Comparison between Tor, I2P and Freenet: differences and uses

Tor, I2P and Freenet are three of the most relevant networks in terms of privacy y anonymity on the Internet. Thanks to them, users can browse anonymously, exchange information without leaving traces and avoid censorship by governments and corporations. However, each of these networks has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages that make them more appropriate depending on the type of use that is intended to be given to them.

In this article, we will explore in detail how Tor, I2P, and Freenet work, analyze their differences and we will see which is the best option depending on the context in which they are going to be used. Throughout the analysis, we will highlight the main strengths y weaknesses of each of these technologies.

What is Tor?

Tor (The Onion Router) is an anonymity network that uses a layer-based routing system to hide the user's identity. Its operation is based on a series of nodes. or volunteer-run relays, which route traffic in encrypted form through multiple layers before it reaches its final destination.

The main purpose of Tor is to protect the privacy of users on the Internet, preventing their traffic from being tracked or monitored by third parties. In addition, it offers access to the so-called Deep Web, where you can find sites with the .onion extension that are only accessible through the Tor browser.

How does Tor work?

Tor works based on the concept of onion routing. Every time a user sends a request through Tor, their traffic is encrypted and rerouted through several randomly selected nodes within the network. Each node only knows the identity of the previous and next nodes, but none of them has complete information about the origin or destination of the traffic.

This system guarantees a high level of anonymity, making it difficult for any attacker to trace the path of traffic or identify users within the network.

Advantages and disadvantages of Tor

Although Tor is one of the most widely used anonymity networks, it has and advantages y disadvantages which should be considered:

• Advantages:
  • High compatibility with browsers and OS.
  • Allows access to the Deep Web through .onion sites.
  • It has a large community of users and developers.
• Disadvantages:
  • It can be slow due to routing through multiple nodes.
  • It is susceptible to traffic analysis attacks.
  • Access to certain services may be restricted due to blocks.

What is I2P?

I2P (Invisible Internet Project) is an anonymous network designed to allow the communication secure and private between its users. Unlike Tor, I2P does not focus on offering access to the conventional web, but on providing a completely independent ecosystem for the data exchange.

How does I2P work?

I2P uses a system of one-way tunnels to redirect user traffic. Each message sent within the network is encrypted several times and forwarded through different nodes before reaching its destination. This system improves the privacy of the user by making it more difficult to trace communications.

Advantages and disadvantages of I2P

Among the main and advantages y disadvantages from I2P we find:

• Advantages:
  • Greater resistance to traffic analysis attacks thanks to its unidirectional tunnels.
  • Lower risk of government surveillance due to its distributed structure.
  • Ideal for messaging services, file sharing and private forums.
• Disadvantages:
  • Fewer users compared to Tor, which can affect its performance.
  • Requires more complex configuration compared to Tor.

What is Freenet?

freenet is a decentralized network designed for the anonymous exchange of information. Its main feature is that it allows users to store and share files without the need for a direct connection between the sender and the receiver.

How does Freenet work?

Freenet uses a system of distributed storage where files are split into encrypted fragments and stored on different nodes in the network. Users can retrieve files by requesting the corresponding fragments, which are then automatically reassembled.

Advantages and disadvantages of Freenet

• Advantages:
  • Censorship resistance, as stored files remain accessible even if the original user logs out.
  • High security and privacy thanks to its distributed storage system.
• Disadvantages:
  • Slower access speed compared to other anonymous networks.
  • Fewer resources and documentation available.

Tor, I2P and Freenet are three anonymity solutions with different approaches. Choosing the best option will depend on the specific needs of each user.