Join the SendingNetwork Testnet Alpha-2 and Share 500,000 SXP
SendingNetwork is pleased to announce the launch of Testnet Alpha-2 following rapid success of the WatchDog Node Early Deposit Program which sold 3,000 early slots within just 6 hours.
Three-Phased Testnet
Our Three-Phased Testnet has seen continuous success and community feedback as well as developer updates towards our goal of building The Full Communication Stack. The testnet is unfolding in three distinct phases:
- Testnet Alpha-1 (Completed) concentrated on Proof of Relay testing
- Testnet Alpha-2 (Current) focuses on testing Proof of Availability Validation
- Testnet Beta (future) will roll out enhancements to the Proof of Availability and will incorporate an application-specific Layer 2 blockchain.
In the Alpha-1 testnet, we introduced Edge nodes tasked with relaying messages across various applications within the network. These nodes continuously receive, transmit, and are compensated based on their workload. The Alpha-1 testnet evaluated the proof of relay mechanism, covering essential metrics like node selection, message forwarding, and incentive calculations.
As we move to the Alpha-2 testnet, Edge nodes will continue to play a crucial role. Additionally, we are introducing WatchDog nodes to develop a self-adaptive decentralized relay scheme. WatchDog nodes act as supportive validators that produce evidence for proof of availability. This is crucial for assessing the relay availability of Edge nodes within the network. Operating as ordinary messaging clients, WatchDog nodes randomly select Edge nodes to relay challenge messages and earn rewards based on their challenge activities.
What are the SendingNetwork Nodes?
Our WatchDog Nodes enable participants to play a crucial role in our ecosystem by ensuring the relay of network messages, and securing rewards for their efforts in sharing bandwidth and storage. A Watchdog sends challenge messages to Edge nodes across the SendingNetwork, tracking availability. Working with the Guardians, it ensures these nodes function efficiently within the network.
The Edge Nodes are like the messengers in the network. They take messages from one place to another and make sure they get there safely. They also store messages temporarily for people who are offline. Edge Nodes get rewarded for their work, similar to how Bitcoin miners get rewarded.
The Guardian Nodes are like supervisors of the network. They check the work of both Edge and WatchDog Nodes. They also help in processing transactions and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Why Run a Node on SendingNetwork?
By running a SendingNetwork node, you’re not just a participant; you’re a trailblazer in the decentralized communication revolution. This is your chance to contribute to a more open and efficient digital world, powered by SendingNetwork. SendingNetwork represents a decentralized and trustworthy internet, and our node runners are what empower the decentralized routers, routing everything and monitoring everything.
All participants who successfully set up at least one node in our previous testnet have been duly rewarded. Thank you once again for being an integral part of our testnet. We look forward to seeing you in Testnet Alpha-2! If you face any issues, our team is available around the clock in our Discord channel.
The SendingNetwork Point System
We introduced the SendingNetwork Point system during our successful Alpha-1 testnet, and it was crafted to reward community members for their bandwidth contributions and for upholding the integrity of our decentralized communication infrastructure.
We are pleased to announce Alpha-2 Testnet will also enable participants to play a crucial role in our ecosystem by ensuring the validation of network messages, and securing rewards for their efforts in sharing bandwidth and storage. The SendingNetwork Point system is now known as SendingNetwork Experience Points (SXP) and it serves the same purpose with the additional benefit of more clarity and simplicity on how points are distributed as shown below.
Essential Information for Testnet Alpha-2 Mining
Node types:
- Relay Node
- WatchDog Node
Node Numbers:
- Relay Node: 1000
- WatchDog Node: 1000
Total Points Available
- 500,000 SXP
Points Distribution:
- Edge Node: 100 SXP for relaying 1GB Messages
- WatchDog Node: 4 SXP for every 1,000 checks of Edge nodes
Mining Duration
- June 3rd — July 31st 9AM UTC
Miner Eligibility:
- Edge Node Raffle: May 24th — May 30th 2PM UTC
- Raffle link:
https://www.intract.io/quest/6650a4db23c5525437fa01e6 - WatchDog Node Raffle: May 24th — May 30th 2PM UTC
- Raffle link:
https://www.intract.io/quest/6650a68623c5525437fa22b5
Node Runner announcement:
- May 31st 2PM UTC
Eligibility Note
- Edge node runners from the Testnet Alpha-1 will be eligible for the Edge Node Running in the Alpha-2.
How to Deploy a Node?
WatchDog Node Recommended Systems Requirements
The hardware requirements for optimal performance running a WatchDog Node include a CPU with ARM or x86–64 architecture (minimum dual-core, quad-core or higher recommended), at least 8GB of RAM, and a minimum of 100GB free storage space, preferably an SSD. The software requirements specify an operating system of Windows 10, MacOS 12.0, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS) or above. Additionally, a reliable, always-on 100 Mbps internet connection with a minimum monthly data plan of 100 GB is necessary.
Full Tutorial here.
Edge Node Recommended System Requirements
The hardware requirements for Edge Nodes, include an x86–64 CPU (AMD or Intel), with a minimum of a dual-core processor, though a quad-core or higher is recommended for optimal performance. At least 8GB of RAM is needed, along with a minimum of 100GB of free storage space, preferably an SSD for faster data access and better performance. The software requirements specify a stable version of Linux, with Ubuntu 20.04 LTS recommended. Additionally, a static public IP address is necessary to facilitate incoming connections, along with an always-on 100 Mbps internet connection and a minimum monthly data plan of 100 GB.
Full Tutorial here. For firewall configuration across various VPS providers, see VPS setup guide.
About SendingNetwork
SendingNetwork is a decentralized communication network. Alongside decentralized computing and decentralized storage, decentralized communication network collaboratively constructs a decentralized and trustworthy internet application ecosystem.
Through ubiquitous Edge network nodes, SendingNetwork connects communication endpoints based on wallet addresses, thereby enabling secure, trustworthy, and free exchange of information and value between internet users and applications, forming the world’s largest network cluster for value information transmission and bandwidth sharing.
As a classic example of DePIN, SendingNetwork leveraging token incentive mechanisms and specialized Edge miner equipment to fully exploit idle bandwidth in the network, bringing edge miners into data centers and households, creating a completely decentralized, trustworthy network for information transmission and bandwidth sharing.
