SendingNetwork: Advancing the Future of Decentralized Messaging Networks
Mason Yeung
TL;DR
SendingNetwork tackles the lack of a holistic decentralized messaging framework in blockchain contexts by proposing a three-tier access-relay-consensus architecture that leverages edge computing, dynamic group encryption via the Double Ratchet, and dual consensus mechanisms (Proof of Relay and Proof of Availability). It combines libp2p for scalable networking, DIDs for decentralized identity, and KZG/Verkle-based proofs to enable secure, private, and scalable off-chain messaging with on-chain incentives. The key contributions include an adaptive edge network, a delegation scheme for large group chats, and concrete protocol constructions for end-to-end encryption, room-state synchronization, and blockchain extensibility, supported by theoretical analyses of delegation and relay workloads. If realized, SendingNetwork could enable wallet-to-wallet cross-platform messaging with strong privacy, data ownership, and incentive-compatible relays, advancing practical decentralized communication at scale and enabling multi-chain interoperability and mainnet deployment in the roadmap.
Abstract
In the evolving landscape of Internet technologies, where decentralized systems, especially blockchain-based computation and storage like Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Arweave, and IPFS, are gaining prominence, there remains a stark absence of a holistic decentralized communication framework. This gap underlines the pressing necessity for a protocol that not only enables seamless cross-platform messaging but also allows direct messaging to wallet addresses, fostering interoperability and privacy across diverse platforms. SendingNetwork addresses this need by creating a reliable and secure decentralized communication network, targeting essential challenges like privacy protection, scalability, efficiency, and composability. Central to our approach is the incorporation of edge computing to form an adaptive relay network with the modular libp2p library. We introduce a dynamic group chat encryption mechanism based on the Double Ratchet algorithm for secure communication and propose a Delegation scheme for efficient message processing in large group chats, enhancing both resilience and scalability. Our theoretical analyses affirm the Delegation scheme's superior performance. To bolster system stability and encourage node participation, we integrate two innovative consensus mechanisms: "Proof of Relay" for validating message relay workload based on the novel KZG commitment, and "Proof of Availability" for ensuring network consistency and managing incentives through Verkle trees. Our whitepaper details the network's key components and architecture, concluding with a roadmap and a preview of future enhancements to SendingNetwork.