What is an Alt Net?

By Emma Lewis, bOnline

When it comes to the internet, we all want to feel safe and secure online. Mainstream internet use has become a huge part of our lives, as we carry out our work, check emails, stream videos or browse social media every day. But underneath the surface of the traditional web exists a parallel world, one that works to a different set of principles and goals. This world is often known as “alt nets” or alternative networks.

So, what exactly is an alt net and why does it matter? 

 

What is an Alt Net?

 

Put simply, an alt net (short for alternative network) refers to a non-mainstream internet or a network that functions outside the standard protocols, structures, and governing bodies of the traditional internet. These alternative networks are usually decentralised and heavily focused on privacy. They may also operate independently of major internet service providers (ISPs) or technology goliaths like Amazon, Facebook and Google.

Alt nets are built to serve specific purposes or communities, often addressing some of the problems, limitations or control mechanisms of the traditional internet. They give users increased privacy, more control over their data and in many cases, tighter security.

Some alt nets exist to offer access to information in countries where the internet is heavily censored, while others might serve niche communities or provide experimental ways of communicating online.

 

How Are Alt Nets Different from the Traditional Internet?

 

The traditional internet, or the World Wide Web as it’s known, operates under the Domain Name System (DNS). This means that websites are assigned names (like “google.com”) and follow specific communication protocols (like HTTP and HTTPS). It’s a very centralised system, with much of the power held by a few large companies who tend to control access to personal data, services and the types of content you can see.

On the other hand, alt nets work outside this centralised system. They often use different naming systems, security protocols and data-routing methods. 

 

Decentralisation

 

Traditional websites are usually hosted on a central server, owned by just one company or organisation. In contrast, alt nets are generally decentralised, so that no single entity has full control over the network. Instead, many participants share the responsibility for running the network, making it more resistant to censorship and shutdowns.

Censorship Resistance

 

Because alt nets don’t rely on traditional internet infrastructure, they are often harder to censor. This means they are especially popular in regions where access to information is restricted or where governments control what their citizens can see online.

 

Privacy

 

Many alt nets are designed so that privacy is front and centre, offering encryption and other tools to help protect users from data collection, surveillance or government interference. This is particularly appealing in an age where data breaches and privacy scandals are very common.

 

Peer-to-Peer Networks

 

Some alt nets use peer-to-peer (P2P) networking, where each user is both a client and a server. This means that instead of relying on centralised servers, data is shared directly between users which means more resilient, efficient communication.

 

What Are The Different Types of Alt Nets?

 

Although there are a number of different types of alt nets, they typically fall into a few broad categories.

 

Tor (The Onion Router)

 

This alt net is one of the most famous, allowing for anonymous communication and browsing by routing data through a series of volunteer-operated servers (called “nodes” or “relays”). Tor’s primary goal is to enhance privacy and provide users with the ability to access the internet without being tracked by ISPs, advertisers or governments.

While it’s often associated with the dark web, Tor has many perfectly legal uses, such as protecting the privacy of journalists, activists and everyday users.

 

Mesh Networks

 

A mesh network is a decentralised network where each participant (or “node”) connects directly to the others. This type of network is often used in areas with patchy internet infrastructure or during natural disasters when traditional communication networks go down. Since each node communicates with its neighbours, the network can re-route data around broken or blocked paths so it’s much more resilient.

 

Freenet

 

Freenet is another decentralised, censorship-resistant network that enables free speech and improved privacy for its users. It allows users to share files, communicate anonymously, and browse websites hosted within the Freenet system, which works independently of the normal internet.

 

IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)

 

IPFS is a distributed file system that seeks to make the web more secure, faster and more resilient by letting users store and share files in a decentralised manner. Unlike traditional websites, where files are retrieved from a central server, IPFS retrieves files from multiple locations, making it harder for content to be removed or censored.

 

Why Do Alt Nets Matter?

 

Alt nets matter because they give people more control over their online experience with greater security, privacy and freedom from centralised control.

With data collection, surveillance and censorship becoming more common, alt nets offer a safe space for people to communicate, share content and access information without the worry of being restricted or tracked. They also empower communities to experiment with new technologies and ensure that the internet remains open, resilient and accessible across the world.

 

The Future of Alt Nets

 

As the mainstream internet continues to evolve, alt nets will evolve too. They represent an important part of the digital landscape, providing an alternative to centralised control and giving individuals more options for how they want to connect, communicate and share information online.

Whether you’re interested in alt nets for your own privacy or security, or you’re just curious, these networks give a fascinating glimpse into what the future of the internet could be – a place where users have more control over their data, and the free flow of information is more resilient than it has ever been.