In this post, I’ll demystify the Hypergraph protocol. Using a relatable analogy, I aim to paint a clear picture of its workings and potential.
Often referred to as HGTP (Hypergraph Transfer Protocol), it functions as a ‘blockchain in a box’, offering a modular and scalable approach to data validation and processing. We’ll explore the core components of Hypergraph, providing an overview of its architecture and its practical implications for the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Let’s cover some technicalities about the protocol first, before moving to the analogy.
I recommend checking out the lite paper, as a lot is covered in there.
There are 3 different layers in the HGTP protocol:
- Global L0
- Metagraph L0
- Metagraph L1 (which can consist of multiple layers as well)
Global L0 (Hypergraph)
The global L0, also known as the Hypergraph, forms the foundational layer of the network. Its primary role is to validate and secure the network. Additionally, it facilitates interoperability among metagraphs.
This network is comprised of global validator nodes that provide the computational resources for validating and securing the data that flows through the network and stores the global ledger state.
Validator nodes are incentivized through Constellation Network’s native currency, $DAG, which is used to quantify and pay the costs of these consumed compute resources.
The global L0 state functions as an immutable public database, accessible by any application for data storage or retrieval, with the added assurance that the origins and authenticity of the data can be independently verified by all.
Metagraph L0
Metagraph L0 nodes, being hybrid in nature, validate and forward metagraph snapshots, which contain blocks of transactions and data, to the global L0.
These nodes support both the global L0 processes and the specific metagraph processes on the same server. This dual functionality ensures seamless integration and interaction between the Metagraphs and the overarching global L0.
Metagraphs with a significant amount of staked $DAG within their L0 network benefit from lower snapshot fees. This incentivization structure encourages Metagraphs to set $DAG staking requirements, potentially reducing global L0 collateral requirements while maintaining high levels of locked value on the network.
The L0 layers in the network are linear in nature to bolster security and ensure interoperability. By maintaining a linear structure at the L0 level, the network can achieve a consistent and unified state, reducing potential attack vectors and inconsistencies.
Furthermore, this linearity plays a pivotal role in facilitating seamless communication and data exchange between different metagraphs. It acts as a standardized bridge, ensuring that despite the diverse and parallel operations at the L1 level, there’s a cohesive and secure foundation that ties everything together at the L0 level, promoting both security and cross-metagraph collaboration.
Metagraph L1
Metagraphs operate as autonomous networks, adept at processing and validating intricate data from diverse sources, ranging from IoT sensors and healthcare systems to Layer 1 blockchains.
A metagraph can contain an indefinite number of validation layers where different consensus logic is defined for the various data types that are proxied into them.
They can define their own tokens, known as metagraph tokens, which can be used to transact within their network, reward node operators, and assign value to data.
Metagraph L1 nodes are responsible for the initial validation of transactions and data, before any data or transaction reaches the metagraph L0 or the global L0, it first undergoes validation at the L1 level.
This is a DAG-based (directed acyclic graph) layer which introduces a unique approach to consensus. Unlike traditional blockchains that validate transactions sequentially, the DAG structure allows for parallel consensus. This means multiple transactions can be validated simultaneously, leading to a significant increase in throughput and scalability. This parallelism not only enhances the speed of validations but also ensures that the network can handle a surge in transaction volumes without compromising on performance.
Global Picture
Below you can find a diagram of the different components in the HGTP architecture:
- Global L0 validator nodes, which run the global L0 process. They communicate with eachother to validate and process L0 snapshots. (They also run a special $DAG L1 metagraph that processes $DAG token transactions).
- Hybrid L0 validator nodes, which run both the global L0 process (L0 validation) and the metagraph L0 process(es) (that validates and submits L1 data to L0).
A hybrid node can run multiple metagraph L0 processes if it wants to support more than one metagraph, depending on the hardware and bandwidth requirements - Metagraph L1 nodes, which perform the layer 1 consensus and submit blocks to hybrid L0 validator nodes
This should give you a clear picture of the network topology.
Analogy
I hope you‘ve stayed with me so far, let me try to explain it in more non-technical terms using a real world analogy.
Since HGTP is a transfer protocol, it makes sense to compare it to postal services that distributes packages from one place to another.
Imagine a city where every neighborhood (Metagraph) has its own specialized local post office (Metagraph L1).
Each neighborhood (Metagraph) has its unique characteristics, eg. one neighborhood is specialized in housing concerts and parties, another one is specialized in housing finance institutions, another one for restaurants, etc..
Every local post office (Metagraph L1) in each neighborhood have their own way of accepting, validating and processing packages (eg. food needs to be handled differently than letters).
Residents of the neighborhood drop off their letters and packages (data) at their local post office (Metagraph L1).
The local neighborhood post office (Metagraph L1) first checks (validates) each item to ensure it’s correctly addressed and stamped. Once checked, these items are bundled together into larger crates (blocks).
The local post office (Metagraph L1) sends these crates to a neighborhood sorting facility (Metagraph L0). This facility further organizes and bundles crates into even larger containers (snapshots).
Finally, these containers are sent to the city’s main postal hub (Global L0 or Hypergraph). This main hub performs a final check (validation), organizes all containers (snapshots) and then ensures that each container reaches its final destination, whether it’s within the city or outside.
Each city main postal hub (global L0) is directly connected to the main postal hubs of other cities. This interconnected network allows them to efficiently exchange and deliver containers (snapshots), containing all kinds of packages, to one another.
Here is a visualization of this story:
All containers (and packages inside the containers) are tracked and logged on a ledger (global L0 state), similar to track and trace codes, and can be verified by both the sender and the receiver. Every metagraph can choose what they include on the global ledger so it becomes publically verifiable, eg. for food this could be a serial number, package date and expiry date; for financial letters this could be an invoice number and a hash of the data or stock data, etc..
In this analogy:
- The residents dropping off packages represent users initiating transactions or submitting data.
- The local post office (Metagraph L1) represents the first layer of validation and organization.
- The neighborhood sorting facility (Metagraph L0) acts as an intermediary, further organizing and preparing data.
- The city’s main postal hub (Global L0) is the final layer ensuring everything is in order and securely delivering the data.
This interconnected system ensures that every package reaches its intended recipient in any neigbourhood in any city securely and efficiently.
Similarly, in the HGTP protocol, the Global L0 nodes (main postal hubs) of different Metagraphs (neighborhoods) are interconnected, ensuring seamless and secure data exchange and processing across the entire network.
Just as every package in our postal system has a unique destination and journey, so does every piece of data in the HGTP protocol.
What makes HGTP different than other layer 0 networks?
HGTP presents a unique blend of architecture, interoperability, and customization, setting a new standard for blockchain protocols.
Architecture: Central to HGTP’s design is its multi-layered structure, comprising the overarching Hypergraph (a global L0 network) and individual Metagraphs (independent subnetworks). Each Metagraph is tailored to process and validate data based on its specific logic, while the Hypergraph ensures overall data integrity and security.
Interoperability: Metagraphs, with their distinct consensus mechanisms and business logic, can effortlessly interoperate through the Hypergraph. This ensures a cohesive yet flexible network where diverse Metagraphs coexist and collaborate.
Customization: Metagraphs can be highly customized, allowing them to cater to specific use cases while still benefiting from the robust security and interoperability features of the Hypergraph.
A standout feature of HGTP is its ability to negate the need for external oracles. Each Metagraph can act as its oracle, bringing off-chain data onto the global state. This not only streamlines data validation but also transforms off-chain data into a verifiable and trusted source, eliminating intermediary dependencies.
Final Thoughts
The Hypergraph Transfer Protocol (HGTP), developed by Constellation Network, represents a groundbreaking approach to decentralized data processing and validation. At its core, HGTP offers a multi-layered infrastructure, with the global L0 state acting as a permanent, verifiable public database. This design ensures data integrity, security, and real-time validation, making it a robust foundation for a myriad of applications.
Potential use cases for HGTP span a wide spectrum. From real-time data validation crucial for sectors like finance and healthcare, to the development of decentralized applications in areas such as DeFi, gaming, and beyond. Its inherent design promotes interoperability, bridging various blockchain networks, and facilitating secure data exchanges
The protocol’s adaptability allows businesses to deploy custom blockchains tailored to their specific needs, fostering innovation and unique economic models.
In essence, the HGTP is not just a protocol; it’s a versatile ecosystem poised to redefine how we perceive and utilize decentralized networks.
If you found this insightful, please share and help others understand the potential of HGTP!
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