Qubic mining distinguishes itself from traditional blockchain mining by utilizing a unique approach centered on quorum-based computation, rather than the conventional method of solving hash puzzles. The term “Qubic” is derived from the acronym “QBC,” which stands for “Quorum-Based Computation.” This system prioritizes network integrity and incentivizes performance through its innovative quorum structure, which includes components such as Computors and an Arbitrator.
Unlike traditional Proof-of-Work (PoW) systems, the Qubic ecosystem integrates AI training tasks into its consensus mechanism, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in blockchain mining. In this model, validators — referred to as Computors — are supported by miners, often called “AI miners.” These entities convert the computational energy expended during mining into valuable and beneficial outcomes.
There are four key components that define how Qubic AI mining operates:
1. Quorum
2. Computor
3. Arbitrator
4. AI Miner
Let’s explore the roles of these crucial elements within the Qubic ecosystem.
1. The Quorum and Tick Creation
In the Qubic ecosystem, the concept of a “quorum” is pivotal to the network’s operation, functioning through a system of “ticks.” These ticks represent the network’s state at any given moment, managed by a group of 676 validators known as “computors” or “validators.” This group forms the quorum, which is central to Qubic’s decision-making process.
During each tick cycle, a designated tick leader is responsible for proposing a new tick by broadcasting it to the entire network. The computors then participate in a voting process, casting cryptographically signed votes that include hashes representing the complete state of the Qubic network. For a tick to be accepted and implemented, a majority — 451 out of the 676 computors — must agree on the proposed tick. If the tick leader fails to propose a tick, an empty tick, which contains all zeroes, is generated, and the quorum must vote on this placeholder.
2. Computors and the Role of Mining
Computors play a central role, far beyond the traditional concept of mining found in other blockchain systems. Rather than simply generating new blocks, Computors are specialized nodes responsible for executing a wide range of tasks, from running smart contracts to facilitating complex transactions. Their role is intricately tied to the system’s AIgarth training, a process critical to the operation and advancement of Qubic.
Key Features and Roles of Computors:
- Decentralized Governance and Decision-Making: Computors are integral to the decentralized governance of Qubic network. They participate in quorum, casting votes on network proposals and helping to create “ticks,” which represent the state of the network at any given moment. To ensure that the network remains decentralized, with no single entity wielding excessive control.
- Performance-Based Rewards: The role of a Computor is highly competitive and performance-driven. In each epoch, up to 1 trillion Qubic Units (QUs) are distributed among Computors based on their performance in executing tasks and contributing to the network’s stability. This reward system incentivizes Computors to maintain high performance levels, as only the 676 top-performing Computors are eligible for these rewards, making their positions highly coveted.
- Tokenomic Equilibrium: Computors also play a crucial role in maintaining the tokenomic balance of the Qubic network. By efficiently executing tasks and participating in the decision-making process, they ensure that the network’s resources are allocated optimally. This balance is key to the network’s sustainability and long-term growth.
- Fixed Upper Limit for Efficiency: To ensure the network operates efficiently and decisions are streamlined, the number of active Computors is capped at 676. Of these, the top 451 are selected based on their performance, as determined by a weekly score ranking. The remaining 225 positions are filled by lower-ranking Computors and new candidates, ensuring a dynamic and competitive environment where only the most capable Computors retain their status.
3. The Arbitrator In Qubic
The Arbitrator is a crucial entity within the Qubic ecosystem, responsible for maintaining the network’s integrity and safeguarding user interests. Although its powers are limited, the Arbitrator plays a vital role in overseeing the behavior of Computors and ensuring that they operate in line with the network’s rules.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Dispute Resolution and User Protection:
The Arbitrator is tasked with resolving disputes within the network, acting as a safeguard to protect user interests. This function is essential in maintaining trust and stability within the Qubic ecosystem, ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreed-upon protocols.
2. Setting Mining Parameters:
The Arbitrator has the authority to set the parameters of the mining algorithm, which directly influences how Computors operate and compete within the network. By adjusting these parameters, the Arbitrator can fine-tune the balance between competition and efficiency among Computors, helping to maintain the network’s overall health.
3. Publishing Computor Lists:
At the start of each new epoch, the Arbitrator publishes a list of Computors eligible to participate in the network. Although this information is also accessible to those running full nodes, the Arbitrator’s publication serves as an official record, ensuring transparency and clarity in the network’s operations.
4. Handling Underperforming Computors:
The Arbitrator accumulates Qubic Units (QUs) not earned by underperforming Computors, reinforcing the performance-driven nature of the Qubic ecosystem. Additionally, the Arbitrator is developing the capacity to replace faulty or non-compliant Computors, ensuring that the network remains robust and functional.
It is worth noting that each node operator in the Qubic network can individually select their Arbitrator by setting the corresponding ID in the Qubic.cpp file. Despite its significant role, the entity controlling the current Arbitrator remains unknown, though there is speculation that it may be operated by the development team.
4. Mining as AI Training
One of the most intriguing aspects of Qubic mining is its role in AI training. AI-Miners in the Qubic network are the hundred thousand miners of participants who play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing the immense computational power to creating billions artificial neural networks (ANNs) necessary for AIgarth training, which is what makes qubic a useful proof work protocol.
Unlike traditional blockchain miners, who focus on validating transactions or creating new blocks, AI-Miners are tasked with generating billions of artificial neural networks. These neural networks are crucial for the development and refinement of AI models within the Qubic system, making AI-Miners essential to the network’s AI-driven initiatives.
Their efforts are closely tied to the Computors in the network, who manage tasks and maintain the system’s decentralized operations. Together, AI-Miners and Computors form a powerful synergy that drives the Qubic network forward, particularly in advancing its AI capabilities through the ongoing AIgarth training process.
