Design Overview
Last updated
Last updated
The Impossible Cloud Network (ICN) operates through a decentralized infrastructure built on the contributions of Hardware Providers (HPs) and Service Providers (SPs). This design ensures scalability, flexibility, and security by leveraging decentralized technologies that offer a more resilient alternative to traditional, centralized cloud architectures.
This section provides an in-depth overview of the core components of ICN’s architecture, explaining how each part contributes to a seamless, robust cloud service.
A high-level overview of network architecture is depicted below:
Hardware Providers (HPs): Hardware Providers supply the raw computing power to the ICN network. They contribute servers and other computing resources that are provisioned as virtual machines for Service Providers. HPs play a vital role in ensuring the network has the necessary capacity to meet demand, and in return, they are rewarded in ICNT.
Service Providers (SPs): SPs utilize the network resources contributed by HPs. They run cloud-based services, from storage to compute operations, using ICN’s virtualized infrastructure. SPs provide ICNT for access, ensuring the network’s economy remains balanced and sustainable.
SLA Oracle Nodes (ONs): The Oracle Nodes are responsible for monitoring the performance of virtual machines provided by the HPs. These nodes enforce the Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring that resources supplied meet certain performance and availability thresholds. Oracle Nodes audit both the HPs and the SPs to maintain transparency and reliability across the network.
ICN Protocol (ICNP): The ICN Protocol coordinates between different participants of the network, such as HPs, SPs, and ONs. It relies on smart contracts to automate transactions and ensure that network operations remain secure, verifiable, and immutable.
Data Availability Network (DA Network): This decentralized storage system ensures that the off-chain data needed for SLAs and Oracle Node operations is securely stored and made available whenever necessary. It provides a scalable, permissionless data layer that enhances the network’s decentralization.
Presentation Layer: The presentation layer provides the interface through which SPs, HPs, and ON operators interact with the network. This graphical user interface (GUI) includes a Management Console where users can monitor their hardware contributions, manage virtual machines, and interact with ICN smart contracts and protocols.
The ICN architecture operates via a streamlined workflow that ensures efficiency and accountability:
Resource Allocation: HPs commit their resources to the ICN protocol, making these resources available for SPs to reserve through booking transactions. Available resources are visible, allowing SPs to select and reserve capacity by submitting a booking request, which ensures fair and efficient allocation of network resources.
Monitoring and Auditing: Once resources are allocated, Oracle Nodes monitor their performance in real time, auditing SLAs to ensure that HPs meet high performance standards and that SPs receive the resources they require. Oracle Nodes report breaches or penalties, which are then enforced by the ICN Protocol's smart contracts. This ensures that SPs receive the quality of service expected.
Reward Distribution: HPs are rewarded for providing capacity and maintaining SLA compliance. SPs are charged fees based on their usage, and a portion of these fees is used to sustain the network, with excess funds potentially redistributed to the ICN Treasury.
ICN is a decentralized initiative, operating with a high degree of transparency and governance with open collaboration as a key goal. Every transaction is verifiable, and every significant decision is subject to community approval.
The network's decentralized governance model allows participants to influence network policies, resource allocation, and future developments. This collaborative approach not only builds trust but also supports the sustainable growth of the ecosystem.
