FAQ

Network & Sub-network

What's the difference between the Hypertensor blockchain and subnets?

The blockchain is the on-chain consensus and execution layer. Subnets are sidelayers that run in parallel to the Hypertensor's on-chain consensus mechanism.

What is a subnet?

A subnet is a decentralized sidelayer, similar to an L2, a mesh of nodes in a distributed hash table that compete or collaborate on a task or tasks, such as inference and training.

Each subnet is essentially a decentralized & open AI startup company. For example, enabling anyone to serve or validate AI models for the company in return for rewards (Think: What if OpenAI allowed anyone to host their models in return for income?).

How are subnets decentralized?

We took blockchain technology and stripped all of the computational limitations that prevent AI from being served and executed on-chain, and created what we now call the Subnet Template.

How do you ensure or verify that sub-networks are decentralized?

Overwatch Nodes. In short, Overwatch Nodes ensure subnets are decentralized, true, and consensus is accurate.

Who makes the subnets?

Developers who specialize in blockchain or AI development.

How can I build a subnet?

Visit the Build A Subnet section of the documentation.

How can I run nodes in subnets?

Visit our Discord or contact subnets to learn how to deploy a node.

Can subnets communicate with each other?

Currently, no, although in the future we plan on creating interoperability by introducing one big DHT (distributed hash table) of subnets (integrating each subnet's primary DHT) to allow for optional communication.

Are nodes in subnets validating or mining blocks?

No, nodes in subnets produce work specific to the subnet itself, such as inference or training, and are scored based on their work within the subnet under a proof of useful work mechanism.

What are all of the node types?

• Subnet Nodes

• Overwatch Nodes

Token

What is the difference between TENSOR and Wrapped TENSOR?

TENSOR is the native coin only available on the Hypertensor network. Wrapped TENSOR is a digital asset that represents TENSOR on non-native blockchains such as Ethereum.

How to bridge between Hypertensor and Ethereum?

You can bridge bidirectionally between Hypertensor and supporting blockchains by going to bridge.example.com.

Does Hypertensor maintain the bridge?

No, the bridge was built and is maintained by Round Table 21.

Hypertensor is committed to decentralization and the cypherpunk vision. Leveraging the community to bootnode the first bridge is a step in that direction, increasing censorship resistance and decentralization.

What is TENSOR used for?

TENSOR is used to pay for transaction fees, computational services, and subnet deployment.