Introducing R5 Network
R5 is a project that revisits the proof‑of‑work consensus mechanism on EVM networks to create a highly performant and secure blockchain. It is capable of processing over 1,000 transactions per second while leveraging battle‑tested architecture and privacy features. It also creates a more just and fair economic dynamic for market participants, users, and miners.
You can read the protocol’s whitepaper for a more comprehensive overview of the research behind the project.
R5: Revisiting Highly Performant Proof-of-Work Networks (Whitepaper)
| Feature | R5 | Ethereum |
|---|---|---|
| Consensus Mechanism | R5 Proof-of-Work | Proof-of-Stake |
| Mining Algorithm | Ethash-R5 | n/a |
| Max. Theoretical Throughput | > 1,000 tx/s | 119 tx/s |
| Gas Processing (Go Client) | > 100 Mgas/s | ~ 1.25 Mgas/s |
| Max. Block Size (in gas) | 147,000,000u | 30,000,000u |
| Base Fee (in gas) | 21,000u | 21,000u |
| Target Block Time | ~7s to 10s | ~12s |
| Default Caches in Memory | 3 | 2 |
| Default Datasets in Memory | 3 | 2 |
| Transaction Pool Buffer | 8,192 | 4,096 |
| Smart Contract Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Privacy | ✓ | X |
Consensus Mechanism
The R5 Network employs a proof-of‑work (PoW) consensus based on an improved version of Ethereum’s Ethash algorithm called Ethash-R5. This updated algorithm incorporates key enhancements in cache and dataset generation, along with additional sequential mixing rounds in the hashimoto work function. The result is faster block confirmation times, more predictable emission, and improved security while maintaining (almost) full compatibility with Geth.
zkNet: Enhanced Privacy
zkNet is a privacy protocol built on the R5 Network, specifically designed to obfuscate transactions using Private Internal Addresses. This distinctive feature enables users to interact within a private subnetwork with an independent ledger of accounts and transactions. zkNet caters to individuals who value their privacy and wish to manage their digital assets discreetly.
This feature is currently under development.
R5 Coin
The R5 Coin is the native token of the R5 Network. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of the protocol and supporting its economic architecture. The total supply of R5 Coins is capped at 66,337,700. This fixed supply helps to maintain scarcity and can contribute to the token’s value over time.
Mining rewards are halved at the start of each Super Epoch, and the number of blocks in each Super Epoch increase in a geometric progression with a common ratio of 2. You can read the full Litepaper regarding the protocol’s economic framework for more information.
R5: Emissions & Economic Framework (Litepaper)
Circular Economy
R5 is a full-package ecosystem that enables a circular economy, foster innovation, and create real-world opportunities for users.
A circular economy is a system where participants actively accept and use a currency within the ecosystem, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of value. Instead of cashing out to fiat, you pay and get paid in R5 coins, ensuring that value remains within the network.
When merchants, freelancers, businesses, and individuals earn, spend, and reinvest in R5, they are no longer dependent on traditional banks, payment processors, or even government-issued money. They are truly in control.
More Information
You can get more technical information about the protocol at the documents library and in its canonical code repositories on GitHub.
For general information about features, use cases, research, compatible wallets, and how to connect, you can visit the network’s website at https://r5.network. Feel free to join the community in one of R5’s social media platforms:
Discord: https://discord.gg/yQ7JDsAf5JTelegram: https://t.me/r5labsReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/r5networkYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@r5networkGitHub: https://github.com/r5-labs
Important Disclosure
The protocol as a whole is a work-in-progress, so we cannot guarantee that you will face issues, bugs, and glitches while using it. It is a beta-stage piece of software and you need to be aware of the risks before start using it. Some of the features of the protocol – such as zkNet, for example – are still under development and not available to the public.