Why "Gradient"?

Author

maxwell
November 13, 2024

Reimagining Compute Infrastructure with Edge Technology

Over the past decade, cloud computing has shifted the balance of power toward large tech companies, consolidating control over global compute resources. As we look to an AI-driven future, the risk of centralization grows, posing challenges for openness, accessibility, and affordability in computing. By prioritizing edge computing, we can work toward a more decentralized, inclusive, and resilient global infrastructure.

Our vision centers on creating a decentralized edge compute platform that leverages underutilized computational resources worldwide. By connecting and abstracting these resources,They aim to enable innovative use cases, including content delivery, serverless computing, and AI inference, while offering an alternative to traditional cloud models.

Why "Gradient"?

The name "Gradient" is inspired by "Gradient Descent" in machine learning, symbolizing They phased approach toward building a pervasive compute network. Each phase is a step closer to realizing decentralized compute access:

  • Pervasive Connectivity: Building a direct communication layer to remove intermediaries, enhancing performance and privacy.

  • Homogenized Computation: Consolidating diverse compute resources into a unified, accessible layer.

  • Adaptive Orchestration: Dynamically managing resources to meet various compute demands efficiently.

The Gradient Network Phases and Components

  1. Pervasive Connectivity Layer

    • Sentry Nodes: Lightweight, privacy-preserving nodes (<1MB data/month) that ensure the liveness and connectivity of the network. Sentry Nodes initiate peer-to-peer "Taps" to verify connectivity, enhancing robustness and performance without intermediaries.

    • Taps: Periodic, short-lived connections between random Sentry Nodes to verify connectivity. These interactions validate network integrity and earn rewards based on connection success rates.

  2. Homogenized Computation Layer

    • Standardizes and consolidates compute resources, allowing them to be accessed as a single layer with high availability.

  3. Adaptive Orchestration Layer

    • Orchestrates various compute demands across the network, optimizing resource allocation and responsiveness.

  4. Oracles and Settlement Layer

    • Built on the Solana blockchain, this layer enables secure, transparent interactions within the network, pushing Web3 and decentralized computing adoption forward.

Getting Started with Gradient Network

To participate, you’ll set up a Sentry Node. Here’s how:

  1. Sign Up: Register at gradient.network and connect your X (formerly Twitter) account.

  2. Install the Node: Follow instructions to download from the Chrome Web Store.

  3. Boost Your Account: Enter a referral code for bonus EXP points.

Earning Rewards

Gradient Network offers multiple reward avenues for Sentry Node operators:

  • Proof-of-Availability (POA): Rewards based on uptime.

  • Proof-of-Connectivity (POC): Rewards when connectivity is verified via Taps.

  • Referral Bonuses: Earn bonuses for inviting others to the network.

  • Account Boosts: Unlock additional rewards as you advance in account tiers.

Monitoring and Managing Your Node

Use the Gradient Dashboard to track and optimize your Sentry Node performance:

  • Node Status: Check if your node is active, disconnected, or unsupported.

  • Key Metrics: View uptime, Taps, and data transmitted for real-time insights.

  • Rewards Overview: Track rewards by type—Network, Boosts, and Referrals.

Dos and Don’ts

To keep the network fair and sustainable:

  • Only One Account per User: Each user should register a single account.

  • Single Node per Device: While you can run multiple nodes, only one is allowed per device, and rewards split among nodes on the same IP.

  • No Proxies or Unsupported IPs: Unsupported IP types (e.g., IPv6 or proxies) won’t receive rewards.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a sustainable, equitable ecosystem, helping realize the full potential of decentralized edge compute.

1. Network Rewards

  • Proof-of-Availability (POA): Earn rewards based on your Sentry Node’s uptime. The longer your node stays connected, the more POA rewards you accumulate.

  • Proof-of-Connectivity (POC): Earn rewards each time the network verifies your node's connectivity through "Taps" (peer-to-peer connections with other nodes).

2. Referral Bonuses

  • Invite friends to join the Gradient Network. Each successful referral earns you bonus rewards.

3. Achievement Boosts

  • Complete certain milestones or achievements to boost your rewards and maximize your earning potential.

Community Rules

  • Follow the Gradient Community Guidelines to maintain a fair and sustainable network.

  • Register only one account per user.

  • Install only one Sentry Node per device.

  • Use genuine IP addresses (no proxies or unsupported IP types) to ensure continued eligibility for rewards.

By participating in these ways, you can contribute to building a robust and decentralized compute infrastructure while earning rewards for your engagement.

Here’s a concise guide to troubleshoot and optimize your Gradient Sentry Node experience.

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### 1. Updating Your Sentry Node

- Automatic Updates: The Sentry Node extension should update automatically.

- Manual Update:

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions/.

2. Enable “Developer mode” (top right).

3. Click “Update” (top left). Chrome will check and install available updates.

- If Issues Persist: Restart Chrome or reinstall the extension. Ensure your browser is up to date.

### 2. "Unsupported" Status

- Possible Causes:

- Unsupported Region: Restricted regions include Afghanistan, China, Iran, North Korea, etc.

- Unsupported IP Address: May result from VPNs, proxies, data center IPs, or IPs flagged for fraud.

- Troubleshooting:

- Disable VPN and wait 15 minutes for reconnection.

- Try a Different Network/IP if the issue continues.

- Check IP Quality with tools like IPQualityScore, IP2Location, or IPinfo.

- Note: Reinstalling the node won't change the "Unsupported" status if your IP remains the same.

### 3. Multiple Sentry Nodes

- Single Account, Multiple Devices: You can have multiple nodes, but only one per device.

- Same IP: Nodes sharing an IP split the rewards for that IP.

- Different IPs: Nodes with unique IPs receive separate rewards.

### 4. Uptime Not Increasing

- Update Frequency: Uptime is recalculated every 10 minutes.

- Common Causes: Network instability, browser closure, or connectivity issues.

- Recommendation: Ensure a stable internet connection and keep the node online for more than 10 minutes at a time.

### 5. Increasing "Taps"

- Taps: Peer-to-peer connections between random Sentry Nodes verify connectivity.

- Success Rate Factors: Network conditions, NAT type, and stability affect Tap success.

### 6. Sentry Node Extension/Globe Not Launching

- Potential Issues:

- WebGL Disabled/Unsupported: Check and enable hardware acceleration.

- Device Compatibility: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers.

- Solutions:

- Enable WebGL: Go to chrome://gpu in Chrome and enable hardware acceleration if needed.

- Update Graphics Drivers or try a different device.

### 7. Account Access Restricted

- Reasons: To maintain network integrity, Gradient restricts accounts involved in harmful actions.

- Policy: Follow the Community Guidelines to protect your account and support a fair ecosystem.

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For more details on guidelines, refer to the Community Guidelines. Following these steps should help ensure smooth participation in the Gradient Network.

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