> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jedidiah-eeics-organization.gitbook.io/jedsspace/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jedidiah-eeics-organization.gitbook.io/jedsspace/jeds-space/decentralized-networks-concerns.md). # Decentralized Networks Concerns I've been a fan of Bitcoin since 2016, primarily because as an engineer, I loved the idea of anyone being able to operate a node in their home and contribute to the network's decentralization. After 2019, I started learning about Ethereum (ETH) and later Solana (SOL). I fell in love with SOL because of its speed, ease of use, and the intuitive UI of some of my favorite dApps. I've been active in the space ever since. Since then, I've naturally been drawn to examining its infrastructure and considering potential roadblocks to global adoption. If you're unfamiliar with how a Solana node operates, here's what you need to understand from a high-level perspective: it requires expensive equipment with substantial CPU and RAM, as well as a strong internet connection. A couple of important points to note: Over 70% of Solana nodes are hosted in third-party data centers due to the expensive server requirements and maintenance needed. Additionally, a fast fiber connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is crucial for each node's success and contribution to the network. Here's what the infrastructure of a Solana node looks like:

As you can see, there's a clear point of failure that quickly jumps out at you.

**Point #1 - The Internet Gateway. This is where my concerns started to grow.** Remember, this equipment is in third-party data centers, and these data centers decide which ISP will service them. (They all have backup circuits and SD-WAN solutions to ensure traffic is optimized by different ISPs.) But here's where it gets deep: **85% of the Internet in the USA is controlled by 4 corporations: AT\&T, Verizon, CenturyLink & Frontier. Similar trends apply internationally with other huge corporations.**

These are residential numbers, but the same applies to corporate circuits going to data centers.

So if 85% of these companies control the connection layer for our decentralized systems, are they *really* decentralized? Moreover, I've grown increasingly concerned as the Democratic administration has been actively looking to convert Internet Service Providers into public utility companies. This means the government would control all major ISPs, which is even worse. Read this article about the Biden Administration: So let me ask you: What happens if a Democratic administration wins again and they control these internet companies, plus they dislike the power crypto (Solana/ETH/SUI/Avalanche and others) has given to the people? Could they shut down the traffic going to Solana/ETH nodes? **The answer is yes.** This led me to question some fundamentals: What's causing this huge market dominance by these ISPs? Why aren't smaller players winning more market share? I began to develop a thesis that if more small and medium ISPs gain market dominance, we stand a chance of having a truly decentralized internet and decentralized networks. **So that's where I'm at: I believe small and medium ISPs need to gain more market share for us to have a real chance at a decentralized future.** **More to come about how we will help change the current landscape.** --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://jedidiah-eeics-organization.gitbook.io/jedsspace/jeds-space/decentralized-networks-concerns.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.