Anonymous Networks
The infrastructure of digital freedom and privacy
Anonymous networks (also called overlay networks or darknets) are computer networks designed to provide anonymity for users and services. They use various techniques like onion routing, garlic routing, and distributed hash tables to obscure the identity and location of participants.
Primary Anonymous Networks
Tor Network
The Onion Router provides anonymous communication through layered encryption and volunteer-operated relays worldwide.
I2P
The Invisible Internet Project uses garlic routing for internal network services with strong anonymity guarantees.
Freenet
Distributed, censorship-resistant data storage with built-in anonymity and deniability features.
Lokinet
Blockchain-incentivized onion routing network with SNApps and economic sustainability model.
ZeroNet
Open, uncensorable websites using Bitcoin cryptography and BitTorrent technology.
GNUnet
A framework for secure peer-to-peer networking with focus on anonymity and censorship-resistance.
Network Comparison
| Network | Routing | Primary Use | Hidden Services | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tor | Onion Routing | Anonymous browsing | .onion sites | Medium |
| I2P | Garlic Routing | Internal services | Eepsites | Medium |
| Freenet | Distributed Hash | Data storage | Freesites | Slow |
| Lokinet | Onion Routing | Low-latency apps | SNApps | Fast |
| ZeroNet | BitTorrent | Websites | .bit domains | Fast |