2.1. Network Design Principles (Decentralization, Security, Scalability, Interoperability)
To realize an expert-centric data economy in the Web3 era, the PRODAO Mainnet is built on the following core design principles. These guarantee the stability and efficiency of the network, provide users with an optimal experience, and form a solid foundation for long-term ecosystem growth.
2.1.1. Decentralization
Importance
Decentralization is a core value of blockchain that removes single points of failure, secures censorship resistance, and guarantees the transparency and fairness of the network. Centralized systems can be controlled by specific entities, which can cause various problems such as data manipulation, service outages, and opaque operations. To resolve these problems and guarantee experts' data sovereignty, PRODAO pursues strong decentralization.
PRODAO's Implementation Approach
The PRODAO Mainnet decentralizes the selection of Signer nodes (block-generating and signing nodes) through the PoC (Proof of Contribution) consensus algorithm, and diverse general nodes (Full Nodes and Light Nodes) participate in the network to distribute transaction verification and data storage. In addition, by building the governance model in the form of a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), it is designed so that the token-holder community—rather than any specific entity—leads the network's key decisions. By ensuring that the network's operation and development are based on the consensus of the entire community, PRODAO realizes true decentralization.
2.1.2. Security
Importance
Security is the most fundamental element of any blockchain network. If a network is vulnerable to hacking or malicious attacks, fatal problems can occur, such as loss of user assets, tampering with data, and service outages. In the PRODAO ecosystem in particular, where experts' sensitive data and valuable assets move about, the highest level of security is essential.
PRODAO's Implementation Approach
The PRODAO Mainnet applies multi-layered security mechanisms. First, it protects all transactions and data transmissions through strong encryption technology. Second, by introducing slashing and penalty systems within the PoC consensus algorithm, it prevents malicious node behavior and induces honest participation in the network. Third, through the DID (Decentralized Identifier) system, it strengthens the security and privacy of user identities and finely controls data-access rights. Fourth, it mandates security audits when developing smart contracts and prevents potential security risks in advance through continuous vulnerability analysis and updates. Finally, through a decentralized node structure, it removes single points of failure and increases the overall stability of the network.
2.1.3. Scalability
Importance
Scalability is the ability of a blockchain network to efficiently process large numbers of users and transactions. Facing the “blockchain trilemma” (the problem that it is difficult to simultaneously satisfy two of the three properties of decentralization, security, and scalability), existing blockchain networks often experience high transaction fees and slow processing speeds due to insufficient scalability. As an expert platform where a vast amount of data creation and interaction is expected, securing high scalability is very important for PRODAO's smooth service operation and user experience.
PRODAO's Implementation Approach
To achieve high scalability, the PRODAO Mainnet considers the following technical approaches. First, it considers introducing sharding technology, dividing the network into multiple independent shards to process transactions in parallel, thereby increasing the throughput of the entire network. Second, it applies efficient data-compression and storage technology to optimize block size, and uses off-chain data-storage mechanisms to reduce the burden on the blockchain. Third, through an optimized consensus algorithm (PoC) and the gRPC network protocol, it enables efficient communication between nodes and fast block finalization. Fourth, PRODAO leaves open the possibility of integration with L2 solutions (e.g., Rollups) and is flexibly designed so that it can additionally secure the required scalability while reducing the burden on the mainnet.
2.1.4. Interoperability
Importance
Interoperability is the ability to smoothly exchange information and assets, and to interact, among different blockchain networks or external systems. The current blockchain ecosystem is fragmented across various networks, so there are many constraints on the exchange of information and the movement of assets between networks. PRODAO considers it important to secure a high level of interoperability in order to expand its expert ecosystem and create synergy with diverse external services. This maximizes the utility of the PRODAO Mainnet and contributes to raising PRODAO's value within the broader Web3 ecosystem.
PRODAO's Implementation Approach
The PRODAO Mainnet considers various interoperability solutions. First, it develops or integrates cross-chain bridge technology to support the smooth movement of PROD tokens and other digital assets with other major blockchain networks such as Ethereum. Second, to interconnect with external data, it uses Oracle solutions so that real-world data outside the blockchain can be securely brought into the PRODAO Mainnet. Third, it builds a DID system that supports international standards and user convenience, designing PRODAO DID to be compatible with other DID-based services. Finally, by providing open APIs and SDKs, it supports external developers in easily integrating with the PRODAO Mainnet and building new DApps, which ultimately accelerates the expansion of the PRODAO ecosystem.
2.2. Node Structure and Roles (Signer Nodes, General Nodes, etc.)
For stable and efficient network operation, the PRODAO Mainnet has a structure in which various kinds of nodes interact organically. Each node is responsible for a specific function of the network and contributes to the healthy operation of the entire ecosystem.
2.2.1. Signer Nodes (Block-Generating and Signing Nodes)
Signer nodes play the most important role in the PoC (Proof of Contribution) consensus algorithm of the PRODAO Mainnet. They verify transactions, generate new blocks, and hold the authority to add blocks to the blockchain. Signer nodes are composed of experts with a high Contribution Score in the PRODAO ecosystem or of entities trusted by the community; and through additional technical implementation, Non-Signer Full Nodes are being configured to secure network maintenance and scalability.
Key Roles
- Actual block generation as a dynamic Signer on a Gravity basis within a Full Node.
- In the PoC consensus structure, nodes selected on a Gravity Top-N user delegate basis perform the Signer role.
- Block generation through an IBFT / Clique-based consensus engine.
- Transaction verification and aggregation: Verifies the validity of all transactions submitted to the network and gathers them to compose a single block.
- Block generation: Proposes and generates a new block composed of valid transactions.
- Block signing and consensus participation: Signs the generated block and participates, together with other Signer nodes, in the consensus process regarding the block's validity.
- Network maintenance: Maintains the health of the network and responds to requests from other nodes through data synchronization.
Selection and Participation
Signer nodes are selected based on PROD token staking and the Contribution Score within the PRODAO ecosystem. A high contribution score and sufficient staking grant eligibility to participate as a Signer node, which strengthens the security and stability of the network. Through a transparent selection process, the system is designed so that anyone can raise their contribution and aspire to become a Signer node.
Responsibilities and Rewards
Signer nodes receive PROD tokens as a reward for block generation, which serves as an incentive for network maintenance. However, if malicious behavior or actions harmful to the network (e.g., double-signing, malfunction) are detected, they are subject to powerful penalties in which their staked PROD tokens are slashed or their contribution score is reduced. This is an essential element for inducing responsible behavior by Signer nodes and maintaining the integrity of the network.
2.2.2. General Nodes (Full Node & Light Node)
In addition to Signer nodes, the PRODAO Mainnet supports general nodes that increase the decentralization and data availability of the network. General nodes are divided into Full Nodes and Light Nodes according to the way they participate in the network and the amount of data they store.
Full Node
A Full Node is a node that fully downloads and stores all block data and transaction records of the PRODAO blockchain from beginning to end and verifies them independently. It is the most important node type, fully preserving the history of the PRODAO Mainnet blockchain and verifying all of the network's rules (consensus algorithm, transaction validity, etc.) by itself, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of the network.
- Complete data storage and verification: Holds all data from the genesis block of the PRODAO Mainnet to the present, and independently verifies each new block and transaction as it is added to confirm its validity.
- Contribution: Plays a key role in strengthening the security and decentralization of the network. It provides trustworthy information when other nodes or wallets request data, and participates in transaction propagation and verification.
- Advantages: Provides the highest level of security and independence, and allows verification of the true state of the network.
- Signer node candidate: PRODAO's Signer nodes (validator nodes) must fundamentally function as Full Nodes.
Light Node Proxy Layer
A Light Node is a node that, rather than storing all of the PRODAO blockchain's data, downloads and verifies only block headers and the minimum necessary transaction information. Because it consumes far less storage space and computing resources than a Full Node, it can be used as a local-node client and as an intermediate node. Light Nodes are designed to run interconnected with mobile devices and DApps/users.
- Efficient verification: Because it does not download the full block data, its synchronization and verification speeds are fast. Using block headers and Merkle trees, it can efficiently verify whether a specific transaction is included in a block (SPV: Simplified Payment Verification).
- Resource efficiency: It can participate in the network with only a small amount of storage space and bandwidth, giving it high accessibility.
- Client application support: It is used mainly by client applications that require fast, lightweight blockchain interaction, such as mobile wallets and web-based DApps.
2.2.3. Inter-Node Interaction and Ecosystem Contribution
On the PRODAO Mainnet, all node types communicate with one another through the gRPC network protocol and share information and transactions. Signer nodes generate and sign blocks, Full Nodes verify and propagate them, and Light Nodes receive and use necessary data from Full Nodes to support application functions. This organic interaction among diverse nodes is an essential element for maintaining the decentralization, security, scalability, and stability of the PRODAO Mainnet. Each node contributes to the growth and development of the PRODAO ecosystem according to its role.
2.3. Data Storage and Management Mechanisms
To store and manage expert data efficiently and securely, the PRODAO Mainnet uses a mixture of on-chain and off-chain data-storage methods. This is a design that leverages the inherent characteristics of blockchain (immutability, transparency) while simultaneously considering the efficiency of large-scale data processing and user privacy.
2.3.1. On-Chain Data Storage (Blockchain-Based Storage)
On-chain data storage refers to data recorded directly on the blockchain. On the PRODAO Mainnet, the following core information is mainly stored on-chain.
Characteristics
- Immutability and transparency: Once data is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be changed or deleted, and all network participants can verify it transparently.
- Security and trust: Through encryption technology and distributed-ledger technology, the integrity and reliability of data are strongly guaranteed.
- Storage of core metadata: On the PRODAO Mainnet, data that is essential to the core operation of the network and that requires transparency—such as the public information of DIDs (Decentralized Identifiers), PROD token transaction records, smart contract states, and the hash values of off-chain data—is stored on-chain.
Security
Because on-chain data is verified by network consensus and recorded in blocks, tampering is virtually impossible, providing strong security. This is especially suitable for data that requires high security, such as PROD token ownership or the basic information of a DID.
2.3.2. Off-Chain Data Storage and Management (Distributed Off-Chain Storage)
Storing all of the large-volume, unstructured data that experts generate (e.g., professional documents, images, videos, complex code, etc.) on-chain has technical and cost limitations. Therefore, PRODAO manages such data using an efficient off-chain distributed storage system.
Efficiency and Scalability
Off-chain storage reduces the storage cost of large-scale data, provides fast access speeds, and reduces the block-size burden on the mainnet, thereby increasing the scalability of the network. By considering distributed file systems such as IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and storing data distributed across multiple nodes, it removes single points of failure and improves data availability.
Data Sovereignty and Privacy Protection
Data stored off-chain is interlinked with the DID system so that individual experts have full control over their own data. Through data encryption, access control, and the like, the entities that can view or use the data can be explicitly controlled. For example, only the hash value of the data is recorded on-chain to prove the data's integrity, while the actual data is designed to be accessible only with the expert's consent.
2.3.3. Ensuring Data Integrity and Availability
By combining the advantages of on-chain and off-chain data storage, the PRODAO Mainnet secures both the integrity and availability of data.
- Integrity: By recording the hash value of off-chain data on-chain, it is possible to verify on a blockchain basis that the actual data has not been tampered with. If the hash values do not match, the data can be judged to have been altered.
- Availability: Because distributed storage systems such as IPFS store data distributed across multiple nodes, even if a problem occurs at a particular node, the data can still be accessed through other nodes, guaranteeing high availability.
- Security layer: Through encryption and access-control mechanisms, it strengthens the security of sensitive off-chain data and ensures that only authorized users can access it.
2.4. Network Communication and the P2P Protocol
As a decentralized distributed system, the PRODAO Mainnet has all nodes interact directly with one another using a P2P (Peer-to-Peer) communication protocol. The P2P network is a core technology that allows nodes to autonomously exchange data and maintain the network without a central server.
2.4.1. Core Principles of P2P Communication
The P2P protocol operates on the basis of the following key principles.
Node Discovery and Connection
When a new node joins the network, it attempts to connect with existing nodes. This is done through mechanisms such as bootstrap nodes or a DHT (Distributed Hash Table), through which it discovers other nodes in the network and establishes connections.
Message Propagation
Connected nodes propagate various messages to one another, such as transactions, blocks, and network-state information. This is done efficiently through methods such as the Gossip protocol, allowing messages to spread quickly across the entire network.
2.4.2. The Role of the P2P Protocol in the PRODAO Network
On the PRODAO Mainnet, the P2P protocol performs the following core roles.
- Transaction propagation: Transactions submitted by users are quickly propagated through the P2P network to all relevant nodes, including Signer nodes.
- Block synchronization: New blocks generated by Signer nodes are propagated through the P2P network to other Signer nodes and Full Nodes for verification and synchronization. This keeps all nodes at the same, latest blockchain state.
- Data request and response: Light Nodes and wallet applications request and receive data on specific transaction records or blockchain state from Full Nodes through the P2P network.
- Strengthening network robustness and decentralization: By having nodes communicate directly with one another rather than relying on a single central server, the network gains strong resistance to failures at any single point or attempts at censorship. This strengthens the decentralized nature of the PRODAO Mainnet and guarantees stable operation.