Resilient Retrieval of Decentralized Content: An Architecture-Centered Study of Web3Compass Content Access Methods through IPFS

Abstract

As Web3 matures, decentralized naming and storage systems, such as ENS, Unstoppable Domains, and IPFS, offer new paradigms for publishing and accessing web content without relying on centralized infrastructure.However, the process of retrieving content in such an environment remains fragmented, often dependent on vulnerable public gateways or centralized APIs.This paper investigates the resilience of content retrieval in decentralized systems, using Web3Compass as a case study.The system integrates real-time registry monitoring, onchain name resolution, and direct access to decentralized storage via self-hosted IPFS nodes.By avoiding reliance on third-party resolution services and fallback gateways except when necessary, Web3Compass provides a robust method for discovering and rendering Web3 websites.We detail the system's architecture, including resolver logic, node infrastructure, and content validation policies, and evaluate its robustness against gateway failure, incomplete pinning, and resolution inconsistencies.Our findings indicate that proactive pinning, resolver-specific logic, and local node infrastructure significantly improve access reliability, even under constrained network conditions.