What is ant$?
ANT$ is IoDLT’s decentralized, permissioned data aggregation protocol that uses Symbol to incentivize data gathering, as well as facilitate data aggregation for DLT applications in general. In short, it provides a common protocol for reading and writing data to Symbol. ANT$ is a second layer protocol, meaning it utilizes Symbol’s features to build the protocol on a second layer level.
ContainersThe purpose of this feature is to provide an updatable, and configurable method to store persistent information about quite literally anything. This object can be a deal, a batch in a supply chain, or an individual product. Either way, it’s a more individualized version of the existing Archive, which is more like a datastore, whereas this is a dynamic, updatable object on the chain. A container’s logs can be updated by providing a new version referencing the previous log.
Container LogsA report here is referred to as a “Log”. Logs represent a state change to the container. A log has to be approved by the owner before it is added to the container. This means all logs are aggregate bonded transactions, requiring the cosignature of the owner(s) of the container.
SchemasMultiple, on-chain JSON schemas can be assigned to a container. Each schema represents a set of fields specified by the archive owner. These fields can be a JSON object (Typescript Interface, checked for type-correctness), string, number, or boolean.
IdentityThe purpose of this feature is to provide a concept of contextual identity to accounts using ANT$. A singular account can be assigned multiple identities, but ultimately has a base identity that signified their participation in the system. The initial identity is self assigned, whereas concurring identities are assigned by others. This identity can be used to log to containers, and only certain identities can be preapproved to log to containers.
IncentivizationANT$ offers the option of incentivizing data sent to containers. This means that, if a user submits information that is deemed correct, they can be compensated based off of an incentivization schema that is attached to the container.
What is DLT?
Distributed ledger technology, also referred to as blockchain, is a global, distributed accounting system / ledger that uses a consensus algorithm to verify blocks (in most cases). It provides a globally-agreed version of truth and state of events amongst multiple participants in the network. To accomplish this, all peers in the network agree on a version of the chain.
We use Symbol as the base for ANT$, where ANT$ uses Symbol’s features to create the aforementioned functionality.
WHAT IS SYMBOL?
Symbol is an open source solution that supports a wide range of built-in, core features that will greatly aid in this project. Symbol also features a highly customizable extension and plugin system, which enables for any extra functionality that may come as a result of our experiments to be implemented with relative ease for commercial use. Extensions extend the core server’s functionality, while plugins define alternate or new ways to change the ledger’s state. Symbol does not only serve as a simple payment gateway - its functionality enables for more comprehensive applications that are ideal for data aggregation as well as monetization, such as:
● Account Metadata - The ability to assign arbitrary data to an account.
● Namespaces - Unique, on-chain domains that are linked to an account. ● Account Restrictions - Account white / black lists (access control).
● Configurable Assets - The ability to easily create a certificate that is non-transferable. ● Aggregate Transactions - One time, atomic smart contracts that allow for a series of state changes to be executed at once on-chain.
● Multi level, multi signature account logic - Accounts can co-own other accounts representing assets, entities, or for access control purposes via signatures.
● On-chain Receipts - produced as a result, or lack thereof, of the ledger. A form of error checking in some cases.
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