FAQ
Below you can find frequently asked questions about Filebase.
Filebase is the world’s first object storage platform powered by decentralized storage networks.
We unify multiple networks under a single S3-compatible API to make decentralized storage simple, accessible, and easy to use.
Have a question about Filebase? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Filebase is a decentralized, geo-redundant IPFS pinning service that also supports data storage on the Sia network. Filebase operates IPFS nodes located across diverse geographic locations in the US and Europe, and each file uploaded to IPFS is pinned with 3x replication across these servers.
Through either our browser-based interface, using our S3-compatible API, or using the IPFS pinning service API, users can create buckets and pin files to the IPFS network.
In the world of object storage, there are buckets and objects. Buckets are like file folders, they store data and the associated metadata. Buckets are containers for objects.
Public Buckets can be referenced and accessed through an S3 URL in the following format:
https://bucket-name.s3.filebase.com
Private buckets cannot be accessed through this S3 URL publicly. To access content stored in Private buckets, a pre-signed URL is required.
All files stored in IPFS buckets, even if the bucket is private, are publicly accessible through IPFS CIDs and IPFS gateways.
All buckets are private by default.
Public bucket functionality is only available to paid subscription users.
Access keys are a pair of unique credentials that are used for authentication through the Filebase S3-compatible API. This access key pair is required for connecting to Filebase through an SDK, third party tool, CLI tool, or any other interaction using the Filebase S3-compatible API.
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data required to display or download the content that you or your users access through the dedicated gateway. Whether it's an image, video, audio, or any other type of file, the data that makes up the content is transmitted from an IPFS node to your device, and the quantity of this data is what determines the bandwidth.
Filebase only charges for Bandwidth for outgoing data transfer (egress). Upload bandwidth (ingress) is always free.
1. Click on the ‘Buckets’ option from the menu to open the Buckets dashboard.
2. Once at the Buckets dashboard, create a new bucket by clicking the ‘Create Bucket’ option in the top right corner.
3. Enter a bucket name and choose your storage network.
Bucket names must be unique across all Filebase users, be between 3 and 63 characters long, and can contain only lowercase characters, numbers, and dashes.
Filebase currently has 2 different decentralized storage networks to choose from:
Each storage network geo-distributes your data automatically. All data is encrypted at rest and at transit.
4. Once you have filled out these fields, click ‘Create Bucket’.
Buckets are private by default. To create a public bucket, you must be a paid user.
1. To upload objects to a bucket, start by clicking on the ‘Buckets’ option from the menu to open the Buckets dashboard.
2. Click on the bucket name that you want to upload objects to.
3. After clicking on the bucket name, you will see all objects that are currently in the bucket. To upload more objects to the bucket, click on the ’Upload’ button in the top right corner.
4. Select the files you want to upload to the bucket.
Filebase object size limits vary based on network.
IPFS: IPFS does not have a maximum file size, but any file larger than 5GB should be uploaded using the S3-compatible API to benefit from Multipart Upload.
Sia: The largest individual object size supported for objects stored in Sia buckets is 300GB.
The largest object that can be uploaded in a single HTTP PUT or POST is 5GB. If you want to upload an object larger than 5GB, you will need to initiate a Multipart Upload via our S3 API.
For objects larger than 100MB, customers should consider using the Multipart Upload capability for increased reliability.
You can allow others to upload objects to a bucket on your Filebase account through pre-signed URLs.
If you haven't used AWS CLI before, see here for our guide on configuring and getting started using AWS CLI.
To create a pre-signed URL with AWS CLI:
aws s3 --endpoint https://s3.filebase.com presign s3://filebase-bucket-name/file.nameIf you haven't used AWS CLI before, see here for our guide on configuring and getting started using AWS CLI.
To create a pre-signed URL with AWS CLI:
aws s3 --endpoint https://s3.filebase.com presign s3://filebase-bucket-name/file.nameThe Filebase S3-compatible API supports CORS configurations for buckets.
The following API methods are supported:
- GetBucketCors
- PutBucketCors
- DeleteBucketCors
To configure a Filebase bucket to allow cross-origin requests, you will need to create a CORS rule. This rule identifies the origins that you will allow to access your bucket, the HTTP methods that will be supported for each origin, and other operation specific information.
This rule can be a JSON or XML file, though if using AWS CLI to apply this rule, a .json file is required.
This example is a wildcard rule that allows cross-origin GET requests from all origins.
{
"CORSRules":[
{
"AllowedHeaders": [],
"AllowedMethods": [
"GET"
],
"AllowedOrigins": [
"*"
],
"ExposeHeaders": []
}
]
}
<CORSConfiguration>
<CORSRule>
<AllowedOrigin>*</AllowedOrigin>
<AllowedMethod>GET</AllowedMethod>
</CORSRule>
</CORSConfiguration>
CORS also allows optional configuration parameters, as shown in the following CORS rule.
- MaxAgeSeconds: Specifies the amount of time in seconds that the browser caches a response to a preflight OPTIONS request for the specified resource.
- ExposeHeader: Identifies the response headers that customers are able to access from their applications. In this example, x-amz-server-side-encryption, x-amz-request-id, and x-amz-id-2.
In this second example, the CORS rule allows cross-origin PUT, POST, and DELETE requests from the http://www.example.com origin, with a MaxAgeSeconds of 3000 and ExposeHeaders of x-amz-server-side-encryption, x-amz-request-id, and x-amz-id-2.
{
"CORSRules": [
{
"AllowedHeaders": [
"*”
],
"AllowedMethods": [
"PUT",
"POST",
"DELETE"
],
"AllowedOrigins": [
"http://www.example.com"
],
"ExposeHeaders": [
"x-amz-server-side-encryption",
"x-amz-request-id",
"x-amz-id-2"
],
"MaxAgeSeconds": 3000
}
]
}
<CORSConfiguration>
<CORSRule>
<AllowedOrigin>http://www.example.com</AllowedOrigin>
<AllowedMethod>PUT</AllowedMethod>
<AllowedMethod>POST</AllowedMethod>
<AllowedMethod>DELETE</AllowedMethod>
<AllowedHeader>*</AllowedHeader>
<MaxAgeSeconds>3000</MaxAgeSeconds>
<ExposeHeader>x-amz-server-side-encryption</ExposeHeader>
<ExposeHeader>x-amz-request-id</ExposeHeader>
<ExposeHeader>x-amz-id-2</ExposeHeader>
</CORSRule>
</CORSConfiguration>
To apply a CORS rule, you can use a tool such as the AWS CLI to apply the .json file you created containing the rule. For information on how to configure AWS CLI, see here.
From the command line, enter the following command to apply the CORS rule to the intended Filebase bucket:
aws --endpoint https://s3.filebase.com s3api put-bucket-cors --bucket bucket-name --cors-configuration=file://corspolicy.jsonSince we started building Filebase in early 2018 and up through today, decentralized storage is still very difficult to utilize for the everyday consumer and enterprise. It requires complex software needing to be constantly running to ensure file health, and wallets fed with cryptocurrency. We recognized early on that an “easy on-ramp” was necessary for wide-scale adoption and use of these disruptive technologies.
By using Filebase, there are no traditional complexities that are associated with storing data on decentralized networks directly, such as:
- No minimum storage duration periods.
- No minimum file size.
- No minimum sector size.
- No retrieval delays.
- No API charges.
- No ingress fees.
- No management of cryptocurrencies.
- No use of special software.
- No technical skill set required.
InterPlanetary File System, or IPFS, is a distributed and decentralized storage network for storing and accessing files, websites, data, and applications. IPFS uses peer-to-peer network technology to connect a series of nodes located across the world that make up the IPFS network.
There are three pieces of IPFS that are unique to IPFS:
- Unique Data Identification via Content Addressing: Data stored on IPFS is located through it’s content address rather than it’s physical location. When data is stored on IPFS, it is stored in a series of encrypted pieces, with each piece having its own unique content identifier, or hash. This unique identifier is referred to as the CID. This hash serves as an identifier and links the piece to all the other pieces of that data.
- Content Linking via Directed Acyclic Graphics (DAGs): DAGs are a type of hierarchical data structure where each node and stored object on the IPFS peer-to-peer network has a unique identifier that is a hash of the node’s contents. This unique identifier is referred to as the CID.
- Content Discovery through Distributed Hash Tables (DHTs): DHTs are databases of keys and values that are split across all the peers on a distributed network. To locate content, you ask a peer on the network, which will return a DHT that tells you which peers are storing which blocks of content that make up the data object you’re requesting.
Content stored on IPFS can be accessed by using an IPFS gateway. Gateways are used to provide workarounds for applications that don’t natively support IPFS. An IPFS gateway can be local, private, or public, and uses the IPFS content ID to provide a URL link to the content for access to the stored content.
Content stored on IPFS can be accessed by using an IPFS gateway. Gateways are used to provide workarounds for applications that don’t natively support IPFS. An IPFS gateway can be local, private, or public, and uses the IPFS content ID to provide a URL link to the content for access to the stored content.
If you want data to be cached for a long period of time you can pin the data. This will keep the data cached on the IPFS network indefinitely, since pinned data is skipped during the garbage collection process, allowing for faster data retrieval times.
Files uploaded to an IPFS on Filebase are automatically pinned to IPFS and stored with 3x replication across the Filebase infrastructure by default, at no extra cost to you. This means your data is accessible and reliable in the event of a disaster or outage, and won't be affected by the IPFS garbage collection process.
Pinning data is a unique feature of the IPFS network, and is not offered for buckets created on other networks.
Since IPFS data is pinned on the Sia network, the maximum individual object size for objects uploaded to IPFS is 300GB.
IPFS Buckets are ideal for:
- Hosting videos for streaming or live-streaming.
- Hosting datasets for data analysis.
- Hosting NFT Collections and storing associated NFT metadata and files.
- Storing scripts, code and content for a decentralized application.
Sia is an open source decentralized storage network that leverages blockchain technology to create a secure and redundant cloud storage platform.
Filebase works directly with Sia as a node operator, meaning Filebase manages all storage contracts on behalf of Filebase users. Every object that is uploaded to a Filebase Sia bucket is split into multiple pieces using Reed-Solomon erasure coding that features a 10 out of 30 algorithm. Objects are split into 30 pieces then geographically distributed to Sia host servers all around the world. Only 10 of the 30 pieces need to be available in order to process a download request. That means that 20 pieces of the object can be destroyed, offline, or otherwise unavailable, creating native redundancy and high availability.
Sia uses the Threefish algorithm for high performance and secure encryption. Threefish is especially hardened against related-key attacks and side-channel attacks.
The maximum individual object size that can be stored on Sia is 300GB.
All data uploaded to a Sia bucket is private by default.
Sia buckets are ideal for:
- Increased data privacy.
IPFS does not have a maximum file size, but any file larger than 5GB should be uploaded using the S3-compatible API to benefit from Multipart Upload.
All files uploaded to IPFS are pinned to IPFS automatically. This means that they are protected from the IPFS garbage collection process.
1. Start by clicking on the ‘Buckets’ option from the menu to open the Buckets dashboard.
2. Select your IPFS Bucket.
3. After clicking on the bucket name, you will see any previously uploaded files. To upload another file, select 'Upload', then select 'File' from the options.
4. Select the file you want to upload to the IPFS.
5. Once uploaded, you will be able to view and copy the IPFS CID from the 'CID' category.
1. Start by clicking on the ‘Buckets’ option from the menu to open the Buckets dashboard.
2. Select your IPFS Bucket.
3. After clicking on the bucket name, you will see any previously uploaded files. To upload another file, select 'Upload', then select 'Folder' from the options.
4. Select the folder you'd like to upload to IPFS.
5. Once uploaded, the folder will look similar to IPFS individual files.
6. Copy the IPFS CID for your folder, then navigate to
https://ipfs.filebase.io/ipfs/[CID]. The contents of your folder will be listed.Filebase operates a unique IPFS architecture that is specifically designed to maximize performance, availability, and content discoverability.
When you uploaded a file to Filebase, the file is automatically replicated to 3 unique data centers and pinned to IPFS by each of them. Each data center is geographically separated and resides in a different country or continent.
The net result is 3 unique IPFS peers are now pinning the same file, and with IPFS, performance, availability, and discoverability all increase with peer count.
Content stored on IPFS can be accessed by using an IPFS gateway. Gateways are used to provide workarounds for applications that don’t natively support IPFS. An IPFS gateway can be local, private, or public, and uses the IPFS content ID to provide a URL link to the content for access to the stored content.
Filebase's native IPFS gateway is as follows:
https://ipfs.filebase.io/ipfs/{CID}The Filebase Public IPFS Gateway has an effective rate limit of 200 RPM (requests per minute).
All content stored on IPFS through Filebase can be accessed through the Filebase gateway with faster response times than accessing the content through any other gateway. This is because the Filebase gateway is peered with our IPFS nodes. The Filebase gateway is also peered with the IPFS gateways of other pinning services.
Your files will persist on IPFS if they’re being cached by other nodes. However, over time they may become unresponsive if those nodes remove your files through the garbage collection process. Additionally, there is no guarantee that other nodes are caching your files to begin with.
An IPFS gateway is an IPFS peer that accepts HTTP requests for IPFS CIDs. A dedicated gateway provides users with a convenient way to access IPFS content without needing to run an IPFS node themselves. The gateway acts as an intermediary between the user's web browser or application and the IPFS network, retrieving and serving content on behalf of the user.
For a deep dive on IPFS gateways and how they work, plus a full walkthrough of using IPFS gateways on Filebase, see our documentation here.
Dedicated Gateways come with several benefits, such as:
- Increased performance and retrieval times.
- No rate limits when accessing content through the dedicated gateway.
- Limiting content (whitelisting) that the gateway can serve through the Scope feature of a dedicated gateway.
- Setting a Root CID of the gateway that can be used for website or app hosting.
Since Filebase is S3-compatible, it works out of the box with S3 API compatible tools, SDKs, and frameworks. For a full list of tools that we have documentation on, please see our documentation for the following:
Data stored on Filebase is always encrypted during transit and when the data is at rest. Server-side encryption is native and by default enabled for all users.
Since Filebase supports decentralized networks powered by blockchain, objects are stored in small chunks across multiple nodes around the world. No node ever has complete access to an entire object or unencrypted data.
In an effort to further simplify security and access control, objects on the Filebase platform inherit the ACL of the parent bucket. For example, the
GetObjectAcl and GetBucketAcl methods will function as expected, but the GetObjectAcl response will return the ACL of the bucket that the object is contained in.The Filebase S3-compatible API supports HTTP/2 (which requires TLS) and data encryption at rest. Data encryption at rest is enabled by default without any additional action required by the user.
Filebase is pioneering the concept of "native geo-redundancy" for IPFS Pinning and data storage. Native geo-redundancy by default provides Filebase users a default level of 3x redundancy for all of their data, within one single bucket on the Filebase platform. In order to accomplish the same level of redundancy with AWS, you would need 3 regionally-distributed buckets, at 3 times the cost.
This makes Filebase an ideal platform for developers with valuable data or larger companies and enterprises focused on disaster recovery.
To learn more about geo-redundancy, check out our Deep Dive here.
Yes, Filebase can be used in a variety of different NFT collection workflows. Check out our Web3 tutorials for detailed walkthroughs on how to use Filebase in different NFT collection smart contracts and workflows.
Yes, Filebase can be used in a variety of different dApp workflows. Check out our Web3 tutorials for detailed walkthroughs on how to use Filebase in dApp configurations.
Yes, Filebase can be used for personal data storage. Filebase can be configured for use with hundreds of different backup tools, NAS devices, and file management applications. Check out our documentation on third party configurations here.
Yes, Filebase offers an S3-compatible API that can be configured as an alternative to most S3-compatible tools and applications as an alternative to AWS.
Read more about our S3 API here.
Yes, Filebase offers an IPFS pinning service that can be used as an alternative to the Pinata IPFS pinning service.
Read more about our IPFS pinning service here.
Once you create a Filebase account, your account will be a free user by default. Filebase is free to use for all users, who can store up to 5GB of data on Filebase with no credit card required. After 5GB, users will need to upgrade to our subscription model.
Upgrading to a Paid Subscription
- 1.Visit the Billing page of the dashboard. Subscriptions are split between the IPFS network and the Sia network. The IPFS Pricing Plans will be shown first, followed by the Decentralized Storage Pricing Plan for the Sia network.
2. Select the subscription plan that fits your workflow. For detailed information on each pricing plan, please see our Pricing Model.
3. Once you select a plan, you will be redirected to a Stripe checkout screen. Enter your billing information and confirm your subscription by selecting 'Subscribe'.
The Stripe checkout will detail 3 parts:
- Your base subscription plan: In this example, the IPFS Starter Plan is used.
- IPFS Storage: This refers to any storage used that is over the selected plan's included storage. For the IPFS Starter Plan, this is any storage over 200GB.
- IPFS Bandwidth: This refers to any bandwidth used that is over the selected plan's included bandwidth. For the IPFS Starter Plan, this is any bandwidth over 400GB.
For detailed information on the included values for each subscription plan, please see our Pricing Model.
4. Once subscribed, your current payment method will be listed under 'Payment Method' on the Web Console Billing page.
- 1.Visit the Billing page of the dashboard. Select 'Edit' next to your currently listed payment method.
2. You will be redirected to a Stripe webpage to enter your new payment information.
3. Click 'Save Card'.
Filebase's minimum monthly charge for IPFS paid subscriptions is $20 per month.
What's Included:
Data Storage:
- 200 GB IPFS Storage. Additional storage over 200 GB is billed @ $0.15/GB.
- Unlimited Number of Pinned Files
Bandwidth:
- 400 GB of egress bandwidth. Additional Bandwidth is billed @ $0.015/GB.
Additional Features:
- 1 Dedicated IPFS Gateway
- IPFS Pinning Service API
- S3-Compatible API
- Unlimited API Requests
- Unlimited Filebase Public Gateway Bandwidth
Filebase's minimum monthly charge for storage on the Sia network only is $5.99, which includes the first 1 TB of storage and 1 TB of bandwidth.
Storage Usage Charges: Calculated on the amount of active storage that is stored with Filebase for the billing cycle.
Bandwidth Usage Charges: Amount of data (object data only) that leaves (egresses) the Filebase platform.
Billing Periods: Filebase bills on a 30-day cycle, regardless of the length of the month or when the billing cycle starts.
To downgrade your account to a different paid tier, simply select the tier you'd like to downgrade to and confirm the transaction through the Stripe checkout screen.
If you are using storage or bandwidth over the included amount in the tier you are downgrading to, please note that you will be charged an overage charge for the amount of storage and bandwidth used that is over the amount included in your new subscription tier.
Canceling your paid subscription is simple. To start, your account must be using 5 GB or less to fit within our free tier. You will not be able to downgrade until your account is consuming 5GB or less. Then, follow these easy steps:
- 1.
- 2.Select the Downgrade to Free button under the Free subscription tier.
Due to the nature of our service (data storage), customers must clean up and remove all of their data first before closing their account. This can be done from within our console dashboard or using our API, though the API is the recommended workflow.
We only allow 1,000 files to be deleted at a time from our browser dashboard. Depending on the number of files that you have, you can click Delete and wait a few minutes, or you can use an API client such as CyberDuck or AWS CLI to delete your data.
Once all data has been cleaned up, you will need to email [email protected] to submit a written request to close your account.
You can request a feature by joining our Discord server, or sending us an email at [email protected].
If you have any questions, please join our Discord server, or send us an email at [email protected]
Last modified 1mo ago