[dusted]

I kind of agree, but the way the internet is going, with everyone being behind carrier-grade nat, it's not much of a decentralized network of computers anymore, not to mention all the kids with their laptops and tablets not even hosting anything :(

[nikisweeting]

There are ways around this, I've experimented with setting up a cluster of ArchiveBox instances that share snapshots over Tailscale. Tailscale lets users sign up for free accounts, and you can share machines between separate accounts. A (CGNAT-compatible) decentralized invite-only network could concievably spread that way.

[Kuinox]

UPnP exists and allow devices to ask the router to open a port to them.

[Fidelix]

UPnP is useless with CGNAT (Carrier Grade NAT), which is what the op is talking about.

There are other ways to get seeding working, though, including IPV6, which is gaining adoption, so I don't agree with the OP.

[Dalewyn]

UPnP is just automating the process of forwarding ports, CGNAT will still screw you sideways because you're behind a router you can't access or order around.

[cosarara]

That doesnt help with CGNAT.