tor-webwml.git

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2) # Revision: $Revision: 14486 $
3) # Translation-Priority: 3-low
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5) #include "head.wmi" TITLE="NLnet Project: Tor for Low Bandwidth Clients"
6) 
7) <div class="main-column">
8) 
9) <!-- PUT CONTENT AFTER THIS TAG -->
10) 
11) <h2>NLnet Project: Tor for Low Bandwidth Clients</h2>
12) <hr />
13) 
14) <p>
15) The Tor anonymity system is currently only usable by internet users who
16) have high-bandwidth connections. Upon the start of the Tor client, a large file
17) with all Tor server descriptions is being downloaded. This file is the so-called Tor
18) Directory and enables the client to choose from the available mix-servers in the Tor network. The
19) download of the full Tor Directory is required by the current Tor protocol. This directory
20) file is too large for users on modem lines or on mobile data networks like GPRS as the initial
21) download that is triggered every time an user logs in takes 10 to 30 minutes over a slow
22) line. As a result, Tor is not usable by modem and mobile users. One of the major goals of
23) the Tor project is to provide secure anonymous internet access to users in dictatorships
24) and repressive states. These locations often have very slow internet connections,
25) either by modem or due to low-bandwidth links to the outside world. By enabling these users to
26) use the Tor network, significant progress can be made towards free communication and
27) information in these countries.
28) </p>
29) 
30) <p>
31) To make Tor usable also for users on low-bandwidth connections, an
32) evolution of the Tor protocol is needed to reduce the initial download size. This new Tor
33) protocol version should change the way a client receives the information for its Tor
34) circuit setup in a way, that the initial download can be performed over a 14.4 kbps modem line
35) in about three minutes. The work to be conducted under the proposal has the ultimate
36) goal of getting the protocol change production ready and propagated to the Tor users
37) within a timeframe of less then 12 months. The resulting software will be published under
38) the 3-Clause BSD license, as all of the Tor code. All deliverables will be fully public.
39) </p>
40) 
41) <p>
42) This project is generously funded by:
43) </p>
44) 
45) <p>
46) <a href="http://www.nlnet.nl/news/2008/20080514-awards.html">
47) <img src="$(IMGROOT)/nlnet-160x60.png" alt="The NLnet foundation" /></a>
48) </p>
49) 
50) <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3">

51) <thead>
52) <tr>
53) <th><big>Project</big></th>
54) <th><big>Due Date</big></th>

55) </tr>

56) </thead>