Core Features
Distributed Knowledge offers a range of powerful features that enable collaborative intelligence across a network of nodes. This document outlines the core features that make up the system.
Federated Architecture
At the heart of Distributed Knowledge is its federated architecture:
- Decentralized Design: No central authority or control point
- Peer-to-Peer Interactions: Direct communication between network nodes
- Network Resilience: The system remains functional even when nodes drop out
- Horizontal Scaling: Capacity grows as new nodes join the network
- Emergent Intelligence: Collective capabilities exceed those of individual nodes
Knowledge Sharing
Distributed Knowledge enables efficient sharing of information:
- Query Broadcasting: Send questions to multiple nodes simultaneously
- Direct Messaging: Target specific nodes with relevant expertise
- Knowledge Aggregation: Combine insights from multiple sources
- Answer Summarization: Consolidate multiple responses into coherent answers
- Citation Tracking: Maintain references to information sources
Privacy-Preserving Intelligence
The system balances collaboration with privacy:
- Hybrid Privacy Model: Share public knowledge while protecting private information
- Selective Sharing: Control what information is accessible to other nodes
- Approval System: Review and approve incoming queries
- Anonymized Responses (Soon): Option to provide answers without revealing identity
- Private Knowledge Bases: Maintain local information that isn't shared
Real-time Synchronization
Information flows through the network in real-time:
- Persistent WebSocket Connections: Maintain live connections between nodes
- Immediate Updates: Receive responses as soon as they're available
- Concurrent Processing: Handle multiple queries and responses simultaneously
- Live User Status: Track which nodes are currently active
- Event-Driven Architecture: React to network changes immediately
Multi-Provider LLM Support
The system works with various LLM providers:
- Anthropic Integration: Connect to Claude models
- OpenAI Support: Use GPT models for generation
- Ollama Compatibility: Run local open-source models
- Provider Abstraction: Switch between providers without changing application code
- Model Configuration: Customize parameters for each provider
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
Enhanced responses through contextual retrieval:
- Vector Database: Store and retrieve semantic embeddings
- Document Processing: Convert various formats into useful knowledge chunks
- Semantic Search: Find information based on meaning rather than keywords
- Context Windows: Provide LLMs with the most relevant information
- Source Tracking: Maintain provenance for all retrieved information
MCP Server Integration
The system integrates with the Model Context Protocol:
- Tool Exposure: Access network capabilities through standardized tools
- Query Management: Create, track, and manage questions
- Answer Processing: Review, edit, and summarize responses
- User Management: Interact with network participants
- Knowledge Base Management: Update and maintain information sources
Secure Communication
All interactions are protected through comprehensive security measures:
- End-to-End Encryption: Messages are encrypted between sender and receiver
- Identity Verification: Cryptographic confirmation of node identities
- Message Signing: Digital signatures ensure content integrity
- Access Control: Permissions restrict actions to authorized users
- Secure Connections: TLS/SSL encryption for all network traffic
Autonomous Operation
The system is designed for minimal human intervention:
- Automatic Approval: Rules determine which queries are automatically accepted
- Self-Organization: The network adapts to changing conditions
- Independent Nodes: Each node operates according to its own configuration
- Resilient Connections: Automatic reconnection after network disruptions
- Persistent State: Maintains operation across restarts
Open Ecosystem
Distributed Knowledge embraces openness and interoperability:
- Open Source: Core components available under permissive licenses
- Standardized Protocols: Well-defined interfaces for integration
- Extensible Design: Framework for adding new capabilities
- Community Governance: Transparent development and decision-making
- Multi-Platform Support: Works across different operating systems