Orchid VPN
Orchid is a decentralized VPN and bandwidth marketplace that enables pay-per-use, multi-hop privacy with open-source protocols and crypto-powered nanopayments.
Overview
Orchid is a decentralized virtual private network (VPN) platform that operates as a bandwidth marketplace where independent providers stake Orchid's native token (OXT) to offer bandwidth services. Instead of relying on centralized servers, Orchid uses a stake-weighted algorithm to randomly connect users to preferred bandwidth providers, enhancing privacy and reducing trust in any single entity. Users pay only for the bandwidth they consume through a crypto-powered nanopayment system, eliminating subscriptions and long-term contracts. Orchid supports multi-hop routing, allowing traffic to be routed through multiple servers for increased privacy and the ability to bypass firewalls or geo-restrictions.
The platform is fully open source under the AGPLv3 license, with all code available on GitHub. Orchid’s architecture leverages standard transport protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, layered with a decentralized directory on Ethereum and a client daemon that manages connections and payments. The nanopayment system is a layer 2 Ethereum scaling solution enabling streaming probabilistic payments directly to bandwidth providers. Orchid also includes features like a built-in traffic monitor and unlimited sharing of multi-hop profiles.
Orchid targets developers and privacy-conscious users who want a decentralized alternative to traditional VPNs. Its open-source nature and modular design allow developers to build custom VPN solutions or integrate Orchid’s bandwidth marketplace into other applications. Getting started involves creating an Orchid account to manage funds and access the marketplace, then configuring VPN connections with multi-hop options. Comprehensive documentation and community resources support onboarding and development.
The Problem
Traditional VPN services require users to trust centralized providers with their internet traffic, creating privacy risks and single points of failure. Subscription models force users to pay upfront regardless of actual usage, and many VPNs lack transparency or open-source code. Additionally, bypassing firewalls and geo-restrictions often requires complex setups or proprietary solutions.
The Solution
Key Features
Multi-hop routing
Route traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy and firewall or geo-restriction bypass.
Traffic monitoring
Built-in traffic monitor allows users to track outgoing data usage in real time.
WireGuard and OpenVPN support
Supports standard VPN protocols integrated into multi-hop configurations.
Key Strengths
How Developers Use Orchid VPN
Privacy-focused VPN for individual users
Users seeking decentralized, pay-as-you-go VPN service to protect their internet traffic without trusting centralized providers.
Developers integrating decentralized bandwidth into apps
Developers building privacy tools or decentralized applications can integrate Orchid’s bandwidth marketplace and nanopayment system.
Bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions
Users needing to route traffic through multiple randomized servers to access regionally locked content or circumvent firewalls.
Works Well WithEthereumPolygon PoS
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Pricing
Pay-as-you-go | |
|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | Free |
| Price (Annual) | Free |
| Messaging | N/A |
| Support | Community support via GitHub and documentation |
| Analytics |
Resources
Orchid provides extensive open-source documentation, a detailed whitepaper, and active GitHub repositories. Developers can access setup guides, API references, and community forums to build on or customize the Orchid VPN and bandwidth marketplace.