System and apparatus to manage data using a peer-to-peer network and the blockchain

Abstract

A method of answering a data request directed to a network of distributed servers includes receiving the data request from a client at a server. The method further includes extracting identifying information of requested data in the data request, using the server. The method further includes obtaining location information of the requested data indicating which of the distributed servers is storing the requested data, by comparing the identifying information to a distributed ledger. The method further includes sending the requested data from the server to the client.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of answering a data request directed to a network of distributed servers, comprising:
 receiving the data request from a client at a server;   extracting identifying information of requested data from the data request, using the server;   obtaining location information of the requested data indicating which of the distributed servers is storing the requested data by comparing the identifying information to information obtained using a distributed ledger;   obtaining the requested data from the distributed servers storing the requested data; and   sending the requested data from the server to the client.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 organizing the requested data using the server prior to sending the requested data to the client.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distributed ledger is a blockchain. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein information included in the distributed ledger is stored on the distributed servers and on the server. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the requested data is first transferred to the distributed servers, and the distributed ledger stores information of transfers of the data to the distributed servers. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the requested data is generated by an Internet of Things (IoT) device prior to being stored on the distributed servers. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the requested data is encrypted, further comprising:
 sending a decryption key for the data from the data owner to the client.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the requested data is divided among a plurality of the distributed servers, further comprising:
 assembling the requested data before sending it to the client.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, prior to sending the requested data from the server to the client:
 sending a request for the requested data to a distributed server storing the requested data; and   receiving the requested data from the distributed server storing the requested data.   
     
     
         10 . A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for causing a processor to:
 receive a data request from a client;   extract identifying information of requested data from the data request;   obtain location information of the requested data indicating which of a plurality of distributed servers is storing the requested data by comparing the identifying information to a distributed ledger stored in the storage medium; and   send data requests to the distributed servers storing the requested data; and   reward the distributed servers for processing the data request; and   send a reply to the client.   
     
     
         11 . The storage medium of  claim 10 , with further instructions causing the processor to:
 obtain the requested data from the distributed servers storing the requested data;   organize the requested data; and   send the organized data to the client.   
     
     
         12 . The storage medium of  claim 10 , wherein the distributed ledger is a blockchain. 
     
     
         13 . The storage medium of  claim 10 , wherein the distributed ledger is also stored on the distributed servers. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distributed servers are rewarded for storing the data. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distributed servers are rewarded for sending the data.