Othentic Labs’ Post

What Is Ontorand Consensus Engine (Ontology)? Ontorand Consensus Engine is VBFT (Verifiable Byzantine Fault Tolerance) consensus mechanism on the Ontology blockchain. VBFT is a combination of proof of stake, verifiable random function, and byzantine fault tolerance. Conventional blockchain requires each node in the network to have a complete copy of the blockchain, thus making it hard for the nodes to scale. By combining proof of stake, VRF, and BFT, the Ontology Consensus Engine (OCE) creates a blockchain that can theoretically allow near-infinite scalability, excellent security and speed. Ontology blockchain is a public blockchain project and distributed trust collaboration platform. It makes decentralized trust systems available to everyone, connecting different blockchains, improving the efficiency of business applications, and providing mainstream users with the ability to use public blockchains without having to know about their technical implementations. As the Ontorand Consensus Engine operates on VBFT (Verifiable Blockchain Fault Tolerance) technology, the processing power of consensus is doubled to mitigate faults. It uses the proof-of-work algorithm and ensures nodes verify transactions on the VBFT blockchain by making them perform computations on it. The VRF is part of an innovative cryptographic scheme that uses pairings to create a new, equally secure but much simpler function. It is more powerful than traditional two-party protocols such as those that rely on Diffie-Hellman (DH) or Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH), and in many cases, it provides the same level of security with fewer steps. Byzantine fault tolerance is a fault-tolerant consensus protocol. The algorithm ensures that if an arbitrary number of processes fail, the system still works. This is critical for distributed systems, where we cannot rely on a central server to dictate and validate the execution of a networked application. The term byzantine fault tolerance is used to describe fault-tolerance in computer systems in which failures may be caused by Byzantine faults (i.e., arbitrary faults that are not due to faulty hardware alone, such as software crashes). This is in contrast to the use of more typical terms like "fault tolerance", which implies that only failed hardware is held to be a source of potentially erroneous behavior. What differentiates VBFT from other consensus algorithms is its tight integration with the governance model of the Ontology blockchain. It’s adapted to operate on the defined parameters of Ontology without affecting the randomness and fairness of the consensus process. With the help of VBFT, public blockchains can improve both performance and scalability. It consequently allows dApp developers to bring out their creativity the best way – the blockchain ecosystem relies on dApp developers hugely. VBFT has a long way to go and it’ll only improve with time. . . . . . . follow for more. 💰🚀 #Bitcoin #Binance #bnb

“What the F*** is DePIN?” 🤔 As highlighted in the insightful "DePIN and the platform economy" report by Outlier Ventures, DePIN promises to revolutionize how essential services - from internet computing to ride-hailing - are delivered. But first: WTF is DePIN? Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks dismantles the traditional, centralized approach to managing infrastructure, leveraging blockchain for a decentralized environment. It’s important to mention that this shift is not merely technical -> it's foundational, with the potential to redefine industry norms across telecommunications, technology utilities, data management and more. DePIN is a game-changer particularly to business models that have been bogged down by high costs and inefficiencies inherent in centralized coordination. Several factors are propelling DePIN forward, and here are some of them: Cost efficiency: The drastic reduction in compute and hardware costs makes smaller node operations economically feasible. Improved usability: AI-enhanced interfaces are simplifying the management of DePINs and tokens, broadening consumer accessibility. Enhanced privacy and security: In an era where data privacy concerns are escalating, DePIN offers a secure alternative. Data Generation: The surge in data generation across network nodes, fueled by AI and open-source movements, is creating new opportunities for decentralized models. This is a topic which I’m sure we’ll be seeing more often as its applications start to get traction (I’m preparing a longer-format dive on it). In that sense, here’s a quote from the report (and I agree 100% with it): “DePIN will be a big narrative in the upcoming bull market and is set to become the key driver behind mainstream adoption of Web3 technology. Distributed ledgers, smart contracts and utility tokens are building blocks that allow for a decentralized yet coordinated approach to provide critical infrastructure”. What about you? Are you following any interesting developments around DePIN? Please share your findings here. Let’s see what’s cooking. LFGrow 🚀🌕 #DePIN #blockhain

🧩 The Ouroboros of ZK: Why Verifying the Verifier Unlocks Longer-Term ZK Innovation - My Key Takeaways from the Paper 🔑 What? The authors of the article (researchers from Matter Labs) proposed an approach to formally verify the zkSync Era verifier - the Verifier.sol smart contract deployed on the Ethereum blockchain. The zkSync Era verifier is almost entirely implemented using the YUL assembly language. The authors extracted the verifier code from Verifier.sol into the EasyCrypt theorem proving environment while preserving the semantics and low-level code structure. 🔍 Why? Verifying the verifier in the context of zero-knowledge proofs is crucial for ensuring the long-term integrity of the ZK ecosystem. This is necessary for both ZK rollups and other industrial ZK applications. In addition to further minimizing the required trust and reducing the trusted computing base (TCB), having a verified verifier opens the door for decentralized proof generation by potentially untrusted parties. 🤖 How? The authors utilized a custom-built YUL2EasyCrypt translator, which allows for automatic conversion of YUL code into EasyCrypt modules. They then used EasyCrypt abstractions to define the mathematical specification of the verification function. Using program logic (e.g., Hoare logic and probabilistic relational Hoare logic), they proved the equivalence between the low-level and high-level implementations of the verification function. Relying on mathematical abstractions, they derived security for the high-level implementation of the verifier. Using the derived equivalence between the high-level and low-level verifiers, they established security for the low-level (YUL) implementation of the verifier. 🏆 Results The authors demonstrated an approach to formally verify the low-level code of the zkSync Era verifier implemented in YUL. They automatically translated the YUL code into EasyCrypt modules, created a high-level specification of the verifier, proved the equivalence between the low-level and high-level implementations, and established security properties for the low-level implementation of the verifier. This approach provides strong mathematical security guarantees for zero-knowledge verifiers. Paper: https://lnkd.in/dEJ4Vkiv

📃Scientific paper: Moving towards open radio access networks with blockchain technologies Abstract: The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) introduces openness and intelligence into the existing, tightly-coupled RAN ecosystem. Openness promotes collaboration among various vendors to provide diverse components (hardware, software, or both) for the RAN ecosystem, while intelligence handles complex network activities using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although O-RAN design addresses many issues in traditional RANs, such as vendor lock-in, lack of flexibility, and limited innovation, it raises several management and security concerns related to collaboration, access management, privacy, trust, and availability. Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) offer a viable method of establishing trust among entities, managing resources efficiently, and automating complex network tasks. Several DLT properties, such as distributed architecture, high automation through smart contracts, immutability, and transparency, could position DLT-based ideas as game changers in a multi-vendor O-RAN ecosystem. Furthermore, this technology has the potential to introduce new business models and establish secure and trusted micro-payments among vendors and network participants. In this paper, we first present a taxonomy for discussing existing O-RAN challenges. Based on the taxonomy, we then examine the possibility of incorporating DLT-based solutions in O-RAN architecture to address these challenges. Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/NVk ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.

You've definitely heard of DePIN but why is decentralized infrastructure all the rage? It could be the key to unlocking the compute power needed for the AI revolution, for one. Read all about it in this week's edition of SO WHAT? A Web3 Digest for Executives.

As we continue to evolve as a company, one thing that has become abundantly clear is that the space will continue to move towards an appchain and modular chain paradigm creating a more fragmented experience for developers and users alike. Similar to how HashiCorp Terraform bridged the gap in complex multi-cloud deployments, the blockchain space needs an orchestration layer that will help projects and their respective users navigate an insurmountable number of chain combinations (with different consensus mechanisms, rpcs, cross chain messaging protocols, etc). We're excited to be key player that is ushering a new era in blockchain wherein projects of all shapes and sizes will be able to seamlessly add and manage new chain support or infrastructure using a multi-agent AI framework similar to that of Cognition. This expansion of our original product shape not only helps our existing products scale, but supercharges existing customers and technology partners like Caldera (a rollup deployment provider) who help projects deploy chains out-of-the-box with integrations already built-in (faucets, block explorers, etc.). To help us reach our full potential as the our problem space expands into blockchain integrations at scale using AI, we've been working on assemble the right team and advisory board. That said, I'm excited to announce that Logan Kilpatrick has officially joined our advisory board. He brings a breadth of knowledge having been the head of developer relations most recently at OpenAI. Logan is one of the best at enabling thousands of developers building on top of AI, so we're excited to have him onboard.

🚨Alpha alert! It is time to dive into the world of chain abstraction and chain signatures on NEAR Protocol🚀 Join us as we explore why are these innovations important and how is NEAR positioned in this narrative👇 https://lnkd.in/dVTYPkXq 🌐Understanding the Fragmentation Challenge The current narrative in Web3 revolves around modularity, leading to fragmentation across liquidity, apps, and users. 💡The Concept of Chain Abstraction Imagine a world where users unlock rewards without the need for blockchain expertise. Chain abstraction makes this possible by simplifying interactions with various blockchains. 🛠️Addressing Limitations in the Current State Current blockchain technology faces challenges similar to a Gmail user unable to send messages to an Outlook address. 🌟The Role of Chain Abstraction Chain abstraction aims to mitigate fragmentation, leveraging innovations like Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology for cross-settlement and mesh security. 🔑Key Components of Chain Abstraction Unified security requires addressing foundational elements like data availability and decentralized sequencers. 🚀NEAR's Pursuit of Chain Abstraction Since 2018, NEAR Protocol has been driving chain abstraction efforts, focusing on usability, flexibility, and scalability. Discover the NEAR stack's evolution and its impact on Web3. Read more👇 https://lnkd.in/dVTYPkXq 🔄Introducing Chain Signatures Chain signatures enable NEAR accounts to interact with multiple blockchains seamlessly. Explore the possibilities of cross-chain transactions and the role of NEAR's innovative technology. 🌐Real World Applications  Discover how chain abstraction and chain signatures are revolutionizing real-world applications within the NEAR ecosystem. From DeFi to NFTs, explore the possibilities. 🔗https://lnkd.in/dVTYPkXq #Web3 #NEARProtocol #ChainAbstraction #innovation

https://lnkd.in/d5-cMqVa Polkadot has proposed a $1.5 million Super AI Center, submitted by Hash Forest LLC, to merge artificial intelligence and blockchain by providing AI developers access to cutting-edge technology, including expensive Nvidia H100 GPUs. The project aims to democratize AI development by offering tiered pricing for access, with free access for Polkadot community members and subsidized rates for startups. The initiative seeks to decentralize AI development and shift control from tech giants. While it has sparked excitement and skepticism on social media, concerns remain about its true decentralization and potential impact on Polkadot's treasury and token holders.

🚄 Equilibrium Labs Infra Bulletin #22 covers state growth as the final boss of blockchain scaling, cryptoeconomic vs ZK coprocessors, and the anti-superchain thesis. Let's dive in! 🤿 ⚔️ State growth refers to the ever-increasing accumulation of data that must be stored and managed by nodes in a blockchain network. It affects both the performance and decentralization of the network. A lot of focus has been placed on the other two main bottlenecks of blockchain scaling - execution and data (storage and availability) - but state growth gets less attention. While it's often seen as a future problem that's not yet at a critical stage, solutions are being worked on (such as stateless clients and state rent). Fuel leverages the UTXO model, which gives some benefits like localized state trees, native assets and no approval state, along with other tricks to minimize the storage burden. 💰Coprocessors enable verifiable off-chain computation on on-chain data, either through cryptoeconomics or cryptography (ZKPs). While they aren't exactly the same (ZK is better for data-heavy computation whereas cryptoeconomic is more suitable for price-sensitive tasks), they are partially substitutable. Even though the cost and speed of ZK-proving are improving rapidly, re-execution may be still cheaper in the long term if the number of nodes is low enough - especially for more general-purpose compute. These may cater for different purposes where ZK serves data-heavy use cases and those that require stronger guarantees (cryptographic > cryptoeconomic), whereas cryptoeconomic coprocessors are used for computation that’s more price-sensitive and not as data-heavy. 🚫The anti-superchain thesis by Cooper Kunz is an interesting thought experiment that challenges the current consensus path that a lot of L2s are pursuing. A superchain is a network of chains that share a common governance and tech stack. Cooper's argument relies on the assumption that there will be a relatively low number of chains that consume most of the relevant resources, which will want to differentiate and be more sovereign. In other words - any chain that becomes successful enough will eventually outgrow the superchain. This would mean that superchains end up serving the long tail of L2s, which are less valuable from an economic standpoint. While it rests on many assumptions, it’s always valuable to consider alternative views - especially if they are counter-consensus. Our team's personal recommendations include: 📚 Privacy and Freedom - Alan F. Westin 🎧 Shifting Sands Session - Avishai Cohen Trio 💡 World's Fastest Camera Drone Vs F1 Car (ft. Max Verstappen) Link in comments - thanks for reading!

Navigate Web3's Future with 0G: Key Concepts and Innovations 0G is a highly scalable data availability and storage solution essential for Web3's advancement. Existing solutions face performance limitations and lack large-scale data storage, crucial as the industry shifts towards modularity. Many of these concepts are cutting-edge and can be challenging to navigate. This article explores key technologies shaping this evolution, including: Data Availability: Ensures blockchain data is accessible for users and applications. Current DAL solutions are costly and lack the throughput needed for many use cases. 0G aims to provide a scalable DAL supporting on-chain AI and large-scale dApps. On-Chain AI / Crypto AI: Integrates AI with blockchain, enhancing smart contracts with adaptive capabilities. Transparency in AI model training and data handling is a challenge. 0G offers a scalable DAL, crucial for AI’s data-intensive demands, making it significantly cheaper than existing solutions. Restaking: Allows Ethereum validators to provide staked ETH as security for new projects, pioneered by EigenLayer. This increases staking rewards and security for new projects. Modularity in Web3: Shifts from monolithic to modular blockchains, specializing in specific tasks. 0G supports modular networks, offering greater flexibility, lower costs, and broader accessibility. Decentralized Identity (DID): Empowers users to control their data without centralized entities, representing subjects globally. Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs): Cryptographic technique enhancing privacy and scalability, with calculations handled off-chain and ZKPs authenticating them. Tokenomics: Encompasses the economics of tokens, focusing on sustainable, growth-oriented Web3 projects. 0G's token model and incentives are being developed with input from industry leaders. Understanding these concepts places you at the forefront of blockchain technology, illustrating the critical need for solutions like 0G. Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates.