mirror of
https://github.com/corda/corda.git
synced 2024-12-19 13:08:04 +00:00
9571f7d905
* Removes Identity page. Reworks it into the Network page. * Removes stray doorman reference. * Addresses review feedback.
47 lines
2.1 KiB
ReStructuredText
47 lines
2.1 KiB
ReStructuredText
The network
|
|
===========
|
|
|
|
.. topic:: Summary
|
|
|
|
* *A Corda network is made up of nodes running Corda and CorDapps*
|
|
* *Communication between nodes is point-to-point, instead of relying on global broadcasts*
|
|
* *Each node has a certificate mapping their network identity to a real-world legal identity*
|
|
* *The network is permissioned, with access requiring a certificate from the network operator*
|
|
|
|
Network structure
|
|
-----------------
|
|
A Corda network is a peer-to-peer network of **nodes**. Each node runs the Corda software as well as Corda applications
|
|
known as **CorDapps**.
|
|
|
|
.. image:: resources/network.png
|
|
:scale: 25%
|
|
:align: center
|
|
|
|
All communication between nodes is point-to-point and encrypted using transport-layer security. This means that data is
|
|
shared only on a need-to-know basis. There are **no global broadcasts**.
|
|
|
|
Identity
|
|
--------
|
|
Each node has a single well-known identity. The node's identity is used to represent the node in transactions, such as
|
|
when purchasing an asset.
|
|
|
|
.. note:: These identities are distinct from the RPC user logins that are able to connect to the node via RPC.
|
|
|
|
Each network has a **network map service** that maps each well-known node identity to an IP address. These IP
|
|
addresses are used for messaging between nodes.
|
|
|
|
Nodes can also generate confidential identities for individual transactions. The certificate chain linking a
|
|
confidential identity to a well-known node identity or real-world legal identity is only distributed on a need-to-know
|
|
basis. This ensures that even if an attacker gets access to an unencrypted transaction, they cannot identify the
|
|
transaction's participants without additional information if confidential identities are being used.
|
|
|
|
Admission to the network
|
|
------------------------
|
|
Corda networks are semi-private. To join a network, a node must obtain a certificate from the network operator. This
|
|
certificate maps a well-known node identity to:
|
|
|
|
* A real-world legal identity
|
|
* A public key
|
|
|
|
The network operator enforces rules regarding the information that nodes must provide and the know-your-customer
|
|
processes they must undergo before being granted this certificate. |