FAQ

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1) What is W3XShare? W3XShare is a decentralized file-sharing platform that allows secure, peer-to-peer data transfers using blockchain technology. It ensures self-custody of data and prevents issues like data mining and ownership loss that are common in traditional Web2-based platforms.

2) Why is on-chain communication important? You can not achieve "true" decentralized communication that is 100% non-custodial, permissionless, and immutable by utilising any centralized database. In the case of W3XShare, the data file transfer package is represented as an L1/L2 transaction, while the data files themselves are stored on decentralized storage.

3) What are the core principles of W3XShare? The core principles include pseudonymous login via Web3 wallets, self-custody of data, immutable file transfers, resistance to data mining, on-chain verifiability, and decentralized storage. W3XShare operates with no personal data collection and is fully open-source.

4) How is W3XShare different from legacy platforms like WeTransfer? Unlike WeTransfer, W3XShare uses decentralized storage and blockchain infrastructure, giving users full control over their data. Legacy platforms rely on centralized databases that are vulnerable to data mining and privacy issues. W3XShare is self-custodial, meaning users own and control their data without relying on a central authority.

5) Who can use W3XShare? W3XShare is a decentralized permissionless application open and available to all. Anyone with an internet connection who has a Web3 wallet and some gas can use the app.

Security and Storage

6) How does W3XShare ensure data security? W3XShare employs AES-256-GCM encryption for securing data transfers between users. Each file transfer is represented as a blockchain transaction, ensuring immutability and verifiability. The files themselves are encrypted and stored on decentralized storage via PollinationX, which ensures they are encrypted and accessible only to the private key owner.

7) How does W3XShare handle encryption? W3XShare uses AES-256-GCM encryption for securing data transfers. A random secret key is generated for encrypting files, and this key is shared between the sender and receiver via external communication channels, ensuring end-to-end encryption.

8) Why do I need the secret key? Encryption is one of the key parts of the solution. W3XShare utilises AES-randomly generated secret key to enable end-to-end encryption. Each secret key is unique and generated automatically for each data file transfer. The transfers can not be decrypted without the secret encryption key!

9) Does W3XShare collect any personal data? No, W3XShare operates with no personal data collection. It uses Web3 wallet-based authentication, ensuring that all data remains self-custodial and under the user’s control.

10) What is PollinationX, and how does it work with W3XShare? PollinationX is a decentralized storage service that W3XShare leverages to store encrypted files securely. It uses NFTs to manage storage, allowing users to mint NFTs based on their storage needs, ensuring full control over the data.

11) What is the data file transfer size limit? The TestNet data file size limit is 100MB. The data file size limit in the MainNet dApp correlates with the purchased PollinationX Storage NFT size (e.g. 5GB, 20GB, 100GB).

Technical

12) Can I customize W3XShare for my own use case? Yes, W3XShare offers a white-label platform that developers can use to deploy custom data-sharing dApps. This makes it flexible for a wide range of use cases, from corporate file transfers to more niche applications.

13) What happens if the W3XShare dApp is down? W3XShare is open-source, and the client-side code is available to users. In the event of downtime, users can still access and use the platform through the open-source UI client, ensuring uninterrupted service.

14) What blockchains are supported by W3XShare? W3XShare supports various L1 and L2 EVM blockchains for settlement and transactions. Check the multi-chain chapter.

15) What is the cost of using W3XShare? Parallel to the underlying L1/L2 transaction gas cost, the service fees (i.e. protocol fees) are also settled on the smart contract level and are applicable for every data transfer transaction. Total user cost equals the sum of the L1/L2 transaction gas and the service fees. The gas and service fees converge and manifest as one end-user communication transaction fee. Read more.