Contributing to the Tor Project by adding a Tor node to the Onion network is a valuable and community-driven effort to enhance online privacy and security. Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a network that aims to increase privacy and resist censorship by routing internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers.

To contribute to the Tor Project by adding a Tor node, individuals can follow a series of steps. First, they need to set up a dedicated server with sufficient resources and bandwidth to support Tor traffic. This server becomes part of the Tor network, functioning as a relay node that helps anonymize and distribute user traffic.

The process involves installing and configuring Tor software on the server, which enables it to act as a relay node within the Tor network. Users can choose between different types of nodes, such as entry nodes, middle nodes, or exit nodes, each serving a specific purpose in the anonymization process.

By providing a Tor node on RISC-V hardware, I contribute not only to the overall privacy and security goals of the Tor Project but also demonstrate the adaptability of the Tor network to different hardware architectures. RISC-V’s open nature aligns with the spirit of decentralization and openness that is central to the Tor Project’s philosophy – and maybe we see here the first ever RISC-V based TOR node running in production.

It’s important for contributors to be aware of the responsibilities that come with running a Tor node, such as maintaining a reliable and secure server, managing bandwidth effectively, and staying informed about security best practices. Regularly updating the Tor software is also essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of the node.

Information

Hardware Platform: RISC-V (Vision Five 2 board)
OS: OpenBSD 7.4
Downlink: 100 Mbit
Uplink: 100 Mbit
Protocols: IPv4, IPv6
Type: Relay Node

If you have any questions you can ask me on the Fediverse, X (Twitter) or in #riscv64:bsd.cafe in our Matrix channel.