About Logos network
This document describes and explains the Logos network in general, it does not serve as a technical description of the network.
Introduction
The main focus of LogosLabs and the Logos project is to provide a decentralized, community-driven physical infrastructure, based on blockchain technology, primarily supporting Web3's layer-0 and layer-1 networks, but will also be capable of supporting off-chain computation, known as layer-2 solutions. This infrastructure provided by the Logos network will be defined, secured and executed by a blockchain. This sub0layer (Web3 physical execution layer) is the ultimate outcome of the Logos network. The network consists of four main components that collectively form the Logos network and provide the sub0layer: the DVCI (Distributed Virtual Computing Infrastructure), the Logos Chain, the Network Gatekeeper and the computational distribution regulator W3bI.
The DVCI will act as a virtual data center where the Logos chain will be utilized to ensure secure operations. The DVCI consists of community-provided computational and storage resources, as well as dedicated root servers with predefined environments called Logos Edge Hubs. These Edge Hubs serve as fallbacks and enhance the efficiency of this distributed infrastructure. The Network Gatekeeper will ensure that each physical infrastructure component complies with all security protocols, manages communication between the DVCI and the blockchain, and transfers new instructions/configurations to the underlying blockchain. The W3bI will be the core "service" of the Logos network and ecosystem, providing the sub0layer for layer-0 and layer-1 blockchain infrastructures as a service, as well as the potential for off-chain worker provisioning.
After the release of Network version 1.0, root rights will be fully transferred and managed through a decentralized governance system, a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). From that point onward, neither LogosLabs nor any other entity will have privileged access. The network is designed to function autonomously, and combined with the autonomous governance system, it will be possible to fully hand over control to the community. Governance and regulations will be managed through the Logos Network Philosophy (the network's governance system), ensuring a decentralized and self-sustaining ecosystem.
sub0layer
The new Web3 layer, currently being developed by LogosLabs, aims to create a fundamental computational and storage infrastructure for Web3. Unlike traditional cloud-based systems, where virtual machines are provisioned through centralized providers, this layer will rely on the community to contribute resources. Individuals will offer their private devices to support the network.
The 21st century is the age of technological progress and the age of massive resource consumption. Globally, we have enough of efficient computing resources that often remain idle, wasting valuable potential during standby periods. The goal of this approach is on the one hand, to tap into these unused resources and on the other hand, to harness them to build a decentralized physical execution environment (sub0layer) for the next generation of the internet.
Many people own at least one PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. A significant number of tech enthusiasts also own servers, yet only a small portion of their available resources is typically used. While the capacity of smartphones and tablets for contributing computing resources is currently limited due to hardware constraints, today's PCs, laptops and private servers are generally equipped with efficient and durable hardware capable of handling substantial workloads.
Significant progress has been made in blockchain infrastructure at both the L0 and L1 levels, with new approaches, solutions, and application areas emerging. The blockchain infrastructure at these levels is made up of blockchain nodes, which, in simple terms, are virtual machines (VMs). For these VMs to operate, they require a robust computational infrastructure. Currently, much of this infrastructure is provided by large data centers and cloud providers, with overpriced rates and a party you don't really want to trust if you don't have to.
The sub0layer is the result of the Logos Network and will be provided and secured by a blockchain network (Logos Chain (substrate base standalone L1)). The deployment and operation of this environment are designed to function autonomously, without the need for intervention from any third party. This environment will be governed by predefined algorithms, which will be implemented through smart contracts on the blockchain, ensuring seamless and decentralized execution.
DVCI - Distributed Virtual Computing Infrastructure
Modern data centers can efficiently provide centralized infrastructures, but the decentralized approach of the Distributed Virtual Cloud Infrastructure (DVCI) introduces unique challenges. Issues such as network latency, virtualization in distributed environments and aggregated computation must be addressed to ensure smooth operation. As DVCI aims to serve as a infrastructure for managing the physical backbone of Web3, optimizing response time becomes critical to maintain productive and efficient resource utilization across the network
A key element of this infrastructure is a low-latency software-defined network (SDN), essential for achieving acceptable response times. The challenge lies in designing an SDN that seamlessly connects participants, allowing their resources to be "pooled" together and utilized as part of a "computational resource-pool" within a virtual computing environment. To ensure efficient resource management, each global region will maintain its own computational network, optimizing performance and minimizing latency across the decentralized infrastructure.
A second challenge to be addressed is "virtualization" and aggregated computation. Simply put, this refers to the capability of using two or more physical CPUs across a given distance as a unified system. This approach introduces several challenges, such as process distribution, process synchronization, memory access, and more. Techniques like virtual symmetric multiprocessing (vSMP), Message Passing Interface (MPI), as well as vNUMA and RDMA, can be employed to tackle these issues. By implementing these approaches, it is possible to find a solution that effectively addresses our challenges.
Each global region will be assigned a minimum of four dedicated root servers running an OpenStack environment, referred to as Logos Edge Hubs. OpenStack, a robust cloud infrastructure solution, provides an extensive set of tools for deploying, scaling, and managing infrastructure environments and other cloud resources. Once suitable computational environments are created and configured within the OpenStack setup, they are grouped into host aggregates. These host aggregates not only utilize their dedicated computational resources but also gain access to distributed resources to run the necessary VMs or containers.
The division of computational resources into geographic (global) regions is designed to ensure efficient networking and resource management on a local scale, much like edge computing. The number of regions will be influenced by the overall global latency of the network infrastructure. As lower response times are required, the number of regions can be increased to optimize performance and meet latency demands.
The Logos network is designed to function as an autonomous system, leveraging a range of existing technologies, approaches and principles. One of these key principles is Infrastructure as Code (IaC), which enables the management and provisioning of IT infrastructure through code, either using declarative or imperative definitions. The fundamental idea behind IaC is to treat infrastructure similarly to application code, allowing for more efficient and consistent resource management.
What makes the Logos network unique in relation to Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is that the code executed by the IaC tools is stored and run directly on the blockchain in the form of smart contracts. This means that the desired infrastructure states or specific instructions for configuring the infrastructure are not managed through traditional centralized systems but are defined and enforced on the blockchain itself.
By embedding these definitions within smart contracts, the network ensures decentralized, secure and tamper-resistant management of its infrastructure. This approach automates the execution of infrastructure provisioning and configuration while maintaining transparency, immutability and trust—key attributes of blockchain technology. In essence, the blockchain becomes the governing layer for managing the infrastructure's state, setting the Logos apart from traditional IaC implementations.
Logos chain, the Smart Contract Logic (SCL), and the new security model implementation
The Logos chain forms the foundation of the Logos network. While the Distributed Virtual Cloud Infrastructure (DVCI) is already a decentralized infrastructure, it currently operates in a more conventional manner, not yet fully integrated into the Web3 paradigm. LogosLabs aims to transform this by integrating the DVCI into a blockchain, thereby creating the additional sub0layer.
The Logos chain, developed as a layer-1 blockchain using the Substrate framework, will be responsible for creating and securing this sub0layer. Through Smart Contract Logic, the blockchain will not only ensure the secure execution and management of infrastructure but also handle critical functionalities such as network access, payment systems and transparency. This integration allows the infrastructure to operate autonomously and securely within the Web3 ecosystem, bringing a decentralized approach to infrastructure management and resource provisioning.
Smart contracts within the Logos network will be implemented through Smart Contract Logic, which will be developed as a pallet. This environment will enable the creation, execution and clustering of various smart contract "types" based on specific use cases. Unlike public smart contract platforms such as Moonbeam, Astar, Phala Network, or Cardano, the Logos chain will not function as an open smart contract platform.
Instead, to create an efficient "Web3 system chain", all smart contracts and configurations on the Logos chain will be exclusively dedicated to provisioning the Logos network and the sub0layer. This focused approach ensures that the smart contracts are tailored specifically for the operational needs of the decentralized infrastructure, such as resource management, access control and secure execution, rather than serving a general-purpose smart contract ecosystem.
The security model of the Logos network is designed to support a public blockchain that is fully operated by the community while incorporating private elements, all without the need for private validators. This is accomplished through the implementation of three key principles: Zero-Trust, Zero-Knowledge and Zero-Tolerance.
- Zero-Trust ensures that no participant or entity is inherently trusted within the system, meaning security mechanisms are in place to authenticate and verify every interaction or transaction, regardless of the participant's identity or role.
- Zero-Knowledge refers to the use of cryptographic techniques that allow one party to prove the validity of information without revealing the actual data itself. This ensures privacy for sensitive elements within the network while maintaining transparency and verifiability.
- Zero-Tolerance establishes strict policies for handling malicious behavior or security breaches, ensuring that any violation of protocol is addressed promptly and decisively to maintain the integrity of the network.
Together, these principles enable the Logos Chain to function as a public blockchain, providing a secure and transparent environment with private features, all without relying on private parties.
The Distributed Virtual Cloud Infrastructure (DVCI) will primarily be managed and operated through on-chain transactions. The execution times of these transactions are not critical to overall network efficiency, as "consumer nodes" (blockchain nodes) will not be impacted at this service layer. If a provider node becomes compromised or exhibits malicious behavior, it will be immediately removed from the DVCI (either from the host aggregate or OpenStack environment) with zero tolerance.
To minimize disruption, resources from a failed provider node will be quickly redirected back to its DVM (Distributed Virtual Machine). As a result, "computational consumer nodes" will experience minimal to no downtime. Additionally, each host aggregation will maintain a 30% backup buffer, allowing for live VM migrations at any time, which further reduces the likelihood of service interruptions. This redundancy ensures that the network remains resilient and maintains high availability even in the event of node failures.
In the Logos network, smart contracts will only be triggered by the network gatekeeper, necessitating a hybrid approach to confidentiality that balances both public and private elements. This hybrid model allows for the coexistence of open and restricted features by using role-based access control (RBAC) principles. It ensures that only authorized accounts have access to specific smart contracts or blockchain functionalities, with access granted based on clearly defined roles and privileges.
This approach effectively regulates "who has access to what and when", providing precise control over blockchain interactions. By combining the strengths of both private and public infrastructures, the network gains the security and privacy of private blockchains, while benefiting from the decentralized and transparent nature of public blockchain systems. This method offers flexibility in maintaining confidentiality where necessary, without compromising the overall openness and trust of the network.
Network gatekeeper
The Network Gatekeeper (NG) will play a pivotal role in the Logos network, tasked with managing various critical functions and comprising multiple components. Its responsibilities will include facilitating communication between the Distributed Virtual Cloud Infrastructure (DVCI) and the blockchain, ensuring seamless data flow and coordination.
Additionally, the NG will oversee node behavior, monitoring any deviations from standard operations for both OpenStack environments and distributed resource nodes (DRN). It will be responsible for excluding participants exhibiting problematic behavior and determining the appropriate actions for addressing these incidents going forward.
The necessity of the Network Gatekeeper in its originally conceived form is currently under re-evaluation. Some of the tasks it was initially designed to handle might be resolved through alternative methods. While the NG component is expected to remain a part of the network, its final form and function are yet to be determined.
W3bI - Computational distribution regulator
The W3bI will serve as a computation distribution regulator within the Logos network and ecosystem, primarily utilized to manage and host blockchain nodes. In addition to its core function, the W3bI regulator can be extended to offer alternative computational services that support community-driven Web3 projects and off-chain computation environments, aligning with the overarching philosophy of the Logos network.
However, its primary focus is to facilitate the creation of the sub0layer for Web3 by automating the provisioning of blockchain nodes across layer-0 and layer-1 infrastructures. This automated process, orchestrated by the W3bI, ensures efficient deployment and management of blockchain resources on the sub0layer, which is established and maintained by the Logos Network. This approach aims to streamline the creation and scaling of Web3 infrastructure while supporting a decentralized, community-driven ecosystem.
The service will function similarly to current blockchain infrastructure providers, but with a key difference: it will be defined directly on the blockchain as a "layer-3" solution. This means the management and provisioning of infrastructure will be governed by blockchain logic, ensuring decentralization, transparency and automation.
The core infrastructure supporting this service in the backend will be a fully Web3-based computational environment. Unlike traditional setups, this Web3 infrastructure will provide decentralized computing power and resources, aligning with the principles of openness, trustlessness and autonomy that underpin Web3. This approach enables the service to offer a more secure and efficient way to manage blockchain nodes and services, directly within the blockchain framework itself.
The W3bI approach is designed to facilitate the provision of computational and storage resources within the Logos network, focusing on supporting the network's infrastructure rather than generating profit. Like the Logos network, W3bI will be a part of the common-good initiative, aimed at fostering the growth and development of Web3. This aligns with the broader goal of contributing to a decentralized and community-driven ecosystem, where resources are shared for the benefit of the network and its participants, promoting innovation and accessibility in the Web3 space.