CYFS Explained: The Protocol Trying to Replace TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP

CYFS (CYberFileSystem) is a decentralized protocol stack designed to create what its developers call "true Web3" by replacing fundamental internet protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP) with decentralized alternatives.

Core Architecture

The key architectural innovation is the OOD (Owner Online Device) model. Users bring their own OOD to join the CYFS network—any computing terminal that belongs to you can become an OOD (PC, VPS, dedicated device, etc.) as long as CYFS OOD software is installed. Users store their own data on their own OODs, physically realizing decentralized storage and allowing users to actually own their data. Cyfs

How It Works

Data Sharing: Users can share content in a P2P way using an immutable cyfs:// link. A friend's OOD can directly access your OOD with that link and request content—completely decentralized with no one able to remove or restrict your content. Cyfs

Application Model: Applications no longer run on centralized servers. Instead, each user runs their own instance of an application on their own OOD. The OOD stores application data, performs complex calculations, and communicates peer-to-peer through the cyfs:// protocol. DEV Community

Key Components

1. cyfs:// Protocol – A new URL scheme that provides content-addressed, immutable links to data
2. OOD – Personal servers that store your data and run decentralized applications
3. DSG Protocol – Provides complete service proof methods to protect both parties and supports a decentralized storage matching market with reasonable pricing and incentives Cyfs
4. DEC Apps (Data Exchange Contract) – Decentralized applications installed on OODs
5. CYFS Browser – A Chromium-based browser that supports the cyfs:// protocol
6. CyberChat – Web3 software for creating DIDs (decentralized identity), multi-chain wallet, decentralized social communication, and digital asset management Cyfs

What Problem It Solves

CYFS uses an innovative architecture to solve problems with existing decentralized storage (like IPFS), realizing a feasible decentralized storage infrastructure where users run their own OODs to form a P2P network. Cyfs

The project was developed over about 6-7 years by a team in Shenzhen with roots in Xunlei's infrastructure team, and is now open-source on GitHub.