EpixNet

EpixNet is a decentralized peer-to-peer web platform that enables users to create, host, and access websites without relying on traditional centralized servers. Built on BitTorrent technology and cryptographic principles, EpixNet creates a censorship-resistant internet where content is distributed across a network of peers.

What is EpixNet?

EpixNet is a Python-based implementation of a decentralized web platform where:

• Websites are distributed: Each site is stored across multiple peers in the network
• No central servers: Sites remain online as long as at least one peer hosts them
• Cryptographically secured: All content is signed and verified using public-key cryptography
• BitTorrent-powered: Uses BitTorrent protocol for peer discovery and content distribution
• Real-time updates: Site owners can update content and changes propagate across the network
• Privacy-focused: Supports Tor integration for anonymous browsing and hosting

Core Features

• Decentralized hosting: Sites are served by visitors, eliminating hosting costs
• Cryptographic authentication: Password-less authorization using private/public key pairs
• Real-time synchronization: Live updates across all peers when content changes
• Built-in database: P2P synchronized SQLite database for dynamic content
• Tor integration: Full support for .onion hidden services (including onion-v3)
• Offline capability: Access cached sites even without internet connection
• Clone protection: One-click site cloning and forking
• Multi-platform: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android (via Termux)

How It Works

1. Start EpixNet: Run python3 epixnet.py to start the local server
2. Access sites: Visit http://127.0.0.1:42222/{site_address} in your browser
3. Peer discovery: When you visit a site, EpixNet finds peers using BitTorrent trackers
4. Content verification: All files are verified against cryptographic signatures
5. Automatic serving: Sites you visit are automatically shared with other peers
6. Content updates: Site owners sign and publish updates, which propagate through the network

Quick Start

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8 or higher
• Git (for cloning the repository)
• Basic development tools (compiler, etc.)

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/EpixZone/EpixNet.git
   cd EpixNet

2. Create a virtual environment:

   python3 -m venv venv
   source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate

3. Install dependencies:

   python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt

4. Run EpixNet:

   python3 epixnet.py

5. Access the dashboard: Open your browser and navigate to: http://127.0.0.1:42222/

Creating Your First Site

1. Visit the EpixNet dashboard at http://127.0.0.1:42222/
2. Click ⋮ > "Create new, empty site"
3. You'll be redirected to your new site that only you can modify
4. Find your site files in the data/[your_site_address] directory
5. Edit your content, then drag the "0" button left and click "Sign and publish"

System Dependencies for Source Installation

Ubuntu/Debian

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git pkg-config libffi-dev python3-pip python3-venv python3-dev build-essential libtool

Fedora/CentOS/RHEL

# Fedora
sudo dnf install git python3-pip python3-wheel python3-devel gcc

# CentOS/RHEL
sudo yum install epel-release
sudo yum install git python3 python3-wheel python3-devel gcc

openSUSE

sudo zypper install python3-pip python3-setuptools python3-wheel python3-devel gcc

Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S git python-pip base-devel

macOS

# Install Xcode command line tools
xcode-select --install

# Install Python 3 via Homebrew (recommended)
brew install python3

Android (Termux)

# Install Termux from F-Droid or Google Play
pkg update
pkg install python automake git binutils libtool

# For older Android versions, you may also need:
pkg install openssl-tool libcrypt clang

# Optional: Install Tor for enhanced privacy
pkg install tor

Docker Installation

Using Docker Compose (Recommended)

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/EpixZone/EpixNet.git
cd EpixNet

# Run with separate Tor container
docker compose up -d epixnet

# Or run with integrated Tor
docker compose up -d epixnet-tor

Manual Docker Build

# Build standard image
docker build -t epixnet:latest . -f docker/Dockerfile

# Build with integrated Tor
docker build -t epixnet:latest . -f docker/tor.Dockerfile

# Run the container
docker run --rm -it \
  -v /path/to/data:/app/data \
  -p 42222:42222 \
  -p 42223:42223 \
  -p 10042:10042 \
  epixnet:latest

Note: Replace /path/to/data with your desired data directory. This directory will contain your sites and private keys.

Convenience Scripts

Automated Setup Script

# Use the provided setup script
./start-venv.sh

This script automatically:

• Creates a Python virtual environment
• Installs all dependencies
• Starts EpixNet

Windows Installation

Prerequisites

1. Install Python 3.8+ from python.org
2. Install Git from git-scm.com
3. Install Visual Studio Build Tools (for compiling dependencies)

Installation Steps

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/EpixZone/EpixNet.git
cd EpixNet

# Create virtual environment
python -m venv venv
venv\Scripts\activate

# Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt

# Run EpixNet
python epixnet.py

With Tor Support

# Install Tor Browser or standalone Tor
# Run EpixNet with Tor proxy
python epixnet.py --tor_proxy 127.0.0.1:9150 --tor_controller 127.0.0.1:9151

# For full Tor anonymity
python epixnet.py --tor_proxy 127.0.0.1:9150 --tor_controller 127.0.0.1:9151 --tor always

Configuration

Command Line Options

# Basic usage
python3 epixnet.py

# Custom port
python3 epixnet.py --ui_port 42222

# Enable Tor
python3 epixnet.py --tor always

# Offline mode
python3 epixnet.py --offline

# Custom data directory
python3 epixnet.py --data_dir /path/to/data

# Debug mode
python3 epixnet.py --debug

Configuration File

EpixNet creates a epixnet.conf file in your data directory where you can set persistent configuration options.

Usage

Accessing Sites

• Local dashboard: http://127.0.0.1:42222/
• Specific site: http://127.0.0.1:42222/{site_address}/
• Dashboard site: http://127.0.0.1:42222/epix1dashuu6pvsut7aw9dx44f543mv7xt9zlydsj9t/

Site Management

• Create new site: Dashboard → ⋮ → "Create new, empty site"
• Clone existing site: Visit site → Clone button
• Manage sites: Dashboard shows all your sites and visited sites
• Site files: Located in data/{site_address}/ directory

Development

Architecture

EpixNet is built with a modular plugin architecture:

• Core: Site management, peer discovery, content verification
• File Server: Handles file serving and peer connections
• UI Server: Web interface for site management
• Plugins: Extensible functionality (Tor, BitTorrent, etc.)

Key Technologies

• Python 3.8+: Core runtime
• gevent: Asynchronous networking
• SQLite: Local database storage
• BitTorrent: Peer discovery protocol
• Cryptography: Content signing and verification
• Tor: Anonymous networking (optional)

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Here's how you can help:

1. Report bugs: Use GitHub issues to report problems
2. Submit patches: Fork the repo and submit pull requests
3. Improve documentation: Help make the docs clearer
4. Test on different platforms: Help ensure compatibility
5. Create packages: Help package EpixNet for more distributions

Current Limitations

• No DHT support (relies on BitTorrent trackers)
• No I2P integration
• Limited spam protection mechanisms
• No built-in encryption for local storage
• Requires local installation (no browser-only access)

Security Considerations

• Private keys: Stored locally in data/users.json - keep this file secure
• Site verification: All content is cryptographically verified
• Tor integration: Use --tor always for maximum anonymity
• Network exposure: EpixNet opens network ports for peer connections
• Content responsibility: You become a host for sites you visit

Community and Support

• GitHub Issues: Report bugs and request features

License

EpixNet is free and open-source software licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. See the LICENSE file for details.