February 2025 Monthly Summary
Roko Network Monthly Update
Month: February 2025
Executive Summary
February 2025 focused on advancing the L1 blockchain development with particular emphasis on the staking system, validator economics, and timing network infrastructure. The team executed TAO DCA strategies across multiple Bittensor subnets and made progress on hardware specifications for community node operators.
Technical Progress
L1 Staking System Development
- DeFi flywheel approval process defined
- Dynamic TAO emission mechanics designed
- Multiple validator staking strategies evaluated:
- Dollar-cost averaging into positions
- All-in approach at launch
- Waiting for initial liquidity development
- Revenue model requirements established for long-term sustainability
L1 Explorer Development
- Evaluated Polkascan vs Subscan options
- Identified customization requirements for temporal data display
- Challenges encountered with balancing feature richness and customization needs
- Decision made to run separate production and testnet environments
Timing Network Design
- Validator integration strategy refined
- Time node capabilities documented
- Proof of capability mechanisms designed
- Marketing strategy discussions for positioning timing services
Infrastructure Updates
Hardware Specifications Defined
- Minimum node requirements: Pi 5 + 1TB M.2 SSD
- Balance between cost accessibility and performance needs
- Time card distribution planned for 12-13 units to establish initial network
Cloud Provider Research
- Evaluated Stormy Cloud as alternative hosting at 1/4 cost of AWS
- Cost reduction critical for network sustainability
P2P Network Setup
- Mesh network configuration for timing synchronization
- a timing hardware provider devices connecting to grandmaster clock
- Industry-standard protocols (NTP/PTP) for validator synchronization
Strategic Initiatives
TAO Position Building
- Executed TAO DCA across 4 subnets
- Establishing stake in key subnets during L1 development
- Informing Roko's own timing subnet design through research
Team Expansion
- Discussions about bringing on Elton as full-stack developer
- Frontend and application development acceleration needed
- Evaluation process initiated
Database Consolidation
- Technical review of data structures for L1
- Efficient storage of timing data alongside transaction information
- Avoiding blockchain bloat while maintaining data integrity
Research & Analysis
Subnet Mechanism Research
- Continued study of different subnet validation approaches
- Reward distribution mechanisms analyzed
- Miner incentive structures evaluated
- Findings informing Roko subnet design
Validator Economics Model
- Stake requirements defined
- Reward calculations modeled
- Slashing conditions established
- Balance between security and community accessibility
Key Metrics
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| L1 Explorer | Development in progress |
| TAO Positions | DCA executed across 4 subnets |
| Hardware Spec | Pi 5 + 1TB M.2 SSD minimum |
| Time Cards | 12-13 units for distribution |
| Cloud Costs | 75% reduction option identified |
Challenges Addressed
1. Explorer Development Complexity - Balancing standard features with custom temporal data requirements
2. Infrastructure Costs - Identified Stormy Cloud as cost-effective alternative
3. Network Bootstrap - Time card distribution strategy for initial nodes
4. Validator Accessibility - Hardware specs balance cost with performance
Looking Ahead to March
- Complete L1 explorer deployment
- Finalize validator economics model
- Continue P2P network configuration
- Expand timing network to additional nodes
- Evaluate Elton for full-stack role
Team Focus Areas
| Team Member | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Stalker (Unforkable) | L1 explorer development, staking integration |
| Manitcor | P2P network setup, time card distribution |
| Brendon | Subnet mechanism research |
| Sykm | Validator economics modeling |
| Team | Hardware specification documentation |