Intro

In this episode, Alejandro de la Torre, CEO and founder of Demand Pool, discusses the launch of their new Stratum V2 mining pool. Alejandro explains the importance of decentralization in Bitcoin mining, the risks associated with traditional mining pools, and how Demand Pool aims to create a fair and transparent system for miners. 

The conversation covers the differences between payout structures like FPPS and PPLNS, the innovative Slice payment system, and the role of translation proxies in facilitating mining operations. 

Alejandro also addresses the viability of mining pools and the importance of hash rate coordination. He also shares insights on global mining trends, the shift towards liquid cooling, and the challenges of censorship in the mining space. 

Takeaways

🔸Demand Pool aims to address decentralization concerns in Bitcoin mining.

🔸Stratum V2 allows miners to build their own blocks, enhancing decentralization.

🔸FPPS payout structure creates centralization risks for miners.

🔸PPLNS is a fairer payout method compared to FPPS.

🔸The Slice payment system ensures fair distribution of transaction fees.

🔸Transparency in payment systems is crucial for miner trust.

🔸Translation proxies are necessary for current mining operations.

🔸Demand Pool focuses on larger miners to achieve operational viability.

🔸Decentralization is essential for Bitcoin's value and ethos.

🔸Alejandro is committed to improving the mining ecosystem. Constant payouts to miners are achievable with sufficient hash rate.

🔸FPPS and PPLNS have significant differences affecting miner payouts.

🔸Security in mining pools is paramount to protect miners' interests.

🔸A good mining pool prioritizes safety and incremental improvements.

🔸Connectivity and latency are critical factors for mining efficiency.

🔸Stratum V2 offers advancements over traditional mining protocols.

🔸FPPS may become obsolete as transaction fees increase in importance.

🔸Global trends show a rise in Bitcoin mining initiatives, especially in Africa.

🔸Liquid cooling presents advantages and challenges compared to air cooling.

🔸Censorship resistance is enhanced with Stratum V2, but challenges remain.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:00) - What is Demand pool? 

(02:24) - What is Stratum V2?; Centralization risks in mining pools

(07:42) - Understanding FPPS payout structure

(12:52) - What is PPLNS ? 

(14:44) - What is the Slice payment system?

(18:53) - Difference between Demand Pool & OCEAN or Braiins

(21:05) - Sponsors

(23:35) - The role of translation proxy in mining; Current Stratum V2 support landscape

(27:34) - How much hash rate is required to be viable as a pool?; Mining payouts 

(30:24) - Impact of FPPS vs PPLNS on miners

(33:02) - How does Stratum V2 enhance the security of the pool?

(35:06) - What makes a ‘good mining pool’?

(38:34) - The role of good connectivity and latency in mining

(40:13) - Demand Pool vs SRI: A technical comparison

(42:53) - Why do miners choose FPPS over PPLNS?

(45:43) - Sponsors

(47:22) - Global Bitcoin mining trends

(53:52) - Liquid cooling vs Air cooling in Bitcoin mining

(55:50) - Is Stratum V2 censorship resistant? 

(59:07) - Closing thoughts

Links: 

• https://x.com/bitentrepreneur 

• https://x.com/DEMAND_POOL 

• https://www.dmnd.work/ 

• https://blog.dmnd.work/understanding-slice-pplns-jd/ 

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

• Lana by Galoy

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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