Dorsium Whitepaper

Technical vision and architecture • Last updated: January 2026

📘 Alpha Network Phase

Currently operating as Alpha Network testnet with dPOINT reward system. We're building innovative validation technology together with our community. Future development plans are outlined in this document.

Dorsium Alpha Network Technical Documentation

Testnet validation platform for decentralized technology

Version: 0.4.0 (Beta) Date: January 2026


Alpha Network Testnet Disclaimer

This document describes the Dorsium Alpha Network testnet platform. Please read the disclaimer above to understand the nature of this platform.


Dorsium Alpha Network is a testnet validation platform where participants can test decentralized technology through their devices.

Current Status:

  • Alpha Network (now): Users earn dPOINT (internal scoring points) for validation testing
  • dPOINT: Internal scoring system with NO monetary value
  • Hardware: Optional equipment for enhanced testnet participation

This is a technical testing platform, not a cryptocurrency project or investment opportunity.


  1. Alpha Network Testnet Disclaimer ⚠️ MUST READ FIRST

  2. Vision & Mission

  3. Problem Statement

  4. Solution Overview

  5. Architecture

  6. Alpha Network Trust Model

  7. dPOINT Scoring System

  8. Security Framework

  9. Alpha Network Governance

  10. Alpha Network Economic Model

  11. Project History

  12. Risk Factors Summary

  13. Conclusion

  14. Appendices

  15. Version History


© 2025-2026 Dorsium. All rights reserved.


Document Type: Technical Platform Information
Platform: Dorsium Alpha Network (Testnet)
Operator: GRAVUJ MIKLOS-HENRICH PERSOANĂ FIZICĂ AUTORIZATĂ (CUI: 50217937, Romania)
Last Updated: 2026-01-28


IMPORTANT NOTICE

Dorsium Alpha Network is a testnet validation platform, NOT a cryptocurrency project.

This document provides information about the Dorsium Alpha Network testnet platform where participants can:

  • Test validation technology through simulation
  • Earn dPOINT scores for their participation
  • Purchase hardware for enhanced testnet access

What Dorsium Alpha Network IS:

  • A testnet validation simulation platform
  • A community for testing decentralized technology
  • A scoring system (dPOINT) that tracks participation

What Dorsium Alpha Network IS NOT:

  • NOT a cryptocurrency or crypto-asset project
  • NOT offering tokens or digital assets
  • NOT an investment opportunity
  • NOT subject to MiCA regulation (no crypto-assets exist)

dPOINT Clarification:

  • dPOINT is an internal scoring system
  • dPOINT has NO monetary value
  • dPOINT cannot be traded, sold, or transferred
  • dPOINT only measures testnet participation activity

Hardware Purchase Clarification:

  • Hardware purchases provide physical equipment for testnet participation
  • Hardware remains your property
  • Purchase enables higher-tier testnet validation simulations
  • This is NOT an investment in any cryptocurrency

PARTICIPATION RISKS

By participating in Dorsium Alpha Network, you acknowledge:

  1. No Future Guarantees: The platform's future development is uncertain and not guaranteed
  2. No Monetary Value: dPOINT will never have monetary value
  3. Voluntary Participation: This is voluntary technical testing, not an investment
  4. Hardware Ownership: Hardware purchases are for equipment only, with no promise of returns
  5. Platform Changes: The platform may change, suspend, or terminate at any time
  6. No Refunds: Hardware purchases are final sales of physical goods

REGULATORY STATUS

Dorsium Alpha Network operates as a technical testing platform:

  • NOT regulated under MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) as no crypto-assets exist
  • NOT regulated as a financial service as no financial instruments are offered
  • Operates as a standard e-commerce platform selling hardware
  • Complies with Romanian consumer protection and e-commerce regulations

The platform is operated by GRAVUJ MIKLOS-HENRICH PERSOANĂ FIZICĂ AUTORIZATĂ, a Romanian authorized individual business entity, in full compliance with Romanian law.


CONTACT INFORMATION

Operator: GRAVUJ MIKLOS-HENRICH PERSOANĂ FIZICĂ AUTORIZATĂ
CUI: 50217937
Country: Romania
Email: hello@dorsium.com
Website: https://dorsium.com


DOCUMENT PURPOSE

This document serves to:

  1. Clarify the nature of Dorsium Alpha Network as a testnet platform
  2. Prevent misunderstanding about cryptocurrency or investment aspects
  3. Explain the dPOINT scoring system
  4. Describe hardware purchase terms
  5. Set accurate expectations for participants

This is NOT a crypto-asset white paper, investment prospectus, or financial offering document.


Last Updated: January 28, 2026


Vision

Anyone with a smartphone can participate in testnet validation and contribute to network development. No expensive hardware required for basic participation.

Mission

Dorsium Alpha Network makes testnet validation accessible to everyone. Users validate test transactions on their devices. All contributions are publicly tracked through dPOINT scoring. Recognition is based on participation, not wealth. Energy usage is minimal compared to traditional systems. The platform provides real testing experience and community value.

Our Approach

We prioritize contribution over capital—users earn dPOINT by participating in testnet activities. Working technology comes before marketing hype. The community helps shape the testnet development. All operations follow EU regulatory framework. We build for sustainable technical development.

Alpha Network Note

Users currently earn dPOINT (internal scoring points for testnet activity). dPOINT has no monetary value and is used solely to track testnet participation. The dPOINT snapshot is preserved for documentation purposes.


Current blockchain systems have four barriers preventing mainstream participation.

Mining is inaccessible. Bitcoin requires specialized ASIC hardware costing thousands of dollars. Ethereum demands 32 ETH minimum stake—over €80,000. Bitcoin alone consumes approximately 150 TWh annually, comparable to Argentina's total energy usage. Only wealthy individuals or corporations can participate profitably.

Wealth concentrates at the top. Early participants received higher rewards before halvings. Proof-of-stake systems favor large holders since more stake means proportionally more rewards. The rich get richer while newcomers face steep barriers.

Technical complexity excludes most users. Running nodes requires Linux and networking expertise. Wallet management involves seed phrases, gas fees, and significant risk of permanent loss from user errors. Non-technical users are effectively excluded from direct participation.

Speculation dominates over utility. Most tokens have no practical use beyond exchange trading. Users earn tokens with nothing meaningful to spend them on, resulting in price volatility without fundamental value drivers.

Dorsium's Goal: Blockchain participation as simple as a mobile app—rewarding work instead of wealth, with real utility from day one.


Dorsium solves the four blockchain barriers through practical design.

Mobile accessibility. Users mine directly from iOS or Android devices without special hardware. Validation is lightweight, focusing on cryptographic signatures with minimal battery usage. Mining runs in 24-hour sessions with 2–3 daily activity checks. Anyone with a smartphone can participate.

Fair distribution. Rewards are work-based—users earn by validating test transactions, not by holding capital. The base scoring rate adjusts as the network grows to maintain balance. Earned dPOINT accumulates based on consistent participation. Referral bonuses cap at 2x maximum, preventing pyramid dynamics. Late participants compete fairly with early adopters.

User-friendly design. The mobile app provides guided setup for non-technical users. Alpha Network uses a simple account system for easy onboarding. Non-technical users can participate safely through guided experiences.

Real utility focus. The platform tests utility-based systems where participation is rewarded through actual usage. Governance participation uses dPOINT thresholds. Platform features are accessed through earned dPOINT scores. Activity-based rewards encourage genuine participation over passive holding.


Hierarchical Delegated Consensus (HDC)

HDC distributes validation across a five-stage round-based process. Transactions are broadcast to the network, a VRF selects the validator committee, BFT consensus finalizes blocks, and mobile devices provide independent attestation and monitoring.

StageRoleFunction
BroadcastTransaction broadcastTransaction broadcast to the validation network
VRF SelectionCommittee selectionVerifiable random function selects validator committee
BFT ConsensusBlock consensusByzantine fault tolerant consensus among selected validators
FinalizationBlock confirmationFinal block confirmation and blockchain write
Mobile AttestationLight client verificationBlock verification, fraud reporting, governance voting and network monitoring

Security comes from identity verification, not capital requirements. KYC verification applies at each tier. Hardware purchases create audit trails. Every tier requires 2/3 consensus for decisions. Attacking the network costs €53,890+ in hardware plus prohibitive KYC bypass—comparable to much larger networks.

See Architecture for technical details.


Alpha Network Operation

The Alpha Network operates as a centralized testnet where users earn dPOINT (non-transferable scoring points) through validation activities. The system uses a centralized database for transparent score tracking with public audit trails.

This bootstrap approach enables community-driven development through hardware sales without external investors. The community participates from day one through testing and feedback.

See Alpha Network Trust Model for technical details.


System Overview

Dorsium implements a three-tier network balancing accessibility, security, and scalability. Mobile miners perform transaction validation and feed verified transactions to nodes. Nodes handle block assembly and relay transactions across the network. Validators (100–300 active) run full Tendermint BFT consensus and store the blockchain. Archive nodes (10–50) maintain complete historical data for auditing and analysis.

All communication uses encrypted tunnels with TLS 1.3.

Network Connection

No technical setup is required for participation. Fixed IP addresses and port forwarding are unnecessary. Cosmos SDK handles automatic peer discovery. Optional relay servers assist with NAT traversal for users behind restrictive networks.

Relay servers only route encrypted messages—they cannot validate transactions, participate in consensus, or control nodes. If all relays fail, the network continues via direct peer-to-peer connections.


Network Participants

Mobile miners perform lightweight transaction validation from smartphones. They verify Ed25519 and Secp256k1 signatures, check transaction format and sender balances, relay valid transactions to nodes, and respond to 2–3 daily Proof-of-Activity challenges. Any smartphone from 2015 onward with 2GB RAM and 100MB storage can participate, using approximately 10MB bandwidth daily with less than 2% battery drain per hour. Miners must maintain 95% uptime (23 hours daily) and complete KYC verification. Rewards are approximately 2.72 dPOINT per day (1x multiplier) for consistent participation in the Alpha Network testnet.

Terminology note: Unlike Proof-of-Work mining which requires computational hash power, Dorsium "mobile mining" performs cryptographic signature verification and transaction validation. We use "mining" terminology for accessibility, but the technical mechanism is validation work, not hash computation.

Nodes collect validated transactions into blocks and relay them across the network. They require Intel Core i5-6500T 2.50GHz (or equivalent), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB SATA SSD, 24/7 operation, stable internet, and KYC plus video verification. Rewards are approximately 8.16 dPOINT per day (3x multiplier) for testnet participation. Pre-configured hardware is available at dorsium.com/hardware.

Validators perform two critical roles: first validating individual transactions, then running full consensus on complete blocks via Tendermint BFT. They require Intel Core i5-6500T 2.50GHz (or equivalent), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, 24/7 operation, high-speed internet, and KYC plus video verification. Rewards are approximately 16.32 dPOINT per day (6x multiplier) for testnet participation. Pre-configured hardware is available at dorsium.com/hardware.


KYC Requirements

All participants complete basic KYC through government ID and selfie verification via an EU-compliant provider. Mobile miners must pass a 20-question knowledge test (70% required) to demonstrate platform understanding. Node and validator operators participate in a live video call with Dorsium staff before hardware purchase approval.


Security Model

Security comes from identity verification, not capital requirements. Controlling 34% of mobile miners would require KYC verification for over 3,400 separate identities—prohibitively expensive and legally risky. Controlling 34% of nodes costs approximately €21,590 in hardware plus KYC bypass. Controlling 34% of validators costs approximately €32,300 plus KYC bypass.

Each tier operates independently with 2/3 consensus requirements. Compromising one tier does not compromise others. See Security Framework for detailed threat analysis.


Automated Infrastructure

Node Sentinels serve as backup validators, activating automatically if primary nodes go offline. Archive Nodes store complete historical data for network transparency. These automated systems enhance testnet reliability and performance.


Alpha Network System

The current Alpha Network system provides full transparency through a public explorer at dorsium.com/off-chain-explorer. Every transaction includes a SHA-256 audit trail. Reward calculations use deterministic formulas that anyone can verify.

All dPOINT balances are tracked transparently with public audit trails. See Alpha Network Trust Model for technical details.


Bootstrap Philosophy

Dorsium operates a centralized testnet system during Alpha Network phase by design. This enables community building and development without venture capital.

Centralized testnet today. Future development path remains open.

Current System

Operator: GRAVUJ MIKLOS-HENRICH PERSOANĂ FIZICĂ AUTORIZATĂ (Romanian authorized individual), operated by Grávuj Miklós Henrich.

The Alpha Network system runs on deterministic backend scripts with a PostgreSQL database. All reward calculations use open-source formulas, publicly verifiable through our off-chain explorer at dorsium.com/off-chain-explorer.

Every transaction is logged with a SHA-256 hash, timestamp, addresses, and the calculation formula used. Users can audit their own transactions and verify calculations against published formulas. Daily backups with 7-day retention ensure data integrity.

What Dorsium controls: Database writes, reward distributions, referral calculations, and mining rate adjustments (all following whitepaper formulas).

What Dorsium cannot control: User private keys, dPOINT scoring formulas once published, and user account access. These remain transparent and auditable through the public explorer.

Data Transparency and Snapshots

The Alpha Network maintains complete transparency through regular snapshots and public audit trails.

Current Network Phases: Alpha Network (December 2025 – ongoing) operates as a centralized testnet with full data transparency. Beta Network (planned) may introduce additional testing features based on community feedback.

dPOINT Snapshot System: All dPOINT balances are regularly captured in snapshots and preserved for documentation. These snapshots include SHA-256 verification and are publicly accessible. dPOINT represents testnet participation scoring. Users participate in Alpha Network at their own risk.

The snapshot system captures all balances and transaction history with cryptographic verification. Users can verify their balances by downloading the snapshot CSV and checking their address against off-chain explorer records. A web-based verification tool is available for balance checking.

Snapshot Verification

The Alpha Network snapshot system undergoes regular verification:

Technical verification: Snapshot generation code is open-source and auditable by the community.

Balance reconciliation: Total dPOINT issued is regularly reconciled against documented mining activity, hardware sales, and PAL purchases for transparency.

Community verification: Published tools allow users to independently verify their balances against off-chain explorer records at any time.

All verification tools and audit trails are publicly accessible.

Trust Assumptions

During Alpha Network, users trust that GRAVUJ MIKLOS-HENRICH PFA maintains accurate records, performs reliable backups, and follows published formulas for dPOINT distribution.

We mitigate these risks through public audit trails, open-source formulas, and transparent operations that anyone can verify.

Platform Evolution

The Alpha Network serves as a testing ground for decentralized validation technology. Future development paths remain open and will be shaped by community feedback and technical learnings from the testnet phase.

The current centralized operation allows for rapid iteration and improvement based on real-world testing data. All operational data remains transparent through the public explorer.

Why This Approach?

We considered three alternatives. Waiting to build community would mean no early testers and no feedback loop. Raising venture capital would introduce investor control and profit-driven pressure. Running an ICO would create regulatory complexity and securities classification risk.

Bootstrap with the Alpha Network testnet lets us build community first, reward participation through dPOINT scoring, fund development sustainably through hardware sales, and maintain compliance by operating as a testnet platform rather than a crypto-asset project.

This Alpha Network phase allows us to test, learn, and improve based on real community participation and feedback.


Overview

dPOINT is the internal scoring system used in the Dorsium Alpha Network testnet to track and reward participant contributions. This document describes how dPOINT scoring works, reward structures, and the multiplier system.

IMPORTANT: dPOINT is a scoring metric with NO monetary value. It cannot be traded, sold, or exchanged. dPOINT only measures testnet participation activity.


Alpha Network Reward Structure

Participants earn dPOINT based on their level of participation and hardware tier:

Mobile Participants

  • Base Rate: ~2.72 dPOINT/day (1× multiplier)
  • Requirements: 95%+ uptime (23 hours daily)
  • Components:
    • Base availability: 1.0 dPOINT/day
    • Proof-of-Activity completion: ~1.0 dPOINT/day (2-3 challenges)
    • Validation bonus: Up to 0.72 dPOINT/day

Node Operators

  • Base Rate: ~8.16 dPOINT/day (3× multiplier)
  • Hardware: Intel Core i5-6500T, 16GB DDR4, 500GB SATA SSD
  • Components:
    • Mobile base rewards: 2.72 dPOINT/day
    • Infrastructure bonus: 5.44 dPOINT/day

Validators

  • Base Rate: ~16.32 dPOINT/day (6× multiplier)
  • Hardware: Intel Core i5-6500T, 16GB DDR4, 1TB NVMe SSD
  • Components:
    • Mobile base rewards: 2.72 dPOINT/day
    • Infrastructure & consensus bonus: 13.60 dPOINT/day

Multiplier System

The dPOINT scoring system uses multipliers to recognize different levels of contribution:

TierHardware TypeBase MultiplierDaily dPOINT (approx)
MobileSmartphone2.72
NodeMini PC8.16
ValidatorMini PC Pro16.32

Additional multipliers can be earned through:

  • Referral System: Up to +2.0×
  • Consistent Uptime: Maintaining 95%+ availability
  • Activity Completion: Responding to daily challenges

Referral Multiplier System

Participants can increase their dPOINT scoring through the referral system:

Referral Structure:

  • First referral: +0.15× multiplier
  • Referrals 2–5: +0.10× each
  • Referrals 6–10: +0.07× each
  • Referrals 11–20: +0.05× each
  • Referrals 21–50: +0.02× each
Active ReferralsAdditional MultiplierTotal Multiplier
0+0.00×1.00×
1+0.15×1.15×
2+0.25×1.25×
5+0.55×1.55×
10+0.90×1.90×
20+1.40×2.40×
50+2.00× (cap)3.00×

Anti-Pyramid Protection:

  • Maximum additional referral multiplier capped at +2.0×
  • Total maximum multiplier: 3.0× (1.0× base + 2.0× referral)
  • No multi-level or downstream benefits

Scoring Calculations

Daily dPOINT Formula

Daily dPOINT = Base Rate × (Hardware Multiplier + Referral Bonus)

Example Calculations

Mobile User with 5 referrals:

2.72 × (1.0 + 0.55) = 2.72 × 1.55 = 4.216 dPOINT/day

Node Operator with 10 referrals:

2.72 × (3.0 + 0.90) = 2.72 × 3.90 = 10.608 dPOINT/day

Validator with no referrals:

2.72 × (6.0 + 0.00) = 2.72 × 6.00 = 16.32 dPOINT/day

Activity Requirements

To earn full dPOINT scores, participants must:

  1. Maintain Uptime: 95% availability (23 hours per day minimum)
  2. Complete Challenges: Respond to 2-3 daily Proof-of-Activity checks
  3. Stay Synchronized: Keep software updated and connected
  4. Pass KYC: Complete identity verification for platform access

Participants who don't meet requirements receive reduced scores:

  • Below 95% uptime: -50% reduction
  • Missed challenges: -30% per missed challenge
  • Offline periods: No dPOINT earned while offline

PAL Credential Bonuses

Platform Access License (PAL) holders receive additional scoring benefits:

PAL TierdPOINT CreditScoring Multiplier
Bronze Angel2,000-34,0000.75-1.00×
Silver Angel38,000-195,0001.01-1.75×
Gold Angel200,000-395,0001.76-2.75×
Platinum Angel400,0003.00×

PAL credentials provide one-time dPOINT credits and permanent multiplier bonuses for testnet participation.


Transparency & Verification

All dPOINT scoring is:

  • Publicly Auditable: Via dorsium.com/off-chain-explorer
  • Deterministic: Using open-source formulas
  • Verifiable: With SHA-256 transaction hashes
  • Transparent: Daily snapshots published

Participants can verify their scores anytime through:

  1. Off-chain explorer dashboard
  2. Downloaded CSV snapshots
  3. API queries with authentication keys

Important Disclaimers

  1. No Monetary Value: dPOINT has NO monetary value and never will
  2. Not Transferable: dPOINT cannot be traded, sold, or transferred
  3. Testnet Only: This is a testnet scoring system for technical testing
  4. No Guarantees: The scoring system may change based on testing needs
  5. Snapshot Preservation: dPOINT balances are preserved in snapshots for documentation purposes only

Technical Metrics

The Alpha Network tracks various metrics for system optimization:

  • Total dPOINT Issued: Publicly visible counter
  • Active Participants: Number of users earning dPOINT
  • Network Uptime: Overall system availability
  • Challenge Response Rate: Percentage of completed activities
  • Geographic Distribution: Testnet coverage by region

These metrics help improve the testnet and provide insights for technical development.


This document describes the current Alpha Network testnet scoring system. All specifications are subject to change based on testing requirements and community feedback.


Identity-Based Security

Dorsium secures the network through verified identity rather than capital requirements. Every participant undergoes KYC verification, making large-scale attacks prohibitively expensive and legally traceable.

Mobile miners complete government ID verification with selfie confirmation through an EU-compliant KYC provider. One account per verified identity is enforced.

Node and Validator operators complete all mobile requirements plus a live video call with Dorsium staff and payment verification through bank transfer to GRAVUJ MIKLOS-HENRICH PFA. Hardware serial numbers are registered and tracked.

This approach makes creating fake accounts at scale economically irrational. Attacking 34% of mobile miners would require thousands of verified government IDs with criminal liability for identity fraud. Node and validator attacks require significant hardware costs plus KYC bypass, creating both financial and legal barriers.

Privacy trade-off: KYC requirements trade user privacy for network accessibility and regulatory compliance. This design prioritizes Sybil resistance and MiCA alignment over anonymity. Users who prioritize privacy should use established pseudonymous blockchains like Bitcoin or Monero. Dorsium's identity-based model targets mainstream adoption where regulatory compliance is essential for long-term viability.

KYC Provider Independence

Dorsium uses third-party EU-compliant KYC providers rather than processing identity verification internally. This separation ensures Dorsium cannot selectively approve or reject users based on non-compliance factors.

KYC data is stored by the provider under GDPR requirements, not on Dorsium infrastructure. Dorsium receives only verification status (approved/rejected) and a pseudonymous identifier—not identity documents or personal data.

Provider selection criteria include EU regulatory compliance, GDPR certification, and data breach insurance. Provider details are published in transparency reports. If the current provider fails, migration to an alternative provider follows within 90 days without affecting user mining status.

Users banned for fraud or terms violation may appeal through a documented process. KYC rejection by the provider (identity verification failure) is separate from Dorsium platform bans (behavior violation).

Multi-Layer Protection

Mobile layer uses cross-device validation, activity verification, and biometric confirmation during onboarding.

Node layer operates with TLS 1.3 encrypted communication, DDoS protection via CloudFlare, geographic distribution requirements, and redundant validation paths.

Validator layer requires 2/3 BFT consensus for block finalization, implements penalty mechanisms for misbehavior, and uses multi-signature wallets for treasury operations.

Each tier operates independently. Compromising one layer does not compromise others.

Hardware Security

Nodes and Validators ship with pre-configured security: secure boot, encrypted storage (LUKS/BitLocker), firewall rules, SSH key authentication (no passwords), and automatic security updates. Physical security remains the owner's responsibility.

Users maintain custody through software wallets with BIP39 mnemonic backup. Hardware wallet integration is not supported.

Anti-Fraud Systems

Proof-of-Activity challenges users 2–3 times per 24-hour mining session with a 30-second response window. Device integrity verification prevents emulation.

Behavioral analysis flags suspicious patterns including impractical uptime (100% for extended periods), static GPS coordinates, automated response timing, and multiple account correlation from the same device or IP range.

Progressive penalties escalate from 24-hour suspension with warning, to 7-day suspension with 50% multiplier reduction, to permanent account termination. Users may appeal through Discord or Telegram with evidence review by the Core Team (Phase 1) or Advisory Board (Phase 2+). False positives result in penalty reversal.

Ban evasion is detected through KYC identity matching and device fingerprinting. Evaders receive immediate permanent bans with referral chain review.

Cryptographic Standards

Dorsium uses Ed25519 for digital signatures (Cosmos SDK native) with Secp256k1 available for Ethereum compatibility. SHA-256 handles all hashing operations. Both provide 128-bit equivalent security, considered secure through 2030+.

Private keys are stored in mobile secure enclaves (iOS Keychain, Android Keystore) with BIP39 mnemonic backup. Treasury wallets use multi-signature configurations.

The modular architecture allows cryptographic upgrades through governance when industry consensus on post-quantum standards emerges. Current algorithms align with Bitcoin and Ethereum security standards.

Security Audits

For the Alpha Network testnet, Dorsium implements ongoing security testing including external security reviews, penetration testing, and load testing at 10x expected capacity.

Bug Bounty Program under consideration for responsible disclosure. Submissions can be made through GitHub Issues or private email for critical vulnerabilities. The program would reward security researchers for finding vulnerabilities like consensus bypass or private key exposure.

Excluded from bounty: social engineering, physical security, third-party vulnerabilities, and known documented issues.


Current Testnet Governance

The Dorsium Alpha Network testnet operates under centralized governance to ensure rapid iteration and technical development during the testing phase.

Current Structure: The founder and core team manage all testnet operations with community feedback through Discord and Telegram channels. This centralized approach enables quick bug fixes, feature updates, and infrastructure adjustments essential for testnet development.

Community Participation: While the testnet remains centrally managed, community members participate through:

  • Feature requests and bug reports
  • Testing feedback and suggestions
  • Community discussions on improvements
  • Participation metrics tracking

Transparency: Regular updates provide:

  • Development progress reports
  • Community growth metrics
  • Technical improvements
  • Infrastructure updates

Why Centralized Testnet Management?

The Alpha Network testnet requires centralized management for practical reasons:

Technical Iteration: Testnet environments need rapid updates, bug fixes, and protocol adjustments that decentralized governance would slow significantly.

Resource Efficiency: Managing infrastructure, coordinating updates, and responding to issues requires quick decision-making that committees cannot provide during testing phases.

Regulatory Clarity: As a testnet validation platform (not a cryptocurrency), maintaining clear operational responsibility ensures compliance with applicable regulations.

Community Focus: During the testnet phase, the community focuses on testing, feedback, and improvement rather than governance complexity.

Community Feedback Mechanisms

The Alpha Network values community input through structured feedback channels:

Discord & Telegram: Active community discussions, feature requests, and bug reports.

GitHub Issues: Technical feedback and code contributions for open-source components.

Regular Surveys: Periodic community surveys to gauge satisfaction and gather improvement suggestions.

Testing Participation: Active testers provide valuable feedback through their participation metrics and direct reports.

Community Influence Scoring

While the testnet operates under centralized management, community member influence in discussions and feedback is weighted by their participation:

Influence Score = √(dPOINT balance) + Role Bonus + Activity Score + PAL Bonus

This formula ensures that:

  • Square root function prevents extreme concentration of influence
  • Active participants have more weight than passive holders
  • Different contribution types are recognized:
    • Mobile participants: +10 influence
    • Node operators: +30 influence
    • Validators: +60 influence
  • PAL holders receive recognition for early support
  • Activity scores reward consistent participation

Note: This scoring is for community feedback weighting only. The Alpha Network testnet has no formal governance voting as it operates under centralized management.

Testnet Development Priorities

The Alpha Network focuses on:

  1. Technical Stability: Ensuring robust performance and reliability
  2. Feature Development: Implementing and testing new capabilities
  3. Community Growth: Expanding the tester base for comprehensive feedback
  4. Infrastructure Scaling: Testing capacity and performance limits
  5. Security Testing: Identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities

Transparency Reports

Regular transparency reports include:

  • Development Updates: Progress on technical milestones
  • Community Metrics: Active participants, hardware distribution
  • Performance Statistics: Network uptime, transaction throughput
  • dPOINT Distribution: Scoring system statistics
  • Infrastructure Status: Current capacity and scaling plans

Future Considerations

While the Alpha Network operates as a centralized testnet, the platform design supports potential future evolution based on community needs and technical requirements. Any significant changes would be communicated transparently with ample notice to the community.

The focus remains on building a robust, scalable testnet that provides value through technical validation and testing capabilities.


Hardware Sales Model

The Dorsium Alpha Network sustains operations through hardware sales to testnet participants.

Current Model: Hardware sales fund testnet development and operations. Nodes sell for €635 and Validators for €950 (subject to market conditions). All hardware is assembled and shipped by the Dorsium team with KYC compliance and quality control. As of January 2025, early adopters have contributed through hardware purchases, supporting the Alpha Network testnet phase.

Bootstrap Philosophy

Dorsium operates independently without external investment to maintain full control over the testnet platform. Hardware sales fund development without investor obligations. The community participates through testing and feedback during the Alpha Network phase. Decisions are made for testnet participants, not investors.

This approach ensures sustainable operations focused on technical testing rather than financial returns. No external investors are involved in the project.

Hardware Pricing Rationale

Hardware prices reflect manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and support costs for testnet participation. Prices may change based on supplier costs, shipping rates, and market conditions.

Hardware purchases are one-time transactions for physical equipment. dPOINT scoring rewards are separate recognition for testnet participation. Dorsium makes no projections about future value as dPOINT has no monetary worth.

Users who already own compatible hardware may self-configure nodes without purchasing from Dorsium, earning identical dPOINT scores. Hardware purchase is a convenience option, not a requirement for participation.

Sustainability Model

Current Phase: Hardware sales fund Alpha Network testnet operations. Target is sustainable unit sales to cover operational costs.

Operational Costs: Infrastructure, development, support, and compliance are funded through hardware margins.

Risk Acknowledgment

Alpha Network testnet risks include development speed limited by hardware sales revenue, no financial safety net if sales decline, and centralized operations. These are managed through conservative resource allocation, quality-focused development, and transparent community communication.

Funding sustainability: Development and operations depend on hardware sales. If sales decline below sustainable levels, development pace may adjust accordingly. Testnet participants understand this operational model when joining the Alpha Network.

Economic Security

The testnet security model protects against attacks through KYC-based identity verification, hardware registration preventing duplication, and multi-tier validation architecture. See Security Framework for detailed threat analysis.


This document describes the Alpha Network testnet economic model. The platform operates as a technical testing environment with no cryptocurrency or token elements.


Dorsium development began Q1 2025 with research into accessible mining and the Hierarchical Delegated Consensus mechanism. Private hardware campaigns launched Q2 2025, attracting 35 early adopters. Public campaigns, the off-chain explorer, and deterministic backend scripts followed in Q3 2025.

Alpha Network launched December 31, 2025, as the testnet validation platform.

Key Innovations

Hierarchical Delegated Consensus (HDC) distributes validation across three tiers—mobile miners, nodes, and validators—with minimal energy consumption compared to proof-of-work systems.

Alpha Network Reward System uses deterministic off-chain calculations with SHA-256 audit trails, enabling transparent scoring for testnet participation.

Mobile-First Mining allows smartphone-based transaction validation without specialized hardware, making participation accessible to anyone with a modern phone.

Core Philosophy

Dorsium addresses validation system barriers: high participation costs, energy-intensive consensus, and technical complexity. The project prioritizes accessibility and fairness over pure technical metrics, enabling testnet participation for everyone rather than just the technically savvy or wealthy.


Technical Risks

HDC consensus is being tested through the Alpha Network testnet. The validation mechanism operates in a controlled testing environment. Partition recovery assumes reliable VPS infrastructure. System security is continuously monitored and improved during the testnet phase.

Operational Risks

Alpha Network operations are centrally managed by the founder and core team. Hardware sales are centralized for KYC compliance and quality control.

Regulatory Risks

Regulatory environment may evolve; Dorsium operates as a testnet validation platform. Country-specific technology regulations vary. KYC requirements may change over time.

Market Risks

The Alpha Network testnet is currently operational. Community growth and participation levels vary based on interest.

Economic Risks

Bootstrap funding relies on hardware sales without VC safety net. Operational sustainability depends on continued hardware sales and community participation.

Mitigation

Regular transparency reports maintain accountability. Security testing is ongoing throughout the testnet phase. Operations are transparently managed with community feedback. All testnet activities are documented and auditable through the off-chain explorer.


Conclusion

Dorsium Alpha Network provides an accessible testnet validation platform through mobile participation, three-tier HDC architecture, and transparent operations. With early adopters onboard and the Alpha Network operational, we are building a technical testing environment for distributed validation technology.

Technical innovations—deterministic backend scripts, hierarchical consensus, and identity-based verification—ensure efficient testing without requiring specialized hardware. The dPOINT scoring system tracks testnet participation and contribution.

Whether as mobile participant, node operator, or validator, your testing helps improve the platform. We focus on building a robust, accessible testnet for technical validation and experimentation.

Building accessible validation technology for everyone.


Appendices

A. Technical Specifications

Alpha Network Testnet Parameters

ParameterValue
EnvironmentTechnical testing platform
DatabaseSupabase PostgreSQL (off-chain)
Tracking MethodSHA-256 hashed activities
Scoring SystemdPOINT
Network ProtocolHTTPS API endpoints
AuthenticationKYC-verified accounts
Data ValidationServer-side verification
Activity MonitoringProof-of-Activity challenges

Activity Tracking

All testnet activities are tracked in an off-chain database with SHA-256 hashing for transparency. Participants can verify their scores through the public explorer at dorsium.com/off-chain-explorer.

Testing Parameters

The Alpha Network tests various consensus scenarios without an actual blockchain implementation. All parameters are subject to adjustment based on testing requirements and community feedback.

B. Contact

Website: dorsium.com Email: hello@dorsium.com

C. Glossary

TermDefinition
HDCHierarchical Delegated Consensus
dPOINTDorsium testnet scoring system
PALPlatform Access License
KYCKnow Your Customer
BFTByzantine Fault Tolerance

D. References

  1. Cosmos SDK Documentation
  2. CometBFT Consensus Papers
  3. Byzantine Generals Problem (Lamport, 1982)

E. Threat Model

Attack VectorCostDifficultyMitigation
51% Mobile MinersProhibitive (KYC)Very HighIdentity verification
34% Node Control€21,590 + KYC bypassHighVideo verification
34% Validator Control€32,300 + KYC bypassHighVideo verification
Cross-Tier Attack€53,890+ExtremeMulti-layer KYC
Sybil AttackProhibitive (KYC)Very HighDevice attestation
DDoS Attack€10,000/monthMediumCloudFlare + rate limiting
Smart Contract ExploitN/ALowExternal security audit

KYC requirements, video verification, and three-tier consensus make attack costs comparable to much larger networks despite lower hardware requirements.


Beta Versions

VersionDateStatusChanges
0.1.0June 2025Initial DraftProject concept and architecture design
0.2.0September 2025Internal ReviewIncorporated early adopter feedback
0.3.0November 2025Technical RevisionStreamlined structure
0.4.0January 2026CurrentAlpha Network focus, prose format

Beta versions reflect Alpha Network testnet development. The whitepaper evolves based on testnet results and community feedback. Technical specifications may change as the Alpha Network operates. All changes are publicly tracked.

Future Updates

Updates follow semantic versioning. Major versions (X.0.0) require comprehensive review. Minor versions (1.X.0) reflect feature additions. Patch versions (1.0.X) address corrections and clarifications. All changes are publicly announced with detailed changelog.

Transparency Commitment

Beta status reflects honesty about project stage—we are building, not finished. Community feedback shapes this document through the Alpha Network testnet operations.