Last update: 6th August 2025.
At the edge of World Mobile’s network are the AirNodes, people-owned devices that form the physical layer of the network and deliver internet access to homes, shops, schools, and communities. AirNodes deliver the signal, but they don’t run the network. Behind them sits an equally important layer: EarthNodes, the systems that manage data, access, and decisions that keep everything working.
EarthNodes provide the compute layer for World Mobile. They don’t transmit Wi-Fi or cellular radio, and they don’t have to sit next to an AirNode. They can run in a data center, on a VPS, or on a well-provisioned home server.
EarthNodes turn network activity into verifiable, tamper-resistant records, making the system transparent, accountable, and auditable.
1. What Are EarthNodes
1.1 Definition
EarthNodes are distributed server nodes that execute the backend logic of the World Mobile network. Operated by individuals or organizations, they process data, verify usage, and enforce rules that keep the system reliable and secure.
Each EarthNode runs containerized software on a high-uptime machine (home server, VPS, or data-center instance). The design is flexible so operators can contribute from almost anywhere.
Unlike blockchain validators, EarthNodes do not produce blocks or take part in chain consensus. They are service nodes: they validate telecom events off-chain and submit cryptographic summaries on-chain to the World Mobile Chain (WMC). In practice, they:
1.2 ENNFTs
EarthNode NFTs (ENNFTs) are license NFTs[3], minted on Cardano, that grant the right to operate one EarthNode. Supply is capped at 1,000. Holding an ENNFT alone does not earn rewards; the associated node must be online and meet performance standards.
Unlike open node systems where anyone can spin up capacity, ENNFTs tie participation to a fixed, scarce set of operator slots. This aligns incentives with uptime and service quality rather than speculation.
World Mobile has outlined governance for ENNFT holders through an EarthNode DAO[4], giving operators a voice in upgrades, fees, and service expansion as that framework rolls out.
As the network grows, ENNFT value may reflect more than the rewards they enable: access to run core infrastructure, utility in the service layer, and participation in governance.
You can buy EarthNodes on JPG.STORE.
2. The Functions of EarthNodes in the Network
How the node types interact
World Mobile’s network architecture is built on three node types: AirNodes, EarthNodes, and AetherNodes. Each serves a distinct function within the system’s layered design.
- AirNodes operate at the edge of the network. They provide last-mile wireless coverage by connecting user devices via Wi-Fi or cellular radio.
- AetherNodes sit at the top layer. They connect the World Mobile network to external systems such as traditional telecom infrastructure. AetherNodes are operated by World Mobile or strategic partners. They coordinate inter-regional traffic and assist in onboarding and synchronizing AirNodes & EarthNodes.
- EarthNodes form the processing layer. They validate data from AirNodes/AetherNodes, authorize user, and commit verified summaries to the World Mobile blockchain.
Key Functions of EarthNodes
2.1 Identity and access control
When a user connects, EarthNodes verify identity using decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and on-chain access records. This removes any single, central sign-in server and keeps identity under user control.
2.2 Data verification and logging
Network activity (browsing, calls, messages) creates Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDRs). EarthNodes validate these records so they accurately reflect usage and haven’t been altered. This supports correct billing, fair rewards, and operational integrity.
2.3 Blockchain interfacing
EarthNodes send verified summaries to the World Mobile Chain (WMC). They may trigger smart contracts, submit usage batches, and update stake-related state. They do not run chain consensus; they supply the auditable inputs the chain records.
2.4 Service execution
Beyond core duties, EarthNodes can run optional services such as decentralized storage, VPN endpoints, or compute tasks. These run off-chain as plug-in modules, so new features can be added without changing the base protocol.
2.5 Governance and policy enforcement
Through on-chain proposals and voting, EarthNode operators can help set parameters (upgrades, fee rules, quality-of-service targets). Node software can enforce approved policies automatically.
2.6 Coordination and Security Model
After setup, EarthNodes join a secure peer-to-peer network using libp2p gossip[5]. Traffic is encrypted and authenticated with mutual TLS (mTLS)[6]. Each node verifies peer identities and message validity.
This mesh removes single points of failure. Nodes discover peers automatically, authenticate them, and exchange only validated messages, allowing the processing layer to scale horizontally and resist tampering.
3. EarthNodes and the World Mobile Chain
EarthNodes run the service layer of World Mobile. They process telecom workloads, operate optional services, and produce verified summaries. The World Mobile Chain (WMC) is the ledger that records usage, payments, governance actions, and other network-critical data.
Together they form a split architecture: EarthNodes handle high-frequency operations off-chain; WMC records verified summaries on-chain for transparency and auditability.
3.1 What is the World Mobile Chain (WMC)?
The World Mobile Chain is an Ethereum-compatible Layer 3 blockchain. It functions as a custom optimistic rollup designed specifically for telecom. WMC settles to Base (Coinbase’s Layer 2), which in turn settles to Ethereum mainnet. This layered structure combines the security of Ethereum with the scalability of Base and the telecom-specific customization of WMC.
WMC records authenticated usage, transactions, rewards and payments, all at telecom scale. It uses rollups and Arbitrum data availability to handle large volumes of telecom metadata efficiently, without congesting Base.
3.2 On-Chain & Off-Chain Roles
EarthNodes interact with WMC in two ways:
- On-chain: Submit usage summaries and session outcomes, trigger smart contracts, and update stake-related state. EarthNodes do not produce blocks or run chain consensus.
- Off-chain: Authenticate users, authorize sessions, validate IPDRs (Internet Protocol Detail Records), and run optional services (e.g., storage, VPN, compute).
EarthNodes batch verified usage with cryptographic summaries (Merkle trees)[7]. At intervals, they submit signed attestations of these summaries to WMC, which makes the results public and enforceable.
3.3 Why the Architecture Is Split
World Mobile separates the service and ledger layers to optimize for performance, scalability, and reliability. EarthNodes and WMC run in parallel, each with specialized responsibilities.
Performance. Telecom actions need sub-second response. Processing off-chain avoids on-chain latency and gas costs. Only aggregated proofs go to WMC.
Modularity. Service logic can evolve without chain upgrades. New modules can be added as plug-ins.
Scalability. EarthNodes coordinate off-chain using P-RAFT[8], a fast agreement protocol tuned for telecom workloads. They reach agreement on session events and usage records; WMC anchors final settlement.
Risk isolation. If one layer stalls or has a bug, the other keeps working. Chain congestion doesn’t halt live services; a faulty module can’t compromise the ledger.
Division of Responsibilities
| Component | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| EarthNodes | Process telecom data, validate usage, run optional services, initiate on-chain actions |
| WMC | Maintain economic state, execute smart contracts, store usage summaries |
EarthNodes produce the verified inputs; WMC provides the tamper-resistant ledger and incentives. The split keeps carrier-grade performance while preserving blockchain-level auditability.
3.4 Bootstrapping and Coordination: The Role of Lighthouse Nodes
EarthNodes handle the core processing behind the network. But when a new node first comes online, it can’t just connect by itself. It needs a way to find others, sync up, and stay aligned. That’s the job of Lighthouse Nodes.
Discovery and Peer Bootstrapping
A new EarthNode starts out in the dark, it has no idea where its peers are. Lighthouse Nodes solve this by acting as the first contact point. They provide the information needed for the node to discover others, join the network’s internal communication layer, and begin syncing data.
Update Coordination
EarthNodes run as containerized software, which makes them easy to manage and upgrade. When a new version is released, Lighthouse Nodes verify the container, distribute it across the network, and signal the EarthNodes to update themselves. This ensures every node is running the latest version without manual intervention.
That consistency helps prevent compatibility issues and keeps the network secure as it grows.
Network Monitoring
Lighthouse Nodes also play a monitoring role. They gather anonymous system metrics from active EarthNodes, like CPU load, bandwidth usage, uptime, and error logs. This gives the team a real-time view of the network’s health.
With this data, the system can spot issues early and make adjustments as needed. Over time, this monitoring will shift to a more decentralized model.
Temporary Role by Design
Lighthouse Nodes are designed to be temporary. As the network matures and more EarthNodes come online, they’ll start discovering peers and managing updates on their own, without needing help.
3.5 Secure Identity: TPMs
Every node in a decentralized network needs a way to prove who it is. Without that, the system can’t tell whether it’s dealing with a trusted participant or an imposter.
That’s where a Trusted Platform Module, or TPM, comes in. It’s a secure part of the system that holds cryptographic keys, signs messages, and checks that nothing has been tampered with.
World Mobile uses TPMs to:
- Authenticate EarthNodes
- Protect validation keys
- Detect tampering or unauthorized changes
Hardware and Software TPMs
Many EarthNodes run in the cloud without physical TPMs. To keep them secure, World Mobile built a hardened software TPM with:
- White-box cryptography, to obscure internal processes
- Secret-sharing, which splits keys into multiple pieces so no single part can be misused
- Runtime protections that block reverse engineering or timing-based attacks
During installation, the EarthNode checks the system:
- Use hardware TPM if present
- Otherwise, install software TPM automatically
Defending Keys in Memory
The real danger are keys sitting in RAM. That’s where attackers strike.
The software TPM aims to reduce key-exposure risk via:
- In-memory encryption
- Memory scrambling (dynamic, nonlinear data layout)
- Secure memory allocation
- Immediate memory clearing
Keys on disk are also split and stored using Shamir’s Secret Sharing[9], so no single file contains the whole secret.
4. Main Job: Validating the Data Layer (IPDRs)
One of the core responsibilities of EarthNodes is verifying network usage. In telecom, every call or data session generates logs. Phone calls produce Call Detail Records (CDRs); internet activity creates Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDRs). These include metadata like timestamps, duration, volume, and the node involved.
In legacy networks, usage data stays locked in centralized systems. In World Mobile’s decentralized architecture, EarthNodes validate IPDRs and anchor them on-chain, creating an auditable, cryptographically secured record of network activity.
4.1 How the Data Moves
- Connection and access: A user connects to an AirNode. Their identity and balance are verified before access is granted.
- Session logging: While the session is live, the AirNode creates IPDR entries, capturing how much data was used, when, and for what type of activity. These records are split into: public metadata (e.g. timestamp, session type) and private, encrypted details only the user can decrypt.
- Regional aggregation: IPDRs are sent to an AetherNode. It aggregates records and builds a Merkle tree: a cryptographic structure that condenses the dataset into one hash. Any tampering changes the hash, making fraud detectable.
- EarthNode verification: The Merkle root is distributed to EarthNodes. One EarthNode is selected as validator for that time window. Others verify the root, sign it, and share signatures.
- Consensus and submission: If a supermajority agrees, the validator submits a signed attestation to the World Mobile Chain. This creates a permanent, on-chain record confirming that the data batch was verified.
- Outcome: The system now holds an immutable proof of network usage. The raw IPDRs remain encrypted. Users retain access to their data. The network gains integrity without central control.
In conventional telecom networks, usage data is stored in closed systems with no external visibility. Users cannot access their records, and errors or fraud are difficult to detect or resolve.
World Mobile replaces closed telecom logs with decentralized validation. Independent EarthNodes verify IPDRs, and a cryptographic summary is immutably recorded on-chain.
Encrypted logs remain user-controlled and verifiable by anyone with access rights. This removes the need to trust any one entity. The system proves itself.
4.2 How Validator Selection Works
Each batch of IPDRs is assigned to a validator EarthNode. The validator collects signatures from other EarthNodes to confirm the Merkle root.
Rules include:
- All EarthNodes verify the data independently.
- A supermajority must sign before submission.
- If consensus fails, the batch is rejected or flagged.
This ensures no single EarthNode can alter data unilaterally.
4.3 What’s Inside an IPDR
Every IPDR captures a snapshot of verified network activity. Here’s what it could contain:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Timestamp | Start and end time of a session |
| Data Volume | Total bytes sent and received |
| AirNode ID | Which AirNode handled the session |
| Session Type | Browsing, VoIP, streaming, etc. |
| Destination Info | Encrypted info about accessed services |
| User ID Hash | An anonymized, DID-linked reference |
Only the user can decrypt the private fields. EarthNodes process and validate metadata while preserving privacy.
5. Value-Added Services
Once EarthNodes are online and performing core tasks, they can start supporting additional services. These optional modules allow operators to earn extra rewards by contributing compute, bandwidth, or storage resources. Each service comes with its own requirements and payout model, and operators choose which to run based on their hardware and legal environment.
5.1 Decentralized VPN | Optional | In Development
EarthNodes can serve as VPN endpoints, routing encrypted traffic for privacy-focused users. Unlike centralized VPNs, no single party controls the system. Users select a region or node, and traffic is tunneled through participating EarthNodes.
Operators need sufficient bandwidth and CPU performance. Payments are handled via WMTX. World Mobile will integrate this directly into the user app, making the VPN available as a simple toggle.
Example:
A user in Kenya wants to access a UK-only streaming site. They open the World Mobile app, turn on the VPN, and select a UK-based EarthNode. Their traffic is securely routed through that node, giving them a UK IP address.
5.2 Decentralized Storage | In Development
EarthNodes with available disk space can contribute to a distributed storage layer. Encrypted user files or network data are stored in small, redundant fragments across multiple nodes.
Only users with the correct keys can access their data. Operators are paid in WMTX for storage capacity and uptime. Early use cases may include internal storage needs, expanding later to support third-party apps.
5.3 Compute and AI Services | In Development
EarthNodes with high-performance CPUs or GPUs can run compute-intensive tasks. These may include AI workloads such as spam filtering, language translation, customer support bots, or detecting anomalies in network activity.
Operators that meet the required hardware standards can opt in. Rewards are based on successful task execution, with jobs coming from either the World Mobile network or third-party applications.
5.4 Identity, Payments, and IoT | In Development
Additional services may include:
- Decentralized identity verification for external platforms
- Local crypto-to-fiat payment functions
- IoT data processing, such as summarizing sensor data at the edge
These services reflect World Mobile’s mission to localize infrastructure and serve emerging digital populations. With many users accessing the internet for the first time, the network enables tailored services in finance, identity, and education, built close to where they’re needed most.
5.5 How do EarthNodes offer services
Each service module includes:
- A software component to install
- Eligibility rules (hardware, location, legal)
- A defined reward structure
Operators can choose which services to support. For example, VPN endpoints may require legal compliance in the operator’s country. Storage might require high-availability disks. AI modules may require GPUs.
User Integration
For users, these services are built into the World Mobile app or made available through developer APIs. Features like VPN routing or file storage work seamlessly in the background. EarthNodes perform the backend processing and earn rewards based on actual usage.
A Distributed Service Layer
Over time, EarthNodes will support multiple services at once. A single node could:
- Validate network usage
- Route VPN traffic
- Store encrypted data
- Run AI tasks
Together, these form a decentralized cloud built on community-run infrastructure. Services run closer to users, without centralized infrastructure, and revenue flows directly to operators.
This is the long-term goal: EarthNodes as a modular service layer powering telecom, digital services, and Web3 applications from the edge.
6. Roadmap
Current Development
| Area | Description | Progress |
|---|---|---|
| Live Developer Mainnet | EarthNodes are submitting verified usage data to the World Mobile Chain in controlled environments. |  Live |
| EarthNode Authentication | On-chain system allows nodes to prove ownership and join the network securely. | Implemented |
| High Availability Setup | Redundant controllers ensure backup services can take over automatically. | Implemented |
| Security and Audits | Ongoing code reviews, testing, and hardware protection planning (e.g., TPMs, HSMs). |  In Progress |
| Reputation System | Nodes will earn scores based on uptime, honesty, and performance. |  In development |
| P-RAFT Consensus | Fast off-chain coordination system deployed in basic form. | In development |
| EarthNode Governance | EarthDAO will let ENNFT holders vote on upgrades and policies. | In planning |
| Staking Mechanism (v2) | Staking will be introduced in version two of the EarthNode rollout. Version one focuses on installation, operation, and governance. | In planning |
What’s Next
| Milestone | Description | Progress |
|---|---|---|
| Public Mainnet Launch | Mainnet will open to all builders. | Live |
| Transition to EarthNode Staking | Core staking will shift to delegated EarthNode staking after the network goes live. | In development |
| Decentralized VPN | First optional module expected to launch. Users will route traffic through EarthNodes. | In development |
| Storage and Compute Modules | EarthNodes will support encrypted file storage and AI compute services. | In development |
| Third-Party Developer Support | APIs and service hooks will allow community developers to launch their own modules. | In planning |
7. Get Involved
EarthNode Staking
You don’t need to run an EarthNode to participate in the network. By staking your WMTx tokens, you can help support operations and earn rewards.
There are two ways to stake:
- Core staking lets you lock your tokens for a fixed period and receive a predictable return. It’s simple and doesn’t involve choosing a specific node.
- EarthNode staking allows you to delegate your tokens to a specific EarthNode. This increases that node’s reward share, and in return, the operator shares a portion of earnings with you.
Once the EarthNode network is live, delegated staking will replace Core staking.
How to Stake
Anyone with WMTx tokens can stake. You don’t need technical experience, just a supported wallet and a few minutes.
Follow the full step-by-step guide here:
How to Stake WMTx Tokens and Earn Passive Income
The guide covers:
- Setting up a wallet (Cardano or Base)
- Using the Vault staking platform
- How to delegate, unstake, and claim rewards
- Managing your stake over time
If you need help, check the FAQs in the guide or visit the help section at telco.club/help.
8. EarthNodes Operators
World Mobile is building the EarthNode ecosystem to be transparent and community-driven. As a delegator or user, you’ll be able to see which EarthNodes are active, how they perform, and what services they provide.
8.1 How to Become an EarthNode Operator
Running an EarthNode requires technical skills, capable hardware, and a financial commitment. Each node is linked to a unique EarthNode NFT (ENNFT), a blockchain license that grants the right to operate one node. Only 1,000 ENNFTs exist, making them intentionally limited.
Early participants locked 100,000 WMT (now WMTX) to claim an ENNFT. Unclaimed slots were later auctioned. Today, ENNFTs can be traded on secondary markets. Holding an ENNFT alone does not earn rewards. The node must be online and meet performance standards.
Technical Requirements
World Mobile uses built-in monitoring to verify that EarthNodes meet network standards. Only nodes that stay online, perform well, and respond reliably can earn full rewards or run advanced services.
Operators should be comfortable with system administration, including:
- Keeping uptime high
- Managing updates
- Monitoring system performance
Minimum and Recommended Specs
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2 cores @ 1.8GHz | 4 cores @ 2.4GHz |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Disk | 50GB SSD | 100GB SSD |
| Network | 50/50 Mbps | 500/500 Mbps |
Notes:
- CPU: AES-NI support is optional but helpful
- File system: ext4, XFS, or Btrfs
- Disk IOPS: 1000+ preferred
- Latency: <100 ms to regional IXPs/PoPs
- IP: Static preferred, dynamic accepted
- Firewall: Must allow P2P communication
Operating System Compatibility
EarthNode software supports:
- Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04 LTS
- Debian 11 or newer
- CentOS/RHEL 8 or newer
As of 2025, the EarthNode software is in final testing. World Mobile is onboarding early operators through testnets and a guided setup. A full mainnet launch is expected soon, along with additional tools and documentation for new operators.
8.2 How Are Rewards Calculated?
EarthNode rewards come from multiple sources. Delegators (stakers) earn a share of these rewards, minus a small commission set by the EarthNode operator. The exact reward calculations are still being finalized, but here’s what is known:
A. Inflation Rewards
Each epoch, new WMTx tokens are minted and distributed across EarthNodes and their stakers. This is a common bootstrapping mechanism in blockchain networks. In the early phases, yields may be higher to encourage participation. Over time, the inflation rate will decrease as the network grows. Rewards are allocated based on stake weight and node performance.
B. Network Usage Fees
Whenever users access the network, such as buying data or making calls, a portion of the fees is distributed to EarthNodes. These are real, usage-based earnings. Nodes that contribute more to validating and processing activity earn a larger share. As real-world usage grows through offerings like the USA phone plans, these fees are expected to become the primary source of EarthNode rewards.
C. Service Rewards
EarthNodes that opt in to provide additional services, like VPN or decentralized storage, earn rewards based on how much those services are used. For example, a VPN node may receive WMTx per gigabyte of relayed data. These rewards vary depending on demand and are only available to nodes that meet the service requirements.
D. Performance and Uptime
Rewards are tied to reliability. If a node goes offline or fails to complete validation tasks, its rewards for that epoch are reduced. There is no slashing of stake, but underperformance leads to lower earnings. High uptime and responsiveness are essential for maximizing rewards.
E. Delegation and Operator Fee
Each EarthNode sets a commission fee, which is taken from its total rewards. The remaining amount is distributed to all stakers in proportion to their delegation. Operators may adjust fees to attract more delegation or to remain competitive with other nodes.
Note: Final reward parameters will be outlined in the official EarthNode documentation. The structure above is confirmed, but specific rates and thresholds are still to be announced.
8.3 Visibility Through the Vault and Explorer
The Vault and blockchain explorer will list all registered EarthNodes. Each node has a unique ID and may also include a name set by the operator. Key stats include:
- Total stake (operator vs. delegators)
- Uptime and performance history
- Reputation score
- Enabled services
This lets delegators compare nodes and make informed choices.
Performance and Reputation
World Mobile is developing dashboards and monitoring tools to track node behavior. Metrics may include participation in consensus, validation success rate, response times, and service availability. Underperforming nodes will have visible performance drops, which affect rewards and delegation interest.
Community Monitoring
Outside official tools, the community is expected to publish third-party dashboards, rankings, or performance summaries.
We invite EarthNode operators to reply to this article with their setup and performance. We’ll start compiling a list of public EarthNode profiles in that thread.
A Decentralized Identifier (DID) is an ID you control yourself, not one issued by a central provider. Each DID points to a small “DID document” that lists public keys and optional contact points (“service endpoints”). Others can use those keys to verify your signatures or send you encrypted messages. You can rotate keys without changing the DID. ↩︎
An Internet Protocol Detail Record (IPDR) is a usage log for an internet session, generated by network devices. It records metadata (timestamps, duration, bytes used, session type, and which node handled it) not the content itself. IPDRs support billing, troubleshooting, and audits. In World Mobile, sensitive fields are encrypted and only cryptographic summaries are anchored on-chain. ↩︎
An NFT (non-fungible token) is a unique token on a blockchain that proves ownership of a specific item or right. Unlike fungible tokens (like currency), each NFT is distinct. The token stores an ID and metadata; transferring it moves the associated rights, not the underlying content (which is often stored off-chain). ↩︎
A DAO (decentralized autonomous organization) is a group that makes decisions with on-chain rules and votes instead of a single company. Members hold tokens or credentials to propose and vote; when a proposal passes (meeting quorum/threshold), smart contracts execute the action - like changing settings or spending from the DAO treasury. Discussion can happen off-chain, but the binding decisions and funds are controlled on-chain. ↩︎
A publish/subscribe protocol in the libp2p stack. Peers subscribe to topics and “gossip” messages to neighbors, so data spreads without a central server and keeps working as peers join or leave. ↩︎
TLS encrypts data in transit. With mutual TLS, both sides present certificates and verify each other before exchanging data, so impostors are rejected and the channel stays private. ↩︎
A Merkle tree summarizes many records into one short “root” fingerprint (hash). Each record is hashed; pairs of hashes are hashed again up the tree until a single root remains. If any record changes, the root changes. Anyone can prove a record is included using a small proof (the hashes along its path), without revealing all other data. ↩︎
An EarthNode-specific, Raft-style quorum protocol for fast agreement. A temporary leader proposes entries (e.g., IPDR events); a majority of peers must confirm before they’re committed. This tolerates some node failures as long as a majority is reachable, keeps latency low, and defers final settlement to the blockchain. ↩︎
Shamir’s Secret Sharing splits a secret (like a password) into pieces called shares. You set a threshold (the minimum number of shares needed). Any group with at least that many shares can rebuild the secret; fewer shares reveal nothing. ↩︎