DATUM Gateway v0.2-beta Released
OCEAN has open-sourced DATUM (Decentralized Alternative Templates for Universal Mining) Gateway source code, Linux binaries, and a package for StartOS node runners.
- The DATUM Gateway facilitates solo mining by efficiently creating decentralized block templates on the client side. It connects to a local Bitcoin node to obtain block templates, distributes mining tasks to hardware, and directly submits completed blocks to the network.
- For miners seeking to pool rewards, it also enables communication with a DATUM-supporting pool.
- The DATUM Gateway currently supports communication with mining hardware using the Stratum v1 protocol with version rolling extensions (also known as "ASICBoost"). It communicates with the Bitcoin node via RPC, which must support GBT ("getblocktemplate"). Communication with the pool is conducted through the DATUM protocol.
- The DATUM protocol facilitates communication with the mining pool. It is an encrypted communication link between the DATUM Gateway (client) and DATUM Prime (pool side).
"The protocol itself was made from the ground up as a custom protocol. Its specification is evolving, subject to change, and will be published elsewhere," was stated in the release notes.
- Currently, the pool performs block validation after coordinating with the miner to prevent the creation of invalid blocks during DATUM's testing phase. In future versions, the pool won't handle this task and will have limited visibility into the miner's block template.
- DATUM protocol isn't exclusive to pooled rewards, as the Gateway manages the generation transaction with the pool. For greater decentralization, the pool should directly reward miners from generated payouts, similar to OCEAN's TIDES reward system.
NOTE: This is currently a public BETA release. Users may still encounter issues.
"This software is likely to undergo rapid development and revisions up until a v1.0 stable release. Some of these revisions may include changes, such as protocol changes, that require upgrading to the latest version with short or even no notice in order to continue using the software with a DATUM pool. Be sure to watch for important updates," said the developers.
- Using Bitcoin Knots with DATUM is highly recommended for fine control over block templates. Other GBT-supporting nodes, like Bitcoin Core, can be used but lack template control.
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