A major shift in the infrastructure of the Internet Computer is underway, making it more decentralised and capable of greater performance. The latest changes, driven by the Solenoid milestone, have introduced a new boundary node architecture that is set to reshape how users and developers interact with the platform. The update is an essential step in the evolution of the Internet Computer, addressing the need for scalability, security, and flexibility in the rapidly growing world of decentralised technologies.
In a way, boundary nodes function as the traffic controllers of the Internet Computer. Every user request that aims to interact with the system – whether it’s accessing data or triggering an action – passes through these nodes before reaching its intended destination. If we were to draw a parallel, they are like the mailmen of the Internet Computer, ensuring that each parcel of data is routed to the correct location. They manage the flow of requests to the correct canisters (smart contracts) on the network, making sure that the system remains smooth and organised.
Previously, the architecture relied on DFINITY, the organisation behind the Internet Computer, to operate the boundary nodes. However, with the completion of the Solenoid roadmap, this responsibility is now being decentralised. This transition brings multiple benefits, such as improved performance, increased security, and a stronger, more distributed network.
At the heart of the new setup are two main components: the API boundary nodes and HTTP gateways. These two elements work together to manage the flow of requests while supporting the growth of the Internet Computer in a decentralised fashion. Let’s take a closer look at the crucial roles each of these components play.
The API boundary nodes now sit at the public edge of the Internet Computer. Their job is to receive client requests and direct them to the appropriate destination. For example, when a user wants to interact with a canister, the request passes through an API boundary node. The node doesn’t just route the request, though; it also performs vital tasks such as terminating secure connections (TLS), parsing incoming requests, and managing cache to improve response times. They act as the entry point to the Internet Computer, with the added benefit of being fully decentralised, as the node provider machines are now managed by the network rather than a single centralised entity.
As part of the decentralisation process, API boundary nodes are now controlled through the Network Nervous System (NNS). The NNS allows the addition, removal, and upgrading of nodes through community proposals, ensuring that the Internet Computer remains agile and adaptable to the needs of its users. This control mechanism puts the network into the hands of its participants, making it more resistant to centralised control and more in line with the principles of decentralisation that underpin Web3.
The HTTP gateways, meanwhile, offer a translation layer for HTTP requests. They allow users to interact with canisters through their browsers, enabling seamless access to decentralised applications without requiring additional software. Essentially, HTTP gateways are the bridge between the world of traditional web traffic (HTTP) and the decentralised network of the Internet Computer. This means that users can access fully on-chain websites, like internetcomputer.org, directly through their browsers, without needing to install special programmes or plugins.
But HTTP gateways don’t stop there. They’re designed to be scalable, with the flexibility to be run as standalone instances or in larger fleets, much like the DFINITY foundation’s own infrastructure. By offering easy deployment options and providing the ability to scale, HTTP gateways make it possible for developers to create more robust, flexible Web3 applications. The convenience of this approach is huge for both developers and users, simplifying the process of interacting with decentralised services while maintaining the high levels of security needed for a Web3 environment.
The discovery library is another essential part of the update, allowing clients, including HTTP gateways, to find and connect to available API boundary nodes. This tool ensures that requests are routed to the most optimal nodes, taking factors like node health and latency into account. In a network as vast and dynamic as the Internet Computer, the discovery library plays an important role in maintaining the system’s efficiency and reliability. Developers can use it to ensure that their applications connect to the best available nodes, enhancing the overall user experience.
These updates mark a critical step forward in the evolution of the Internet Computer. As the network transitions to a fully decentralised edge architecture, new opportunities are emerging for developers. While DFINITY will continue to operate a fleet of HTTP gateways, developers now have the ability to directly interact with the API boundary nodes via the discovery library. This shift offers greater control and flexibility, enabling developers to build new services that take full advantage of the decentralised architecture.
The transition from the old architecture to the new one is designed to be smooth for users, ensuring that the changes won’t interfere with existing applications or user experiences. However, the new architecture provides the foundation for future growth. It allows the Internet Computer to scale more efficiently, maintain robust security measures, and provide better performance to users around the world. These improvements help make the platform more accessible to a broader range of developers and users, while reinforcing its position as a leader in the Web3 space.
As for the current situation, the components of the new architecture – the API boundary nodes, HTTP gateways, and discovery library – have all been tested and are now fully operational. The community has been actively involved in the transition, with the Network Nervous System helping to guide the changes. Today, there are 20 API boundary nodes that form the public edge of the Internet Computer, marking a significant milestone in decentralising the network.
Looking ahead, the decentralisation of boundary nodes opens up exciting possibilities for the Internet Computer. With the decentralised edge architecture, the network is poised to offer greater scalability, better security, and enhanced flexibility for developers and users alike. The integration of HTTP gateways and the discovery library provides the necessary tools for seamless interaction with the platform, making it easier than ever for developers to build, scale, and manage decentralised applications. As the Internet Computer continues to grow and evolve, these updates set the stage for even greater innovation in the world of decentralised technology.
In the coming months and years, we can expect to see more applications and services built on the Internet Computer that leverage these advancements. With decentralised infrastructure at its core, the Internet Computer is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the web. Developers, businesses, and users alike will benefit from a more open, secure, and efficient network that provides a solid foundation for the next generation of decentralised applications.
As the Web3 revolution picks up speed, the Internet Computer’s decentralisation of boundary nodes marks a key turning point, signalling that the future of the internet is indeed a decentralised one. The road ahead is full of potential, and with this new architecture in place, the Internet Computer is better equipped to lead the way.
