Media Nodes: The Atomic Unit of Huddle01's dRTC Network
All about media nodes and how they work and function as the core of Huddle01 dRTC Network
Krupali Trivedi
Aug 1, 2024
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In our last blog, we dived into the workings of Huddle01's dRTC network.
The dRTC network represents a significant shift from traditional RTC(real-time communication) systems that rely on centralized data centres to route audio/video packets. Media nodes play a pivotal role in this transformation. This blog will give you all the information you need about Huddle01 Media Nodes and their role in the dRTC Network.
Globally distributed Media Nodes are critical entities of the dRTC network, responsible for managing communication data streams, and handling tasks like encoding, decoding, mixing, and routing - providing an alternate to centralized data centres. These nodes provide essential resources such as CPU and bandwidth, making the network scalable and reliable.
At its core, a Media Node is simply a computer program developed by Huddle01 that anyone can operate from anywhere. By contributing excess bandwidth, operators help maintain a high-quality, low-latency experience for all users on the Huddle01 dRTC Network.
How Do Media Nodes Work?
Traditional mesh networks require each participant to connect directly with every other participant, which can be complex and inefficient, especially as the number of users increases.
Media Nodes streamline this process by allowing participants to connect to a node, which then relays data between users. This reduces the overhead of direct connections and significantly enhances scalability and performance.
The global network formed by Media Nodes is dynamic and low-latency, utilizing WebRTC technology to transmit media efficiently.
Architecture of Media Nodes
Every Media Node consists of several components working together to process and route media streams:
WebRTC SFU Module: Manages WebRTC connections and routing of media packets.
RPC Module: Enables communication and coordinated actions between Media Nodes and also with the Orchestrator.
QoS Module: Advertises node capabilities to the Registry Network, monitors resource provision, and ensures Quality of Service.
API Module: Distributes public data from the media node, including health, usage, bandwidth metrics, geo-location, and more.
EVM Wallet Module: Serves as an identifier for Media Nodes and facilitates necessary on-chain actions.
Lifecycle of a Media Node
The lifecycle of a Media Node is straightforward:
Bootup: The Media Node initializes, starting the Media Engine with its capabilities.
Register: It advertises its capabilities to the Registry Network.
Orchestration: The node awaits instructions from the Orchestrator Network.
Quality of Service: Continuously runs to ensure the node delivers resources as advertised.
Setting Up and Running a Media Node
To run a media node, operators need a Media Node License, which is an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) provided by the Huddle01 protocol. This license acts as a unique identifier, preventing sybil attacks and ensuring that each node is legitimate. Operators who hold this license can contribute to the network by providing bandwidth and processing real-time communication data.
Running a Media Node is designed to be user-friendly. Huddle01 provides an easy-to-use Command Line Interface (CLI) that allows users to download and operate a node with just two commands. Partnerships with Node-as-a-Service organizations may soon enable one-click setup.
Requirements and Rewards
To operate a Media Node, users must meet minimum hardware requirements: 4 GB RAM, 4 CPU cores, 32 GB Disk Space and a 250 Mbps internet connection. During the initial testnet phase, operators are rewarded based on the bandwidth they provide and the time they stay online. Random will be taken snapshots once every 24 hours to determine these rewards.
Media Node Offering and Distribution
Participants in the node offering will have their details recorded in smart contracts, and media node license NFTs will be airdropped to their addresses. There are limits on the number of nodes each address can withhold per round, ensuring fair distribution. The node licenses are airdropped to the participants' addresses after the sale.
Media Nodes are the backbone of the Huddle01 dRTC network, facilitating high-quality, low-latency real-time communication. By understanding and engaging with this technology, users can play a crucial role in the decentralized communication revolution.
Whether you're a degen, a beginner or just a DePIN enthusiast, Media Nodes offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential of decentralized systems to democratize communication. As Huddle01 continues to develop and refine this technology, we can look forward to a communication landscape that's more open, resilient, and user-empowering than ever before.
Interested to read more about the Huddle01 dRTC Network?
Check out our Litepaper.
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