ION – Overview & FAQ

ION Overview

Solid Axis ION™ is an easy-to-use Web browser plug-in that helps you get content at the absolute fastest download speeds from websites that support ION's peer-assisted technology. When you use ION to download a file, you temporarily participate in a secure, closed network where you receive pieces of the file from multiple sources, including other active users.

ION's peer-assisted technology is safe and secure for you to use – in other words, it keeps you safe from malicious attacks, viruses, spyware or adware.

ION is Fast

  • Receive your file from multiple sources, including other active users
  • Experience download speeds up to 1000 kbps
  • The most popular files are the fastest to download

ION is Safe

  • Participate in a secure, closed peer-assisted (P2P) network only while you download
  • Stay safe from hidden viruses, spyware or adware
  • Your personal files are NEVER accessible by anyone else
  • Your personal information is NEVER captured or stored

Solid State Networks, Inc., is a member of the Distributed Computing Industry Association (DCIA). The DCIA is a voluntary organization representing all sectors of the distributed computing industry. This includes content providers, software developers and distributors, and service-and-support companies. The DCIA is engaged in developing standards-and-practices to advance this innovative consumer-based distribution channel. Recently, the DCIA has been working with US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on a new best practices regime regarding consumer protection against inadvertent sharing of personal or sensitive data via P2P file-sharing applications. For more information, please visit OnGuardOnline.gov.

ION is Seamless

  • One-click downloads
  • No download client to open or configure
  • Lightweight, runs only while you download
  • DOES NOT interfere with your other applications

See also: ION End User License Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the system requirements for ION?
ION requires Microsoft Windows 2000 or later to be installed on your computer. ION is compatible with these browsers:

  • Internet Explorer 6.0 and later
  • Mozilla Firefox 1.5 and later
  • Opera 1.0 and later

How do I install ION?
It's very simple: click on the Install ION link and you will be redirected to an installation page.

How do I uninstall ION?
ION can be uninstalled in the Add/Remove Programs control panel. From the Start Menu select Control Panel. Then select Add/Remove Programs. Solid State ION will appear in the menu – you can select it and click the “remove” button for a complete un-installation.

How does ION work?
When you download a file using ION peer-assisted technology, you participate in a closed network with other users who are actively downloading the same file. As you receive pieces of the file from peers, you simultaneously download content from optimized servers. This ensures that your file is always available and that your download will always be complete. ION connects you to fastest/nearest sources of your file, ensuring optimal delivery conditions until your download is finished. For more information, please review the end user license agreement.

How much faster are ION downloads than traditional http downloads?
ION can deliver a drastic speed increase in file delivery – often this can be 5 to 10 times the normal download speed for a popular file. It is likely that your internet connection will be the limiting factor in your download speeds.

How does ION keep me safe from spyware and malware?
There are two main ways that ION ensures the safety of your personal files. First, as you download your file, you participate in a secure, closed network that includes multiple file sources including others who are downloading the same file as you. This is the only file that is shared between participants and you are only an active participant during the time you are downloading the file.

Secondly, ION automatically verifies the contents of the file you are downloading with the content provider. Any unverified file is eliminated before it can cause harm to your computer.

Does using ION mean I will be participating in illegal file-sharing?
No, ION only works with content providers who have deployed the Solid Axis Suite™ software from Solid State Networks to distribute their files. Solid State Networks only works with legitimate content providers who own the rights to the files they distribute. The file you are downloading is the only file you are sharing with others at any time and that file is only shared in a secure, closed network with others who are downloading the same file. You only participate in the network during the time you are actively downloading that file. Once your download is complete, you are disconnected from the network completely.

Will ION let other people see what I have on my computer?
No, ION is not a file-sharing program in the traditional sense. When you download a file using ION, you become part of a temporary network that only relates to that particular file. Once you finish downloading, your computer leaves the network and you are no longer a participant. ION does not allow you to share files, nor does it allow other people to search your computer. To learn more about the risks of using P2P File-sharing software, please visit OnGuardOnline.gov. To learn more about how Solid State Networks participates in developing standards-and-practices for safe P2P file-sharing, please visit the Distributed Computing Industry Association (DCIA) website.

Will ION allow hackers to compromise my computer or network?
No, unlike "file-sharing" software such as Kazaa or Napster, ION does not allow other users to search your hard drive looking for files. You ONLY participate in sharing pieces of the file you are downloading. Once your download is complete, you cease sharing parts of that file.

Will running ION slow down my computer or Internet connection?
ION is a lightweight Web browser plug-in that was designed from the ground up to use minimal computer resources. Simply having ION installed will not cause your computer to perform slowly; however, because of the dramatic increase in download speeds, you may experience some slowing of other applications that access the Internet. This will occur only as you actively download a file and everything will return to normal as soon as your download completes.

Can I run other BitTorrent clients while using ION?
Yes, there are no known issues from using ION and other BitTorrent clients.

Do I need to constantly update ION?
No. ION automatically checks for updates once per week if it is running. There are no tray icons or persistent processes running on your computer.




*BitTorrent is a trademark or registered trademark of BitTorrent, Inc., used under license.