The Open Network

2 min read

Pronunciation

[thuh oh-puhn net-wurk]

Analogy

The Open Network is like a futuristic city transportation system that adjusts its routes and capacity in real-time based on passenger demand. Instead of fixed subway lines that can become congested (traditional blockchains), creates new transportation lines instantly when needed (dynamic sharding), allows vehicles to travel in parallel (multi-threading), and implements an advanced traffic management system (asynchronous ) that doesn't require all vehicles to stop at the same intersections, dramatically increasing the number of passengers (transactions) the system can handle simultaneously.

Definition

A layer-1 designed for high performance and using a unique multi-blockchain architecture, asynchronous , and dynamic sharding. Originally developed by Telegram as the Telegram Open Network before being decentralized and relaunched by the community, aims to serve billions of users with near-instant transactions and functionality.

Key Points Intro

provides a platform designed from first principles to achieve internet-scale operations.

Key Points

Implements a multi-blockchain architecture with a masterchain and dynamically created workchains.

Uses asynchronous consensus and infinite sharding to achieve high throughput.

Features Turing-complete smart contracts with formal verification capabilities.

Designed with integrated services including DNS, payments, and decentralized storage.

Example

allows users to send Coins with times of about 1-2 seconds regardless of network load, demonstrating the 's high-performance capabilities. The same infrastructure supports complex applications like Megaton Finance (a platform) while maintaining these near-instant times, showcasing 's ability to scale for both simple transfers and complex interactions.

Technical Deep Dive

implements several innovative technical mechanisms: (1) A Masterchain that coordinates multiple workchains, each of which can split into 2^32 shardchains as needed for dynamic load balancing; (2) Asynchronous using Proof of with a Byzantine Fault Tolerant that doesn't require all validators to communicate directly; (3) Hypercube routing that allows messages to travel between any two shards efficiently without passing through the masterchain; (4) The (TVM) for with formal verification capabilities; and (5) Instant Hypercube Routing that enables reliable messaging between contracts on different shards. The uses a unique storage approach called bag of cells, where data is organized into small, linked cells rather than a single linear structure, enabling efficient manipulation. 's governance includes the Foundation and decentralized selection through mechanisms. The network supports novel cryptographic primitives including for privacy and advanced threshold signatures for multisignature wallets. The development ecosystem uses languages including FunC and Tact for smart contracts, with tools like Sandbox for testing and .

Security Warning

As a relatively new ecosystem, 's innovative technical architecture hasn't undergone the same level of security hardening through long-term operation as more established blockchains. Exercise appropriate caution when deploying high-value applications, particularly those using advanced features like cross-shard communications.

Caveat

While 's architecture is theoretically capable of extreme , the practical realization of its full potential depends on continued development and adoption. The project's complex history—including its original development by Telegram, subsequent abandonment due to regulatory concerns, and community revival—has created challenges for ecosystem continuity. Additionally, some of its most advanced features remain in development, with the ecosystem still maturing compared to longer-established platforms.

Related Terms

TON

Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Glossary

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