BandZ: A Secure Global Extranet Powered By Blockchain

At the beginning of the Internet revolution in the 1970’s, its use was restricted to military use, and eventually, only massive corporations could make use of the Internet.

Sometime towards the end of the 20th century, it became much cheaper, and we saw mass adoption by millions around the world.

It created an opportunity for E-commerce businesses, and made communication much easier among individuals and companies alike.

Internet penetration is expected to grow by 53.7% by 2021.

Internet penetration projections
Image Source: Statista

MAKING THE INTERNET ACCESSIBLE TO EVEN MORE PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD
BandZ's focus is simply decentralising the internet. Its vision is to create an extranet experience that makes enterprise-grade level internet downloadable as an App-which individual users can monetise to provide internet solutions for others, and get paid via BandZ tokens (BNZ). It also hopes to ensure that end users get this service at a fraction of the current cost.
partnerships with various ISP's in different countries ensures that their users can extend their coverage via Mesh Networks to meet the needs of more people, at huge savings for everyone

BandZ hopes to solve the problem of uneven internet distribution, and also hopes to ensure that users anywhere can have access to affordable internet, while users on the other side of the spectrum can be financially rewarded by partnering with Internet Service Providers (ISP’s).

BENEFITS FOR ISP's AND USERS.
It doesn't make financial sense for ISP’s to deploy expensive infrastructure in certain areas, but with collaboration among peers, they are able to extend their customer base to untapped regions or regions where the cost is still not very affordable for a majority.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Big ISP's have no motivation or reasons to network with other ISP's and work together on solutions. Making changes to financial models in such cases is also high, seeing there are distribution channels and fixed assets already in play.

This issue is solved by BandZ deploying its Software Development Kit which enables providers to work with each other, making use of one another’s infrastructure, depending on the location. This is achieved by the exchange of BandZ tokens from one to the other.

AVERAGE REVENUE PER USER (ARU).
ISP's need to sell/proffer more devices/services in order to increase margins. With the help of new technologies such as Mesh Networks, Bandwidth Management, and VPN's/ proxies deployed by BandZ, this no longer has to be the case.

It's also important to note that as time goes on, newer and better solutions will be created. This will also prevent growth from being flat lined.

NETWORK CONGESTION
This happens, when network nodes have more requests/give more than they receive. These points are popularly known as choke points. This occurs when:
DSL 10-1,000 mbits/s incoming, and about 8mbits/s outgoing.

This is another problem ISP's face that will be solved by BandZ via their mesh network service.

PEER TO PEER TRAFFIC
With regards to how most P2P architectures are built, you will find out that many ISP's have their users sharing their demand with the network, but resources are left idling away.

Customers having resources idling away/excess digital commodities can be of aid to ISP's by being a support base, and these users are rewarded for their efforts. This can be achieved with the use of Mesh Networks and Bandwidth Sharing.

secure connections via VPN grade P2P encryption
SECURITY
DDoS attacks and other criminal activities by hackers trying to penetrate the network for different reasons, and meeting the needs of customers are issues that keep on growing.

INABILITY TO MONETISE PACKET TRAFFIC
Network congestion is created as a result of delays packets experience in transfer of data across the network. By making use of Mesh Networks and Bandwidth Sharing, users can step up and fill gaps that might pop up. They also get rewarded for their efforts as we said earlier.

CUSTOMER CHURN
It's normal for customers to jump ship, when they see better or cheaper solutions. Purchasing additional services can be a huge ask, most times. This affects ARU's and margins.

By taking advantage of solutions proffered by BandZ, ISP's can increase their profit margins and growth by offering services to customers travelling to their regions, generate additional revenue via adverts, provide security services as an add-on, and they will also be able to offer self-sustaining payments plans, which will give customers the effect of using a free service.

FOR INDIVIDUALS
ROAMING CHARGES:
When one is out of his/her locality, making use of available solutions can be pretty expensive. Other times, getting a sim card can be a pain, seeing provisions aren’t made for foreigners in many cases. By making use of Mesh Networks, access to users is extended, and seeing the infrastructure deployed is not as expensive, service provided is much more affordable.

SECURITY
BandZ’s network is very secure, and this will come in handy for the less technical. Privacy has been a big talking point of late, and seeing BandZ is deployed on the blockchain, users privacy is protected. Important information such as credit card and personal details are also no longer exposed to hackers and phishing scams. VPN’s and Proxy servers, which some other service providers offer at a premium, are built in as basic services.

DATA PLANS:
The cost of data is very expensive in some regions-4G especially, and to think that 5G is on the horizon. On the other hand, some end users have more resources on their hands that they can’t exhaust. With BandZ in the picture, these users can monetise these resources wasting away. By assisting ISP’s with their commodities and assets, these users are financially rewarded with the aid of BandZ tokens.

EMPTY WIFI ZONES
Due to the cost of setting up infrastructure and the productivity of these centers, the distribution of infrastructure is not even in most countries. Users in dead zones are unable to have their internet needs met. However, this creates an opportunity. By making use of Mesh Networks, ISP’s can extend their reach.

EXPENSIVE SERVICES.
Enterprise grade software's are just too expensive for individuals. BandZ’s is ensuring that these services are available and affordable via bandwidth and an easy to use user interface.

IMPORTANT SERVICES/FEATURES TO BE INTRODUCED BY BANDZ

MESH NETWORK
This is a network of smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, that are used to boost the coverage area of wireless networks. Using a Mesh Network ensures that the internet speed and delivery is utilised more efficiently.

a collection of smart devices working together to ensure areas that couldn't be covered previously, have access to the internet

ROTATING PROXIES
These provide users with a pool of IP addresses, and as that user surfs the internet, it randomly switches between IP addresses.

SECURE VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)
VPN’s are an important security feature. It enables users to browse on the internet anonymously, under very secure conditions. They create private networks among devices. These don’t necessarily have to be close to each other.

INTRANET AND EXTRANET
Intranet simply refers to a network that is created for internal use, among a specific group of people. Individuals outside this group will naturally not have access to the network.

how the Intranet, Internet and Extranet relate.
Metered extranets enables bandwidth requests by specific files to be monitored. In so doing, idle resources are pushed towards users that need more resources.

BANDZ TOKEN(BNZ)
This is the currency that powers the ecosystem. With the aid of this token, organisations can incentivise users that will help to stretch the reach of the network.

The value of the token is dependent on its demand, and they cannot be mined. As the demands grows, so will the value of the tokens. These tokens were not created for value storage, rather to commoditise internet services, and ensure that affordable internet is available to everyone.

bandwidth is monetised with the aid of BandZ tokens
Users who want to make use of the cheaper solution provided by BandZ and also those that wish to monetise their resources will have to rely on this token.

BandZ’s network is flexible, in the sense that connectivity can be achieved via multiple options, such as IP table, kernel hooks, Sock 5, VPN protocol or the Http proxy.

LIVE MARKETPLACE
This will be used by BandZ to ensure that users have access to IP addresses from locations around the world. Users can use a number of search parameters to get IP addresses that match their needs. Filters that will be responsible for setting value of IP addresses are country location and IP type.

consumers of bandwidth spend BandZ tokens to connect via gateways, to providers.

IMPLEMENTATION
In order to be flexible, cost effective, secure and efficient, BandZ needs to be deployed on the blockchain. As a result of this, BandZ is currently implementing one alternative concensus algorithm, four different blockchain solutions, and they are also exploring the option of setting up their own blockchain.

Blockchains being considered are Ethereum, Cardano, HyperLedger, and Aeternity.

Aeternity is being considered seeing it offers off-chain smart contracts and state channels that allow for micro payments. These features are important, seeing it is necessary for BandZ to function.

Participating as a provider involves running a BandZ node on their device, while consumers can benefit by running a BandZ node or joining a BandZ pool.

USE CASE SCENARIO.
Marcel is a resident of Sao Paulo, and he notices that he has more resources on his hands than he uses. His ISP makes use of the BandZ solution, and with the aid of his smart devices and others like him, his ISP is able to create Mesh Networks. Marcel is able to harness this to extend his ISP’s reach. Cross, on getting to Sao Paulo needs great internet service at a steal. Marcel is able to offer data services to Cross, thanks to BandZ. As a result of this, Marcel is financially empowered with the aid of the BandZ token. He can decide to trade this in, or keep them to be used when he embarks on a journey. Hence, Marcel is no longer a waster. Rather, he is generating income from something that would otherwise have been left to waste.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
On a short business trip, I needed an internet solution to adequately meet my needs. Roaming charges were exorbitant, and I eventually ended up using a third party (local individual) to secure a sim pack. Even at that, the service provided wasn't great. I was forced to stick with it, as a result of the difficulty I experienced procuring it, and I could not imagine going through that process again. With BandZ in play, and the use of Mesh Networks, my problem would have been easily solved, I would have had better service at a fraction of the cost, and all parties involved in the transaction will have been very happy. This is actually a practical use case scenario, and also how high roaming charges can be made obsolete.

BandZ uses the power of the people to create a better Internet experience for everyone, and ensures individuals are financially rewarded by assisting ISP's
Source: @solcross, Steemit.
I did also carry out a little social experiment among a group of 15 people in a semi-urban area yesterday. These were the results.

• I asked how many people were dissatisfied with the quality of internet service they had, 12 raised their hands.

• How many will love a better and cheaper alternative: All hands were raised.

• How many will like an opportunity to make money(internet related) from resources they already have: All hands were raised.

This is just a little sample that shows the relevance and impact that BandZ can have on the populace. It will be beneficial to billions of people around the world, users, providers, and those looking to earn a little extra on the side. Data I also have, shows that the middle class and the super rich tend to look for better and cheaper alternatives. The rich being the exception in most cases.

SUMMARY
The benefits of a decentralised internet cannot be overemphasised. In addition to the benefits already discussed, this will lead to more stability, better internet speeds, and less clogging of the network, seeing resources are directed to where they are most needed.

bad WiFi, weak Internet signals and insufficient data plans are no longer issues.
It could also be a source of income for a lot of individuals, by they being a part of Mesh Networks. Internet penetration will increase, and empty zones will reduce. Having access to the internet should be a basic right for everyone, and with BandZ, we might just be closer to a solution that will enable individuals to be able to earn and learn on the internet, and also access information when they need it.

It will be most beneficial for developing countries, as the average cost is too steep for the majority, and/or the quality provided is just too poor. In a way, this will assist in meeting one of the MDG’s-ending world poverty.

This will certainly be a new dawn in the internet age; I feel and truly believe that something revolutionary is about to happen-for the sake of billions around the world, in dire need of this solution.

Some notable advantages that BandZ will have over competitors are that:

• they do not have to deploy any expensive infrastructure, thus reducing overhead in making their solution a reality.
• there is no demarcation. With BandZ, what you see is what you get-offering premium quality at a fraction of the cost.

Execution on the part of BandZ is still very important seeing it’s not yet fully developed, and they are still to come up with their actual solution. Thankfully, a number of the core team members are originally from developing countries, and more often than not, to truly understand a problem, you need to have had a first hand experience-or at least, as close to that as possible, to truly understand the pains/problem.

TEAM

ROADMAP

VIDEO

NOTES
BandZ’s token sales begins on July 7 and concludes on the 7th of August, 2018. To find out more about their airdrop coming soon, click here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

• BandZ's Website
• BandZ's WhitePaper can be found here
• BandZ on Telegram
• BandZ on Linkedin
• BandZ's Facebook Page
• BandZ on Twitter
• BandZ on Reddit
• BandZ on Github
• BandZ's YouTube Channel

Except where clearly stated, all images are used with the express permission of BandZ

This was written in response to the orignalworks/BandZ contest post that can be found here

bandz2018