Doxx.net, a startup founded by Barrett Lyon, is revolutionizing networking with its new Agentic Defined Networking platform, which is backed by $38 million in funding from Andreessen Horowitz and other investors. Traditionally, building networking infrastructure required large teams and substantial time, but advancements in AI are changing this dynamic.
The company’s origins trace back to the Darkflare project, which Lyon developed as a hobby to create a TCP tunnel that could operate on public networks without detection. This experience led to the creation of a VPN managed autonomously by AI, further developed into doxx.net.
How the Agentic Defined Network Platform Works
Doxx.net operates by integrating several advanced features:
- Covert transports allow the doxx.net client to utilize multiple technologies for VPN traffic, making it resilient against firewalls. These include WireGuard and transfers over protocols like WebSocket, SIP, and QUIC.
- The mesh network connects sites securely using encryption and is orchestrated via an API.
- A distinct control plane manages routing, port forwarding, and firewall rules separate from the client app.
- No network address translation (NAT) is utilized, permitting peer-to-peer applications, enhancing the flexibility of the network.
In addition, doxx.net establishes its own DNS and certificate authority, underpinning its autonomous nature. The user interface operates without traditional identifiers like phone numbers or emails, instead utilizing cryptographic keys for contact management.
AI’s Role in Network Management
Lyon emphasizes that the complexity of managing a global network with 31 locations necessitated AI management. A virtual model of the entire infrastructure was created before installation, which was facilitated by the AI’s ability to orchestrate logistics effectively. Human technicians then conducted the physical implementations.
The platform also enables the use of AI agents, allowing users to engage in chats where agents can manage network tasks autonomously. Each agent can learn to build networks based on user input, and can create domains and run applications within the system. Administrators maintain control by issuing access tokens to agents.
Historical Context and Future Plans
Lyon, who has a long history in networking, humorously addresses the name "doxx.net" by flipping the common understanding of "doxxing." He intends to reclaim the term with a focus on privacy and security through innovative networking technology.
Looking ahead, doxx.net plans to expand its enterprise offerings and release some underlying technology as open source, focusing not just on AI’s role in networking, but also on leveraging AI for technological advancements.
For more information, visit Doxx.net.
