How to Access Websites "On-Chain"? Exploring Decentralized Web Hosting on TON Blockchain

This article explores the process of deploying an accessible webpage on the TON blockchain, detailing steps like domain acquisition, frontend preparation, and domain binding—while addressing current limitations and future potential.

Why Consider Blockchain-Based Web Hosting?

Recent events have exposed vulnerabilities in traditional domain resolution services, prompting interest in decentralized alternatives. Hosting pages on blockchain networks offers unique advantages:

Decentralization: Changes require collective consensus, eliminating single-point control.
Certificate-Free Security: Built-in blockchain cryptography removes need for SSL certificates.

TON's domain system, once perceived as niche, now demonstrates practical utility for censorship-resistant access.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying Websites on TON Blockchain

1. Acquiring a Blockchain Domain

TON domains function similarly to Web2 domains—providing human-readable aliases for complex addresses. Key details:

Aspect	Details
Purchase Platform	Official TON DNS
Pricing	1-100 TON (shorter domains cost more)
Ownership Duration	1 year (renewable)
Transfer Mechanism	NFT-based (tradable)

👉 Secure your TON domain today

2. Preparing Frontend Components

Deploy a minimal setup:

Single HTML file
Nginx server for exposure
Cloud server (traditional VPS suffices)

# Example nginx configuration
server {
    listen 80;
    root /var/www/your-site;
    index index.html;
}

3. Binding Domain to RLDP/ADNL Address

Post-purchase steps:

Input ADNL address (analogous to IP) in TON DNS settings
Launch RLDP-HTTP proxy to handle requests:

./rldp-http-proxy -p 8080 -c 3333 -C global.config.json

Accessing .TON Websites

Browsers can't natively resolve .ton domains. Solutions:

Recommended: Tonutils Reverse Proxy

Download official proxy tool
Configure to listen on localhost:8080
Access sites via http://localhost:8080/your-site.ton

Alternative: Wallet Embedded Browser

While available, most wallets flag .ton sites as phishing risks currently.

Current Challenges and Limitations

Issue	Details
System Requirements	Requires glibc ≥2.34
Documentation Gaps	English resources more updated
Performance	Slower than traditional hosting
Wallet Support	Limited native integration

Despite these, the model presents intriguing possibilities for decentralized access.

👉 Explore blockchain domains further

FAQs About On-Chain Website Hosting

Q: How secure are blockchain-hosted websites?
A: They leverage inherent blockchain cryptography, eliminating traditional SSL vulnerabilities.

Q: Can I transfer my .ton domain?
A: Yes—domains exist as NFTs, enabling peer-to-peer transfers.

Q: What's the cost difference vs traditional domains?
A: Initial setup costs are higher, but renewal fees may be lower long-term.

Q: Are there content restrictions?
A: While technically possible, illegal content violates most blockchain networks' terms.

Q: How does performance compare?
A: Currently slower due to proxy layers, though improvements are expected.

Q: Will browsers ever natively support .ton?
A: Widespread adoption would require integration with ICANN or alternative resolution systems.