A suite of tools for managing blockchain transactions, generating cryptographic keys
and validating transactions securely on the blockchain.
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Is FACT0RN funded by Coinbase?
Yes, FACT0RN was entirely funded by the Coinbase Crypto Community Fund, which supports innovative projects within the cryptocurrency space.
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What is FACT0RN?
FACT0RN is an open-source Layer 1 blockchain that utilizes a Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism based on integer factorization. This means miners compete to solve complex mathematical problems involving factoring large numbers into their prime components, securing the network while contributing to valuable research.
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What makes FACT0RN unique?
FACT0RN's unique feature is its PoW system that focuses on integer factorization. Unlike traditional PoW based on hashing, FACT0RN harnesses miners' computing power to solve real-world mathematical challenges with applications in cryptography and research.
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Why is FACT0RN advanced?
FACT0RN's Proof of Work (PoW) approach is groundbreaking, as it defied the widely held consensus among cryptographers and blockchain developers that such a method was technically unfeasible. Escanor, however, overcame these challenges, successfully developing and implementing a PoW system that was previously thought impossible due to several technical barriers.
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What are the limitations of FACT0RN?
Currently, FACT0RN doesn't support smart contracts or decentralized applications (dApps). Its primary focus is on securing the network through integer factorization.
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How does FACT0RN empower Research?
FACT0RN is a platform designed for researchers and mathematicians, offering a unique "deadpool" feature that allows users to submit large numbers for factorization. By participating, users contribute to advancements in integer factorization techniques and support over a dozen academic factorization projects. The platform's competitive element further incentivizes the creation of more efficient algorithms, driving innovation in solving complex factorization problems.
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What can FACT0RN be used for?
FACT0RN's primary use case is as a "Factoring as a Service" platform. Users can submit complex numbers for factorization, while miners compete to solve them and earn rewards. The factored results have applications in various fields like cryptography and research.
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Why is FACT0RN a meter of conventional encryption security?
By pushing the boundaries of integer factorization, FACT0RN helps assess the capabilities of current computers. This knowledge can be valuable for strengthening conventional encryption algorithms by understanding the potential threats posed by advancements in factoring techniques.
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Does using FACT0RN require any specific skills or knowledge?
Running a FACT0RN node is similar to running a Bitcoin node, but with much lower hardware requirements—so much so that it can even be done on a Raspberry Pi.
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How do I start to contribute in the security of the network?
You can contribute to FACT0RN's network security by:
1. Mining: Use your computer's processing power to solve factorization challenges and earn rewards.
2. Running a Node: Operate a full node to help verify transactions and strengthen the network's decentralization. Instructions for running a node can be found on https://docs.fact0rn.io/node/running-a-node. -
How does the difficulty adjustment work?
FACT0RN employs an automatic difficulty adjustment mechanism to maintain a target block time of 30 minutes. This mechanism ensures the network remains secure and discourages malicious activities by adapting the difficulty based on the observed block times. - What if the average block time deviates significantly above the target block time of 30 minutes? This indicates the network might be under-powered. The nBits value is decreased, making it slightly easier to find solutions and bring the average block time closer to the target. - What if the average block time deviates significantly under the target block time of 30 minutes? This suggests the network might be overpowered. The nBits value is increased, making it slightly harder to find solutions and prevent the block time from becoming too short.
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How can I join the Team?
FACT0RN is an open-source project, so you can contribute to its development by forking the repos on https://github.com/FACT0RN/. You can also join the FACT0RN Discord Community at https://discord.gg/97BRNvJXst, this way you can participate in latest community efforts as they emerge.
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How does FACT0RN ensure quality and accountability?
Being open-source, FACT0RN's code is publicly accessible, allowing anyone to review and identify potential issues. This transparency fosters community involvement and helps maintain the code's quality. Additionally, the use of a decentralized network promotes accountability as no single entity controls the entire system.
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Why is FACT0RN open source?
FACT0RN's open-source nature aligns with the core principles of blockchain technology – transparency and decentralization. Open-source code allows anyone to verify its functionality and identify potential vulnerabilities, ultimately enhancing the security of the network.
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What algo does FACT0RN use?
We use all the following in stages: Sieve of Eratosthenes, Greatest Common Divisor (GCD), Elliptive Curve Method (ECM) and the Number Field Sieve (NFS).
- Prime factorization time doubles roughly every 16 bits
- This means mining becomes progressively harder as larger prime numbers need to be factored. (placed wrong)
- Block rewards doubles every 64 bits of difficulty increase.
- Incentivizes miners to contribute computational power to the network.
- Increases alongside the prime number size
- The Sieving Difficulty is doubling every ~8 bits and adds another layer of complexity to the mining process.
- As the difficulty increases, every semiprime factored is less likely to be a strong semiprime, which is required to mine a block.
- More and more master mining nodes are needed to sustain the same block time as the difficulty goes up, ensuring the scalability of the PoW consensus.