] [3]. Blockchain is also a verification tool to
assist people in knowing the authenticity of downloaded data
[3] [5]. Blockchain technology-based communication
applications use consensus algorithms, asymmetric ciphers and
P2P network structures [1]. In addition to the capabilities and
benefits of blockchain, there are some disadvantages. The
most serious disadvantage is the scalability problem [9]. Block
size limits contribute to scalability issues [9]. So we need to
reduce the block size. To reduce the block size can be done by
dividing the data into two parts [10].
IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and blockchain are a
great combination [11]. We can store large amounts of data
using IPFS. Saving hash-files that can not be deleted using
transactions on blockchain. This paper contributes to the
design of P2P communication systems using IPFS and
blockchain technologies.
The next paper structure is to provide relevant information
related to blockchain and IPFS. In section 3, the proposed
system scheme. In section 4, design and testing. In section 5,
results, conclusions, and research suggestions.
II. RELATED WORK
A. Blockchain Technology
According to Valentina [6], blockchain still has room for
innovation that can be developed. Blockchain brings
innovation in various sectors. The adoption process of
blockchain needs to be carefully evaluated depending on the
business sector and business objectives. Blockchain is a
distributed ledger to every participant in a network that stores
transactions (from node to other nodes in the same network)
[6]. A peer-to-peer (P2P) network can use blockchain
technology.
According to Pinyaphat [12], blockchain consists of four
elements, namely: ledger, cryptography, consensus, and
business logic [12]. Ledger is distributed and contains all
transactions from the first transaction to the last transaction.
Cryptography in blockchain ensures the integrity of ledger,
transaction authentication, transaction privacy, and participant
identity. Consensus is a rule used to validate transactions. And
finally the business logic, the logic contained in ledger and
executed simultaneously with the transaction [13].
 Blockchain keeps a list of transactions recorded in the
order of blocks such as general ledgers.. Figure 1 shows an
example of blockchain architecture. It has two section, body
block and head blok. The hash value of the previous block
metadata will be stored in the header block. The first block in
blockchain is called the genesis block [8].
Fig. 1 Block Structure
Smart contracts are digital contracts approved by chain
participants that provide controlled ladger manipulation.
Smart contract has a class concept in object oriented
programming [14]. Ethereum is the first platform to introduce
turing-complete languages in the blockchain platform. Smart
contract represent self-autonomous and self-verifying agent
contained in blockchain. Smart contract consists of fields and
functions [15].
The process of taking user input, storing data, exchanging
digital assets, applying business logic and gathering
information from outside services can be done using smart
contracts [16]. Transactions can trigger the use of functions in
the smart contract after the smart contract has been deployed.
B. Ethereum
Ethereum is the next generation of blockchain that permits
to deploy the smart contracts [3] [18] [19]. Ethereum can be
developed using Python and JavaScript-based programming
languages to create a program. Currently ethereum lead smart
contract technology. Ethereum has a goal to build
decentralized platforms. This platform allows users to create,
deploy and run smartcontract [2]. If the smartcontract is
deployed, The logic of the smart contract agreement will be
executed automatically. In contrast to bitcoin which is only
able to send digital money. [3].
There are several elements found on the ethereum
platform. Here's the explanation: [2]
Etehereum Account. Ethereum blockchain has two
accounts, namely: contract account and External Owned
Account (EOA). Each ethereum account has an identity of 20-
byte hex strings. The EOA private key controls this account.
Executing a contract or sending an ether to another account
can be done by EOA. The code that saved in the account is
able to manage contract accounts.
Gas and Ether. The ethereum platform uses the ether as a
token. Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a virtual machine
that used to execute smart contracts. The contract will run in
the event of a transaction or a message. EVM is run by all
nodes in the network as the party performing the block
validation. The node will verify every transaction inside the
block. The unit gas is used to calculate the operating
consumption of EVM. The gas is obtained by using ether. The
sender of the transaction must pay a certain amount of ether
for the operation to be performed. Ether = Gas price * Gas
Used.
Fig. 2 Ethereum Blockchain Smart Contract Deploy Proses
Messages and Transactions. We can send ether to
another account by making transactions on ethereum. A
transaction consists of Gas price, recipient address, gas limit,
nonce, sender's signature, ether value and others. This data is
compiled into JSON format. The JSON format is then
converted to a hexadecimal format. The data is read through
the JSON API interface provided by ethereum (eth_get
(TransactionByHash).
Smart Contract. As mentioned earlier. Figure 2 shows
the deployment of smart contracts on ethereum. First compile
smart contracts into EVM bytecodes, then propagated on
blockchain. Further notes the Application Binary Interface
(ABI) and the contract address. ABI and contract addresses are
used to store some appropriate data, keyword encryption
results and ensure search services.
C. InterPlanetary File System
The InterPlanetary File System is shortened to IPFS. IPFS
is a distributed file system. Computational devices can be
connected to each other using this technology. IPFS can be
used as a storage place that can be accessed by using a content
addressed hyperlinks. [2]. IPFS has the characteristic that there
is no single point failure, each node does not have to mutual
trust. The advantages of IPFS compared to cloud storage is
that data can be saved and distributed throughout the world
and there is no centralized server. We will get each hash string
after uploading the file to IPFS. This hash string is unique
because it functions as the address of the file we upload. It can
be interpreted like a web URL. The hash string will refer to the
location of the file reside.On the scheme to be filed, we will
store the encrypted file to the IPFS system. some metadata and
hash string from IPFS will be stored in Ethereum blockchain.
Only certain users in accordance with the policy of the file
owner can access the data in ethereum and decrypt the location
of the file, download the file according to the IPFS address,
and decrypt the file. [1]
III. PROPOSED SCHEME
A. Business Process Decomposition
Business processes are decomposed into atomic business
processes. Keep in mind, the business processes carried out by
IPFS and blockchain are not analyzed because IPFS service
providers are outside of the system. The results of business
decomposition can be seen in table 1. Table 2 shows a list of
summary candidates for operations that have been identified
from the results of the business process decomposition in table
1.
TABLE I.
BUSINESS PROCESS DECOMPOSITION

No Business Process Decomposition

1. Want to share files with Want to share files with certain users
certain users
2. Send file to IPFS Select the file to be sent
Change the file to a buffer
Send buffer file to IPFS
3. Receive the buffer file Receive the buffer file hash address
hash address
4. Make Transactions Take the blockchain address of the
file owner
Send hash IPFS file addresses to Fig. 3 System Architecture
blockchain
Confirm transaction In the blockchain there is a smart contract that has an
5 Receive a hash number Receive a hash number information search service. Only certain parties have the
6 Request a recipe Request a recipe
previlege of obtaining file addresses stored in Ethereum
7 Get data from IPFS Get data from IPFS
blockchain. Furthermore, the proposed system consists of two
TABLE II entities, the owner and the user. User is the client of the owner.
IDENTIFICATION OF CANDIDATE OPERATIONS Users can view information from the owner stored in the
Ethereum blockchain that will be used to access the files
No Operation Description stored on the IPFS network. While the owner is both a private
1 captureFile This operation will save the file if entering party and an organization that shares files to the IPFS network
"choose file" has been filled in correctly.
and stores information to Ethereum blockchain. Figure 3
After completing this operation will
immediately run the convertToBuffer shows the system platform described as follows:
operation by entering the selected file The system uses two technologies, namely Ethereum
2 convertToBuffer In order to save files to IPFS, it is necessary blockchain and IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). The shared
to process files into buffers. file will be uploaded to the IPFS network. After uploading the
3 onSubmit This operation is a combination of several
decompositions in the previous stage. This
file the data owner will get an address which will be saved to
operation consists of several steps, namely: Ethereum blockchain. In the blockchain there is a smart
- Get a user account contract that has an information search service. Only certain
- Add file buffer to IPFS parties have the previlege of obtaining file addresses stored in
- Receive IPFS hashes
- Use a blockchain contract to send hashes
Ethereum blockchain. Furthermore, the proposed system
- Transaction confirmation consists of two entities, the owner and the user. User is the
- Get transaction hashes client of the owner. Users can view information from the
4 onClick This operation serves to get the block and owner stored in the Ethereum blockchain that will be used to
gas numbers used in the transaction. access the files stored on the IPFS network. While the owner is
5 getData Use the ipfs hash to get files stored in IPFS
both a private party and an organization that shares files to the
IPFS network and stores information to Ethereum blockchain.
B. System Architecture Figure 3 shows the system platform described as follows:
The system uses two technologies, namely Ethereum 1) Owner connects with IPFS and ethereum networks.
blockchain and IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). The shared The owner creates a paired key (public key and
file will be uploaded to the IPFS network. After uploading the private key). This key will be used for file encryption.
file the data owner will get an address which will be saved to 2) The owner makes a smart contract on ethereum
Ethereum blockchain. blockchain.
3) The user connects with the IPFS and ethereum
network. The user creates a paired key (public key
 and private key). This key will be used for data
encryption.
4) The owner will share the file with the user. The file is
encrypted using the user's public key. The encrypted
file is uploaded to the IPFS network.
5) The owner receives and records the address of the
uploaded file. The received address is then encrypted
using the owner's private key.
6) The file address encryption results are then saved to
the ethereum transaction.
7) Owner receives transaction hash from ethereum
contract.
8) The owner saves sharing the transaction hash and the
required key to the User through a secure channel.
9) The user uses the transaction hash to search for
related data in the ethereum transaction.
10) Users get related data. Then decrypt the data using the
public owner's key. Users get an address to access
files in IPFS
11) IPFS gets files from IPFS. Then decrypt using the
user's private key
IV. IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation of decentralizzed applications uses
several components, namely: metamask, remix, smart contract,
web3.js, infura, and react.js. Smart contract contains
instructions for getting data from and to ipfs. smart contract is
tested and deployed using etehereum remix which is connected
to the metamask account. Smart contract contains instructions
for getting data from and to ipfs. smart contract is tested and
deployed using etehereum remix which is connected to the
metamask account
Fig. 4 System Components
While the files needed in this system are: the web3.js file
is used to connect with ethereum, ipfs.js is used to connect to
the information to connect with IPFS, storehash is used to
store the ABI and smart contract addresses so that web3.js and
smart contracts can be connected and app.js contains all the
operations that we have identified previously and connected all
the files designed.
V. EVALUATION
The confidentiality of user data must be guaranteed by the
system. Privacy security starts from storing and exchanging
user data. Contract details if stored in plain text on a smart
contract will cause privacy issues because the owner and user
addresses are stored in the contract. To prevent this can be
done by only hash of the details of the contract stored in the
smart contract.
Comparison of costs incurred between storing data only
with Ethereum by storing data using IPFS and Ethereum.
Based on the yellow paper from Ethereum, it shows the
amount of costs that must be spent every 1 word / 8 bytes /
20,000 gas. Based on 10/09/2018, the price of each gas
released is 3.5 gwei. The latest price information can be seen
at: https://ethgasstation.info/.
If the price of gwei every single gas is 3.5 gwei, then the
gwei needed for 20,000 gases per 8 transaction bytes is
(20,000 gas x 3.5 gwei / gas) 70,000 gwei for 8 bytes. If it is
converted into ether (70,000 gwei⁄ (8 bytes) x 1000 bytes8 =
10,000,000 gwei⁄kB = 0.01 Ether) it takes 0.01 ether every 1
kB or 10 Ether every Mb. Based on
https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-price/ (08/10/2018,
05:35) the price of 1 Ether is $ 196.56. It can be concluded
that to save 1 Mb of data it takes $ 1965.6.
If we compare using IPFS, the data stored is 32 bytes
long. This size is based on the hash of IPFS which has a length
of 32 bytes. So that the stored data has a constant length. For
32 bytes, $ 61,425 is needed. In Figure V.1 shows the
comparison of the prices incurred against the size of the data
stored.
It can be seen that the use of IPFS as a storage tool will
only be effective if the size of the stored data is greater than
the size of the ipfs hash, which is 32 bytes. Because when the
size of data stored with IPFS is smaller then the costs incurred
are greater than using only ethereum.
System evaluation is carried out on privacy and cost and
scalability aspect.
. Fig. 5 Cost x data size Graph
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