I2P (Invisible Internet Project) and Tor (The Onion Router) are both anonymity networks that aim to provide privacy and security for internet users. While they share similar goals, there are significant differences between I2P and Tor in terms of their design, functionality, and use cases. Let’s explore these differences in more detail:

1. Routing Architecture:

• Tor: Tor operates by routing internet traffic through a series of volunteer-run relays (nodes) to anonymize the user’s connection. Each relay only knows the previous and next relay in the circuit, making it difficult to trace the origin of the traffic.
• I2P: I2P uses a different routing architecture known as garlic routing. It encrypts data in multiple layers (like the layers of an onion) and sends it through a series of participating nodes, making it more resistant to traffic analysis.

1. Purpose:

• Tor: Tor is primarily designed to provide anonymous web browsing and access to the “dark web,” which consists of hidden services and websites not accessible through regular search engines.
• I2P: I2P focuses on providing a decentralized and self-contained network for various applications, including anonymous file sharing, messaging, email, blogging, and more. It aims to create a private and secure environment within the network itself.

1. Network Size and Speed:

• Tor: Tor has a larger network of volunteer-run nodes, resulting in a larger user base and more available exit nodes for accessing the regular internet. However, due to the high demand, Tor can sometimes suffer from slower connection speeds.
• I2P: I2P has a smaller network compared to Tor, resulting in fewer available services and peers. However, since I2P is designed for internal network usage, it can offer faster speeds for applications running within the network.

1. Hidden Services:

• Tor: Tor is well-known for its hidden services, which allow websites and services to be hosted anonymously. These hidden services use .onion domains and are only accessible through the Tor network.
• I2P: I2P also supports hidden services, known as “eepsites,” which are accessible only within the I2P network. These eepsites provide anonymous hosting and can offer various services like forums, file sharing, and social networks.

1. Community and Development:

• Tor: Tor has a larger and more established community of developers, researchers, and users. It benefits from continuous development and regular security updates to maintain its robustness and security.
• I2P: I2P has a smaller but dedicated community of developers and users. Development efforts are ongoing, although updates may be less frequent compared to Tor. However, the I2P community emphasizes decentralization and user empowerment.

It’s important to note that while both I2P and Tor provide anonymity and privacy, they also have their vulnerabilities and limitations. Users should be aware of the risks associated with any anonymity network and take appropriate precautions to protect their privacy.

In summary, Tor is widely used for anonymous web browsing and accessing hidden services on the regular internet, while I2P focuses on creating a self-contained network for various applications. The choice between I2P and Tor depends on the specific use case and requirements of the user.