Bitcoin has been dependent on an internet connection since its inception in 2008.The blockchain is a network to which you must connect. To mine these coins, to exchange them, and for any purchase/sale transaction, the Internet is used. However, a strategy has emerged that makes Bitcoin independent of the network. This has been achieved thanks to a couple of factors: company called Blockstream y satellites that send information about blocks of This cryptocurrency.
PREPARE YOUR WALLETAll this started in 2015 when the company Blockstream creates “The Liquid Network”, a prototype crypto chain that is linked to Bitcoin chains. However, this implementation wasn't launched until 2018. How does it work? Basically, “The Liquid Network” carries out a interoperability with the BTC chain. Thus, it is possible to work on an independent chain, which can be transmitted by means other than Bitcoin blocks. Subsequently, “The Liquid Network” begins to move through satellite transmissions that do not depend on the web.
Blockstream and its innovations in the Bitcoin network
Blockstream is a company created in 2014, by Adam Back along with several experts in digital cryptographyThis company has specialized in developing software for storing and transferring cryptocurrencies. Its greatest success has been using the Bitcoin's base code to create its own chain, which is linked to BTCThis new chain has proven to work on an intranet, but is then implemented in satellite transmissions. The initial idea is to create a Bitcoin transmission for emergencies, so that in the event of an Internet outage these cryptocurrencies could continue to be mobilized. It should not be forgotten that the bitcoin price It is the highest among cryptocurrencies, so there is always interest in keeping your network active.
As the years go by, the possibility of Transmitting Bitcoins without the need for the Internet has been gaining popularity.. Therefore, the company Blockstream decided to expand its coverage through four 4) satellites that articulate six (6) coverage zonesSince 2019, this network has become unidirectional. Interestingly, it works very well for sending and receiving Bitcoins, but it still needs to improve for mining.
LINK CARD AND EARNThe coverage is broad and requires certain conditions. For example, it is mandatory that there be a stable climate, without excessive cloudiness and rain, so that the satellite signal arrives without interference. There are several ways to receive the signal, the most common being through special antennas. However, the alternative of sending BTC via SMS has also been implemented. This satellite system is gradually being improved year after year. It operates 24 hours a day, with quite acceptable speeds.
Increase the transmission speed of satellites
This has been achieved by implementing the DVB-S2 protocol by optimizing spectral efficiency and multiplying the number of bits, as well as the bandwidth of this satellite network. Bitcoin nodes benefit greatly, as a full node can be synchronized on these satellites.. In fact, it is possible to download the complete information from a Bitcoin node, which increases the speed of transmission. Likewise, the decision has been made to change the way blockchain information is transmitted. Each satellite stores information from the nodes, without the need for each user to connect their full blockchain node (satellites are unidirectional), so no internet is required.
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This satellite method has one advantage: securityThe satellite network is only used for Bitcoin, thus minimizing the possibility of hacking, intrusion or virus. However, satellite signals can certainly be intercepted, but this is solved with a highly armored encryptionIt's important to remember that Blockstream is founded by specialists in encryption methods, so the movement of Bitcoins is fairly secure.
Advantages and consequences of Bitcoin without Internet
Bitcoin was born within the Internet as an extension of this network. Therefore, it has not been easy to fully deploy it. Cyberspace is the operating environment for this cryptocurrency, but Sometimes the Internet goes down and prevents you from making any movements.This situation has motivated the creation of other channels for BTC transfers. However, this has led to several considerations that need to be reviewed.
- There are those who consider that it is completely breaks the philosophy of this crypto, since it would begin to operate like conventional money. Also, the idea of BTC isn't just to be "a currency," but rather an ecosystem implemented on the web.
- Using Bitcoin without Internet entails device and hardware changesBTC would no longer be moved via computers, but rather via telephones, or special antennas would be required to secure satellite signals.
- A new building is inaugurated important change in the crypto walletsUntil now, these wallets have been designed to receive Bitcoins from the web and also to protect them from hackers or internet threats. Moving forward, Bitcoin wallets will need to use different encryption and be physical devices that connect to satellites.
- One advantage is that it is would end the ban and censorship of cryptocurrenciesThere are countries where cryptocurrency is not permitted (such as China), but a satellite signal is more difficult to block.
- Another advantage, halfway, is that the Satellite transmission does not have the outages that the Internet sometimes has.But it does have one obstacle: weather conditions. Rain or atmospheric density (clouds, pollution, or a harsh winter) can cause a satellite signal to become weak or interrupted.
Is Bitcoin completely free from the web now? The answer is no! While Blockstream has greatly improved its coverage and speed for BTC blocks, transmission is unidirectional. It is still used. a mixed system, which combines satellites with the InternetThe coming years may see Bitcoin used without the need for the web, which would be a radical shift for this cryptocurrency.
