Editing Free network architecture (section)

= Terms =

=== Logical Peer-to-peer ===

Logical peer-to-peer is, essentially, what most people nowadays simply call peer-to-peer. That is, when two  machines communicate with one another, rather than with some intermediary machine. Yet, just because there is no intermediary machine, does not mean that there is no intermediary whatsoever. The means of communication acts as a buffer. In the material reality of this situation, the transaction is not peer-to-peer, as bits are entrusted to a third party.

=== Material Peer-to-peer ===

The alternative, then, is what we at the FNF call material peer-to-peer, and regard as the key to a freer, more resilient network. This is when data is transmitted entirely via peer-sharing. Materially peer-to-peer communication occurs in networks with a mesh architecture. The Internet began as such a system, but has strayed from its roots. We herald a return to such a system.

=== FreedomTunnel ===

[[FreedomTunnel]] is software that provides for the automatic utilization of a Virtual Private Network based on IPsec. It allows for secure, logical peer-to-peer communications between any two [[FreedomBox|FreedomBoxes]] with an Internet connection.

=== The Mesh Interface for Network Devices ===

The MIND is what we call our system for distributing connectivity via a cascading series of mesh networks. Layer 0 is a non-mesh home network, Layer 1 is a neighborhood mesh, and Layer 2 is a regional mesh. The MIND allows for secure, material peer-to-peer communications between any FreedomBoxes in the same Layer 1, Layer 2, or Layer 3 mesh.