In the context of web3 and blockchain technology, nodes are essentially points within a network where data is processed, stored and communicated. Think of a node as a server that contains a copy of the blockchain and participates in the process of validating and relaying transactions.
Each node in the network ensures that the blockchain remains accurate and secure by cross-checking data and maintaining a shared ledger.
Nowadays you’ll see more and more of the term DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network, which accurately labels the way that nodes contribute physical computing power to a decentralized network in web3.
Nodes are crucial to the functioning of decentralized networks. Unlike traditional centralized systems where a single entity controls data and operations, decentralized networks distribute these tasks across multiple nodes. This distribution enhances security, reduces the risk of data tampering, and increases the network’s robustness against failures.
In simple terms, if you imagine a network as a city, nodes are like independent businesses that all agree on the same rules and work together to keep the city’s economy running smoothly. Without the effectiveness of these companies, the city would not be able to operate smoothly and provide necessary services to its inhabitants. Additionally, the viability of the entire city does not have to rely on the viability of any one business, because all the others agree on the same rules and continue to hold up the city’s infrastructure.
Each business keeps its own records, but they all share and validate information to ensure everything is accurate and consistent. This is how blockchain nodes work together, even as their operators are most likely strangers to one another, spread throughout the world.
Centralized networks are limited by things like land, real estate, energy and human resources. The larger a company gets, the more resources it must consume in an organized manner to maintain effectiveness. Decentralized systems are more scalable because they create the opportunity for remote node operators to shoulder much of this burden.
Gala Founder’s Nodes: A Specialized Role
Gala Founder’s Nodes are a specialized type of node within the Gala ecosystem. While they do not validate blockchain transactions—a task managed by the Hyperledger Fabric protocol on which GalaChain is built—they play several critical roles in supporting the network’s infrastructure.
Functions of Gala Founder’s Nodes
Decentralized Storage and Computing Power: Founder’s Nodes provide much of the necessary storage and computing power for the Gala ecosystem. This ensures that various applications, especially in gaming and entertainment, run efficiently without relying on centralized servers.
IPFS Distributed Hash Table Routing: Founder’s Nodes are instrumental in the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), a protocol designed for decentralized file storage. They account for a large portion of the IPFS routing footprint, making decentralized internet performance significantly more robust throughout the world.
A Huge Piece of The Decentralized Web is Powered by Gala’s Node Network
Gala Founder’s Nodes account for nearly 30% of IPFS servers and Gala is leading the charge in decentralizing the internet.https://t.co/kg4CMUVr9O
Supporting Future Workloads: The scope of responsibilities for Founder’s Nodes is expected to grow. They will soon handle additional tasks such as bridge transactions and chain security, further enhancing the network’s efficiency and capabilities.
Token Distribution and Governance
Founder’s Nodes are also integral to the Gala token ($GALA) distribution process. New $GALA enters circulation by emission to Gala Founder’s Node operators as a reward for powering the network. The total amount of distribution is determined by the difference between the token’s current total supply (in circulation) and its max total supply, allowing dynamic variation of distribution based on how much $GALA is being used and burned throughout the world.
In simpler terms, Gala Founder’s Node operators are essentially licensing their computers as employees of GalaChain, putting them to work in the background and receiving $GALA regularly in exchange for that work. This method of decentralization reduces Gala’s costs for hosting and storing content through centralized providers such as Amazon Web Services.
Moreover, operators of Founder’s Nodes participate in governance decisions through consensus voting. This democratic process allows node operators to influence significant ecosystem decisions, including the distribution of tokens and other critical changes.
Why Gala Founder’s Nodes Matter
Gala Founder’s Nodes are the backbone of the Gala ecosystem, providing decentralized infrastructure support without involving themselves in transaction validation. This specialization allows them to focus on enhancing the network’s overall functionality and security, making GalaChain a more efficient and resilient blockchain solution.
Nodes are fundamental to the web3 world, enabling the decentralized systems that underpin blockchain technology. They ensure data integrity, enhance security, and support the network’s resilience. Gala Founder’s Nodes, in particular, exemplify how specialized nodes can provide critical infrastructure support, contributing to a robust and scalable decentralized network.
To power our network of decentralized music, Gala Music has introduced a groundbreaking concept known as Jukebox Nodes. Part of a larger framework called DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network), these nodes empower individuals to participate directly in hosting and distributing music on the platform.
By becoming a Jukebox Node operator, users can contribute to a global network that supports the Gala Music ecosystem, enhancing music accessibility and unlocking some serious potential $MUSIC rewards.
Hosting Tracks on a Jukebox Node
In order to generate $MUSIC rewards based on their platform plays, NFT tracks must be paired with an active Jukebox Node. Pairing is always initiated by the track owner, and the track owner has the option to pair to a specific Jukebox Node if they wish. This pairing action is essentially hosting the track on the decentralized Gala Music servers, making it accessible to listeners and eligible for reward distribution based on plays.
Each Jukebox Node has a limited number of slots where track NFTs can be placed. While a standard Jukebox Node starts with 10 available slots, Jukebox Node operators have the option to purchase upgrades, adding more slots and thereby increasing the potential $MUSIC rewards generated for hosting tracks on that node.
Understanding DePIN
A DePIN, or Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network, is a network where the infrastructure is distributed among numerous independent operators rather than centralized in a single location or controlled by a single entity. For example, Spotify relies on its centralized data centers in multiple global locations. In contrast, Gala Music streaming is hosted entirely on its distributed network of Jukebox Nodes, operated by community members who are licensed to run them in exchange for rewards.
This approach not only enhances the resilience and scalability of the network but also democratizes the economic benefits, allowing individuals to contribute to and benefit from the system.
The Role of Jukebox Nodes
Jukebox Nodes are the backbone of the Gala Music platform. They host and serve music tracks to listeners, ensuring that music is always available and accessible. Any licensed user with the necessary hardware and internet connection can set up a Jukebox Node and start hosting music. This decentralization helps prevent the system from having single points of failure, which are common in traditional centralized servers.
As the platform’s streaming demands increase, more JukeBox Node licenses are sold to accommodate the hosting needs.
In blockchain terminology, a ‘workload’ refers to the tasks that nodes perform to maintain the network. For Jukebox Nodes, the primary workload involves hosting and streaming music tracks. These tasks are crucial because they ensure that music is always available to users whenever they want to listen. By fulfilling these workloads, Jukebox Nodes support the entire ecosystem, ensuring its operability and reliability.
Rewards for Node Operators
Operating a Jukebox Node is not only about supporting the network but also about gathering rewards. Node operators are basically allowing their computers to act as GalaChain employees, receiving $MUSIC tokens as compensation for their contributions.
$MUSIC rewards are generated based on several factors, including the number of tracks hosted, the uptime of the node (a minimum of 20 hours daily is required), and the popularity of the music streamed from their node. This incentivizes operators to maintain their nodes actively and ensures that popular tracks are readily available, enhancing listener satisfaction.
Each Gala Music Jukebox Node has a limited number of slots where hosted tracks will live as long as they are paired with that node.
Every new Jukebox Node comes with 10 slots, but all Jukebox Nodes can be upgraded to contain additional slots. By adding slots to a Jukebox Node, an operator can increase their potential $MUSIC rewards by hosting more music.
Each new slot may be purchased with $MUSIC alone. For a more detailed guide on how to purchase additional slots for your Jukebox Node, check out THIS SUPPORT ARTICLE.
How Node Operators Benefit the Ecosystem
Node operators play a critical role in the Gala Music ecosystem by:
Ensuring Availability: By hosting music tracks, operators ensure that there is no downtime, which can be a significant issue with centralized servers.
Enhancing Performance: Distributed hosting reduces latency since music is streamed from a node geographically closer to the listener.
Growing the Platform: As more nodes join the network, the platform’s capacity to host and stream music increases, which can accommodate more users and tracks without the need for significant infrastructure investment from Gala Music itself.
Setting Up and Running a Jukebox Node
If you are newly licensed to operate a Gala Music Jukebox Node, follow these instructions to begin operating your node and hosting tracks.
Download the Gala Node Software
Login with your Gala account credentials at https://node.gala.com/ and navigate to the “Download” menu. Download the software for your operating system (Windows, macOS or Linux).
Install the Gala Node Software on Your Computer
Follow the instructions on the page to install the software on your computer. For more in-depth instructions on installing the Gala Node software, please consult the following guides, which will walk you through the installation on each operating system.
Once the Gala Node Software is properly configured and your Node license appears in your dashboard, you must activate your node on Gala Music to begin running its workload and hosting tracks. This can be done through the “Nodes” page when logged into your account on Gala Music. For detailed instructions, please read THIS SUPPORT ARTICLE.
Powering the Revolution
Gala Music Jukebox Nodes represent a unique opportunity for individuals to engage with web3 technology in a meaningful way. By operating a node, you not only gain rewards through $MUSIC tokens but also contribute to a decentralized music streaming network that empowers artists and fans alike.
This system challenges traditional music distribution models while paving the way for a more inclusive, efficient and user-driven future in digital entertainment. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a music lover or someone curious about the potential of blockchain, setting up a Jukebox Node offers a front-row seat to the future of music.
As a foundational pillar of the Gala ecosystem, our Founder’s Node operators have always played a crucial role in shaping the future of our platform. Traditionally, the decision-making process has involved simple proposal style votes, offering a binary choice on the direction of development within the Gala ecosystem.
The Vote
The voting opens at 2pm PT on April 12th and concludes at the same time on April 19th.
As you know, we opened GalaChain to external development with the release of the open-source GalaChain SDK earlier this year. The community’s response was nothing short of phenomenal, leading to the creation of invaluable resources by dedicated developers. Among these resources, various GalaChain explorer apps stand out as exemplary projects that not only enhance the ecosystem but also enrich our community.
The Reward
In recognition of these contributions, we’re dedicating this vote to decide which development team will be honored with a remarkable prize: Either 1 million $GALA or a prestigious Gala Founder’s Node license– Winner’s choice. This initiative is not just about rewarding innovation; it’s about celebrating the spirit of community and collaborative growth that defines Gala.
The Candidates
The spotlight is on the following GalaChain explorers, each a testament to the ingenuity and commitment of our community developers:
We encourage all Gala Founder’s Node operators to engage with these explorers and make an informed decision on which project truly deserves the accolade and the prize. Your vote is a powerful tool in shaping the ecosystem and recognizing the efforts that fuel our collective growth.
Gratitude and Anticipation
Our heartfelt thanks go to all GalaChain developers for their contributions and to our extraordinary community for their unwavering support. This vote marks a new chapter in our journey towards a more inclusive, innovative and decentralized future. Join us in celebrating the creativity and hard work that continue to propel the Gala ecosystem forward.
