Researchers from the University of Zurich’s Communication Systems Group have collaborated with the Acurast Association to conduct a groundbreaking study on the viability of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) as an alternative to traditional centralized cloud computing platforms. This research, titled “Performance Analysis of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks and Centralized Clouds,” showcases the potential of DePINs to enhance data sovereignty, reduce dependency on centralized models, and improve system reliability.
Utilizing blockchain technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), DePINs aim to achieve increased security and efficiency. The study specifically highlights Acurast, a new serverless decentralized cloud network that utilizes underutilized resources in smartphones to perform complex computing tasks.
Key findings from the study include the enhanced efficiency of Acurast compared to traditional cloud service providers, significant reduction in power consumption, and empirical evidence supporting the benefits of DePINs in handling computationally intensive applications.
According to Jan von der Assen, a PhD student and junior researcher at the Communication Systems Group at the University of Zurich, “The advent of decentralized technologies presents a unique opportunity to rethink how we manage and operate digital infrastructures. Acurast not only challenges the status quo but may also present a scalable, secure, and sustainable model for future computing needs.”
The full research paper has been accepted to the DePIN Workshop at the International Conference on Blockchain Technology (ICBC) 2024 and is available for public viewing.
The Communication Systems Group (CSG) at the University of Zurich is dedicated to improving networked communication systems and infrastructure development. The group’s research and development focus on enhancing the state-of-the-art in communication systems and network security.
The Acurast Association aims to break the monopoly of traditional cloud providers by decentralizing and democratizing the cloud through mobile hardware. This allows anyone to become a cloud member and provides developers with secure, cost-effective, and confidential computing resources.
For more information, please contact Pascal Brun at [email protected]
Categories:
– Blockchain Technology
– Cloud Computing
– Decentralization
– Internet of Things
– Network Security