A Scalable Blockchain-Driven Storage Network Architecture

Abstract

In the modern digital era, centralized cloud storage platforms suffer from multiple limitations, including dependency on a single authority, vulnerability to cyberattacks, and unexpected service disruptions. To overcome these drawbacks, this paper introduces a Decentralized Storage Network (DSN) powered by blockchain technology. The proposed framework integrates a custom-built blockchain, peer-to-peer communication, and advanced encryption mechanisms to deliver a highly secure and resilient storage solution. Instead of storing files in a single location, data is encrypted and divided into smaller fragments, which are distributed across multiple nodes using an IPFS-inspired system. All activities such as file storage, access permissions, and metadata handling are securely recorded on a blockchain ledger. This ensures data authenticity, confidentiality, and availability while eliminating reliance on centralized systems.

Introduction

The text presents a blockchain-based decentralized storage system designed to overcome limitations of traditional centralized cloud storage, such as single points of failure, privacy risks, and lack of transparency. In centralized systems, users must rely on third-party providers, which can compromise security and trust.

To solve this, the proposed system uses a combination of blockchain and peer-to-peer (P2P) storage (IPFS). Files are encrypted on the client side using AES-256, split into chunks, and distributed across multiple network nodes. Meanwhile, the blockchain stores only metadata, file hashes, and access permissions, ensuring immutability, transparency, and traceability.

A key objective is to improve security, confidentiality, integrity, and fault tolerance while reducing dependence on centralized servers. The system also introduces a lightweight blockchain using Proof-of-Authority (PoA) to improve efficiency and reduce overhead compared to traditional blockchain systems like Ethereum or Hyperledger.

The architecture includes several modules:

• User Interface for file upload/download
• Encryption Module for securing data
• IPFS/P2P Network for distributed storage
• Blockchain Module for metadata logging
• Smart Contracts for access control
• Retrieval Module for reconstructing files

During file upload, the file is encrypted, split into chunks, stored across IPFS nodes, and its hash is recorded on the blockchain. During retrieval, authorized users fetch and reconstruct the encrypted chunks, then decrypt them locally.

Conclusion

This paper presents a blockchain-based decentralized storage system designed to overcome the limitations of traditional cloud storage solutions. By integrating encryption, peer-to-peer networking, and a custom blockchain, the proposed system ensures data security, privacy, and transparency. The architecture eliminates reliance on centralized authorities and provides a robust mechanism for data storage and retrieval. Experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves a balance between security and performance, with minimal overhead introduced by blockchain operations. The use of a custom blockchain and a lightweight consensus mechanism enhances efficiency and scalability. Currently, the system utilizes a cloud-based infrastructure, specifically Microsoft Azure, for managing server-side operations and user credential storage. As part of future work, the system will be extended to incorporate a dedicated server and a custom database for securely managing user credentials. This enhancement aims to provide greater control, improved security, and reduced dependency on third-party cloud services. Future research will also focus on optimizing network performance, improving scalability, and conducting comprehensive security analyses to further strengthen the system.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Prof. Pradnya Kasture, Aditya Shirsath, Vivek Biradar, Roshan Wazare, Akash Shinde. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.