FileShareFreak [mirror]: The anoNet Darknet

March 02, 2008 by sharky

What is the anoNet?

It is a self-contained private version of the Internet - a “darknet” for lack of a better word. AnoNet is similar to the Tor hidden services (websites that end in *.onion) and I2P’s “eepsites” (sites that end in *.i2p). It is also comparable to Freenet, except that it’s easier to set up, and it’s faster. Users can host their own anonymous blogs, IRC channels, forums.

What runs through anoNet?

Almost every Internet service. BitTorrent, web servers, search engines, email, FTP, IRC, Instant Messaging, P2P file sharing. They’ve tried to create an anonymous alternative to most services currently available through regular Internet. anoNet is not a proxy or ‘tunneling over’ service for Internet applications - it’s all rather self-contained through the VPN service and secure web pages.

Is it anonymous?

It’s probably best to just let the anoNet FAQ do the talking. Our article is about how to set it up and run some programs through it. But yeah, we’re convinced!

anoNet installation

For Windows users, you will require at least the WinXP operating system (not Win98, 2000 or ME). Like any sophisticated secure software, installation is not for the timid. We attempt to simplify the installation as much as possible, and it’s not too difficult.

1. Download the Anonet/OpenVPN software. It’s available as a “kit” installer from this rapidshare link. You can also find it here if that link doesn’t work. Credits go out to P2P Forums for supplying the link.

2. Run anoNet-openvpn-2.0.9-install.exe. Likely you’ll get some issues with your firewall software since it needs to connect to the Internet. You’ll also probably receive a message from Windows, that this ‘hardware’ is not Windows Logo Tested. Choose “Continue Anyway”. Anonet runs through VPN software (which, in turn, runs through an added “virtual” network adapter).

3. After installation, you’ll probably notice a new network icon in your taskbar, and it should have a red x through it (denoting that it’s not connected). This is normal. Now, here’s where it gets tricky (how many times have we said that?). You’ll need to download a file from http://anonet.org/quickstart/index.html. You’re looking for the Singapore.conf link, as shown below. Click it, and save the file (called anonet.ovpn) to your hard drive (see below).

4. Now, copy the anonet.ovpn file to your “C:\Program Files\anoNet-OpenVPN\config” directory - be sure to replace the old one with the new file, when prompted.

5. Right-click on anonet.ovpn and select “Start OpenVPN on this config file”. This will launch a DOS-style window, and the network icon (with the red x) in the taskbar should disappear.

To verify that you are, indeed, connected to the OpenVPN service, go to your Start Button > Settings > Network Connections and you’ll see a new network connection listed (probably the last one in the list). Move your mouse over the connection - it should say “Tap-Win32 Adapter V8″. Click it; it should show connected status.

Congrats! You are now connected to the AnoNet network. You’ll be able to browse the AnoNet websites (they end in .ano such as http://www.wiki.ano and http://www.search.ano). See the quickstart page for some good starting out (*.ano) links. Welcome to the secure, anonymous world of AnoNet!

Troubleshooting: If you’re still not connected, you may need to download the KEY FILES from http://anonet.org/quickstart/index.html. This time, click the ZIP file here link (see below). Save to your hard drive, and unzip to your “C:\Program Files\anoNet-OpenVPN\config” folder, being sure to overwrite the files with the new ones. After, try launching ‘anonet.ovpn’ again from Step 5.

You can also verify your anoNet/OpenVPN connection through your Control Panel > Network Connections. The virtual adapter should appear as a “Tap-Win32 Adapter V8” device adapter, and it should be listed as connected:

anoNet Services

Let the fun begin! AnoNet supports many Internet services, such P2P file sharing with BitTorrent, eD2k, DC++, IRC and others. This is what it’s all about - anonymous / pseudonymous services in a secure environment. Check out this link for things you’ll be able to do once connected.

NOTE: anoNet is not a proxy-type service, so no proxy modifications need to be made through your programs’ settings. As long as you’re connected to anoNet’s VPN service (OpenVPN), most programs can be treated just as though you were connected to the Internet in a normal fashion. The difference being that instead of using regular IP addresses (like 84.209.444.34) you’ll be using anonymous ones (such as 1.0.9.19).

WEB BROWSING: anoNet is designed for anonymity within its own network, so stay within the *.ano websites. External links, such as .html, .php or any other website (non - *.ano) is out of it’s realm, and not anoNet ’secured’ whatsoever. However, you can still use an anonymous proxy service within your browser - i.e. “http” or “SOCKS” (or any other Internet program) and still use the anoNet service. Truly paranoid? anoNet even works with Tor and Privoxy, for an extra layer of security.

Anonymous BitTorrent

There is a BitTorrent site up and running in the anoNet network, at http://anotorrent.ano/. The best part is, it’s dead-simple! You’ll not need to configure your BitTorrent client - as long as your connection to the VPN is active, you’ll be able to add *.torrents to your BT client. To test the anonymity factor, check the ‘peers’ settings - there will be no real IP addresses from the connected peers in the torrent, including yours.

Anonymous eMule (eD2k)

anoNet has it’s own eD2k server, as well. This is really easy to incorporate in eMule/aMule etc. - simply add a new server to the your eD2k program, and use this IP and port number (1.0.9.19:4232). Connect to the server as normal. At the time of testing, our search results really left alot to be desired, though.

anoNet IRC

anoNet has a few of its own IRC servers, as well. Just create a new server, and use one of these addresses: (zippy.irc.ano, mrp.irc.ano, and 1.1.1.1). Use port 6667 (or 6697 for SSL connections). Once connected, read the server message in the window for channels to join - #anonet is a good starting place. Be sure to read the article on how to configure your IRC client with anoNet, as well.