What is OpenGPU?

Source:Official X

With the rapid development of AI technology, especially in the fields of deep learning and generative models, traditional centralized cloud computing platforms are facing tremendous computing demand pressure. AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and other platforms control most of the global cloud computing market share, making resource access more difficult, especially for small enterprises and independent developers. In addition, centralized platforms also face issues such as high costs, vendor lock-in, and single points of failure.

To address these issues, decentralized computing has emerged, and the OpenGPU network provides a blockchain-based decentralized computing ecosystem, enabling efficient allocation of computing tasks to global computing resources. Through a decentralized architecture, OpenGPU has achieved a low-threshold participation mechanism, allowing users and computing resource providers to collaborate in a trustless and permissionless environment.

Innovation of the OpenGPU network

1. Network Architecture

The underlying architecture of OpenGPU is based on Ethereum’s Proof of Stake (PoS). The blockchain not only records the submission and execution of tasks, but also ensures the transparency and security of computational tasks. In this architecture, the compute resource provider (such as individuals or data centers with GPUs) is responsible for validating blocks and executing computational tasks, while the clients submit tasks for computation. Tasks can be batch tasks (such as AI model training) or streaming tasks (such as real-time inference). The execution of all tasks is verified by the decentralized consensus layer, ensuring the reliability and transparency of the results.

Source:White Paper

2. Computing task workflow

OpenGPU’s computing tasks are divided into two types: batch processing tasks and streaming tasks. The process of creating, submitting, executing, and delivering tasks varies depending on the type of task. The execution process of each task is managed by a decentralized protocol to ensure security and transparency.

• Batch processing task: The task is submitted through the blockchain, providers bid, and the lowest bidder executes, while the verification committee checks the task in real time.
• Streaming tasks: Providers subscribe to tasks, respond to real-time streaming requests, dynamically adjust, and ensure uninterrupted service.

Implementation of the OpenGPU network

1. Blockchain

The core of the OpenGPU network is blockchain infrastructure, which can adopt any blockchain technology stack with powerful cryptographic and economic security mechanisms. Among the existing options, Ethereum, as the standard blockchain, is the most widely used platform for decentralized applications (dApps). Ethereum’s mature technology, modular architecture, and ecosystem make it an ideal choice.

As a decentralized ledger and state machine, Ethereum provides the foundation for task submission, allocation, and verification. By leveraging Ethereum’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, the network ensures scalability and energy efficiency. Tasks submitted to the blockchain are immutably recorded, creating a trustless and transparent environment. Additionally, having such blockchain infrastructure enables the OpenGPU network to compete with the full functionality of other Layer-1 blockchains. Applications from other ecosystems can easily migrate or expand to the OpenGPU network, enhancing the overall ecosystem vitality.

The native currency oGPU of the blockchain is crucial to the operation of the network, used to pay the fuel fees for blockchain transactions and as the default currency for task payments. This dual functionality simplifies interactions within the network, highlighting the strong use case for oGPU.

2. Computing Layer

The computation layer is a system built on top of the Ethereum stack, serving as an intermediary between the blockchain and task execution workflows. This layer handles the computational requirements for specific tasks, including consensus verification for batch tasks and streaming tasks. By abstracting the complexity of computational consensus from the underlying blockchain, the computation layer ensures scalability and seamless interaction between clients, providers, and committees.

The integrity and reliability of the task workflow are supported by the mechanism of cryptographic economic incentives. The client needs to lock a secure deposit before publishing a task. These deposits are used to pay fees upon completion of the task and to penalize clients for malicious behavior. In addition to rewarding income for execution, providers are also motivated by rewarding honest behavior and punishing malicious behavior.

• Staking: Providers and committee members must stake oGPU to participate in task execution and verification. This ensures that they have a vested interest in maintaining network integrity.
• Penalty: Malicious actors attempting to submit fraudulent responses or failing to meet task requirements will face penalties, including reduction of pledged assets. Similarly, clients will also face corresponding sanctions for their secure deposits.
• Reward: Honest execution and verification will be rewarded in proportion to the payment function provided by the customer, ensuring fair compensation for computing resources and validation work. Providers participating in blockchain consensus will receive additional rewards.

These mechanisms ensure that the incentives of all participants are aligned, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that resists the occurrence of malicious behavior.

3. Protocol Suite

The Core Protocol acts as an intermediary for the interaction between clients and providers in the OpenGPU network, and serves as a decentralized application suite implementation. This suite includes:

• Client application: enables the client to define task requirements, specify needs, and monitor task progress. It provides an interface to interact with the blockchain and computing layer, ensuring transparency and control.
• Provider Application: Allows providers to register their computing resources, evaluate task requirements, and participate in the bidding process. This application integrates the computing layer, facilitating task execution and response verification, ensuring secure and efficient operations.
• Smart Contract System: As the core of the protocol, it ensures trustless execution of the protocol through functions such as automated task submission, bidding process, payment allocation, and dispute resolution. It records the results and enforces penalties or rewards based on the verification of the consensus layer.

Unlike typical decentralized applications (dApps), the core protocol is tightly integrated with the blockchain stack and consensus layer. Through this direct connection, the protocol can coordinate tasks by setting boundaries and enhancing security. As the ecosystem evolves, the protocol’s governance should be managed by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO).

oGPU Token: Core of the OpenGPU Ecosystem

The core of the OpenGPU ecosystem is the oGPU token, which will initially be deployed on the Ethereum network to fully leverage the stability of verified smart contracts. In the future, there are plans to migrate to a dedicated network layer to further optimize transaction processing.

• The use of oGPU tokens: oGPU tokens are the core currency for all transactions within the network, used for paying task fees and rewarding GPU providers. In addition to serving as a means of payment, tokens can also be used for staking and governance, allowing network participants to participate in the decision-making process and promote decentralized management of the network.
• Supply and Distribution: The total supply of oGPU tokens is limited to 21 million. The token distribution mechanism aims to incentivize more users to participate in network construction, provide funding support for development, and ensure market liquidity and stability. The token distribution is as follows:
  • Network development and ecological construction: 10%
  • Community rewards and airdrops: 15%
  • Team and advisors: 15%, linear unlock over 3 years
  • GPU provider reward: 50%, gradually released over 10 years
  • Reserve Fund: 10%, to cope with market fluctuations
• Incentive Mechanism: GPU providers earn oGPU token rewards by completing computational tasks. In addition, token holders can also earn additional rewards by staking tokens, while helping to ensure network security and participate in governance decisions.
• Economic sustainability: In order to curb speculative trading and stabilize token prices, a 5% tax will be levied on buying and selling transactions on the Ethereum chain. After the migration of the OpenGPU network to its own blockchain, this tax will be abolished.

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OpenGPU Roadmap

Source:official website

The roadmap of OpenGPU is divided into multiple stages, aiming to promote the implementation and development of a decentralized GPU computing platform. Initially, the OpenGPU team conducted core algorithm research and development, protocol design, and infrastructure construction, completing brand release and community building. In 2024, the project will officially launch public testing, attract early users, and carry out ecosystem expansion, developer participation, and security measure integration.

In the second half of 2024, OpenGPU will launch the mainnet, release the official versions of Provider App and Client App, and promote cooperation with AI companies and GPU suppliers. The project will gradually launch core functions such as Decentralized Exchange (OpenDEX), Intelligent Agent Market, Distributed Storage System, etc., enhancing the platform’s scalability and security.

In the future, the OpenGPU project plans to collaborate with global cloud service providers to integrate DeFi functionality and launch an NFT marketplace, promoting the development of Decentralized Autonomous Organization (OpenDAO). The project will also actively explore innovative areas such as autonomous driving, cross-chain collaboration, and mobile GPU computing, promoting the implementation of technology in various application scenarios.

Conclusion

OpenGPU solves various problems in current computing resource allocation through its innovative decentralized computing platform, providing powerful computing support for innovation in the AI industry. With the further development of blockchain technology, OpenGPU is expected to become a leading platform for decentralized computing worldwide, promoting the popularization and application of AI technology.