BunkerCoin Documentation

Technical specification and implementation details

"Low-Bandwidth Blockchain Protocol for Censorship-Resistant Infrastructure"

by Anatoly Yakovenko

Founder of Solana Labs | Original Architect of Proof of History

// abstract

This paper presents a novel blockchain consensus mechanism designed for extreme low-bandwidth environments, capable of operating over shortwave radio frequencies with MTU constraints as low as 300 bytes per transmission.

The protocol utilizes recursive Poseidon hash functions, Proof of Elapsed Time (PoET) Verifiable Delay Functions (VDF), and Groth16 zero-knowledge proofs to achieve Nakamoto consensus in environments where traditional blockchain protocols fail.

When centralized infrastructure fails—whether through natural disasters, network outages, or censorship—BunkerCoin's protocol ensures transaction finality through decentralized shortwave radio networks, making it truly censorship-resistant and infrastructure-independent.

// introduction

Traditional blockchain networks rely heavily on high-bandwidth internet infrastructure. When this infrastructure is compromised—through natural disasters, network outages, or censorship—these networks become inoperable.

BunkerCoin addresses this critical vulnerability by implementing a blockchain protocol specifically designed for shortwave radio transmission. With a maximum transmission unit (MTU) of 300 bytes and the ability to operate on frequencies as low as 3-30 MHz, the protocol maintains consensus even when traditional internet infrastructure is completely unavailable.

// technical architecture

Recursive Poseidon Hash Functions

hash(block_n) = Poseidon(hash(block_n-1) || tx_merkle_root || timestamp_vdf)

The protocol employs recursive Poseidon hash functions optimized for SNARK-friendly computation. Each block header is compressed to exactly 32 bytes, allowing multiple block confirmations within a single 300-byte radio transmission.

Proof of Elapsed Time VDF

Unlike traditional Proof of Work, BunkerCoin uses Verifiable Delay Functions to establish consensus timing. This eliminates energy waste while providing cryptographic proof of elapsed time between blocks.

output = RSA-VDF(input, T) where T = block_time_seconds * difficulty

Groth16 Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Transaction validity is proven using Groth16 zk-SNARKs, compressing potentially large transaction sets into constant-size proofs of approximately 192 bytes. This allows the entire network state transition to be validated within the 300-byte transmission limit.

// protocol specification

Radio Packet Structure

┌─────────────────┬──────────┬─────────────┬──────────────────┐
│ HEADER (8 bytes)│ TYPE (1) │ SEQ (2)     │ PAYLOAD (289)    │
├─────────────────┼──────────┼─────────────┼──────────────────┤
│ Protocol Magic  │ Msg Type │ Sequence #  │ Compressed Data  │
└─────────────────┴──────────┴─────────────┴──────────────────┘
                        Total: 300 bytes (MTU limit)

Consensus Mechanism

  1. Validators compute VDF for next block slot
  2. Fastest VDF computation broadcasts block proposal
  3. Other validators verify VDF proof and transaction validity
  4. Consensus achieved when 67% of stake confirms via radio

Network Topology

The network operates on a mesh topology where each node maintains shortwave radio contact with nearby validators. Long-distance communication is achieved through atmospheric radio wave propagation, requiring no terrestrial infrastructure.

// use cases

Disaster Response

When earthquakes, hurricanes, or other disasters destroy communication infrastructure, BunkerCoin maintains financial operations via radio.

Remote Operations

Financial services for remote research stations, ships at sea, and other locations beyond internet reach.

Censorship Resistance

Operates independently of internet infrastructure that can be controlled or shut down by authorities.

Infrastructure Backup

Provides redundant communication when primary networks fail or experience outages.

// performance analysis

Block Time:
30 seconds
Transaction Throughput:
~500 TPS (compressed)
Radio Frequency:
3-30 MHz (HF band)
Maximum Range:
Global (via ionosphere)
Power Requirement:
100W transmitter minimum
Finality:
~3 minutes (6 confirmations)

// conclusion

BunkerCoin represents a paradigm shift in blockchain resilience. By operating independently of internet infrastructure, it provides a genuine backup financial system for scenarios where traditional networks fail.

The protocol's unique combination of radio-optimized consensus, zero-knowledge compression, and shortwave transmission creates an unprecedented level of censorship resistance and infrastructure independence.

When everything goes down, BunkerCoin stays up.

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