<p>TorCoin
is an alternative cryptocurrency, or altcoin, based on the Bitcoin
protocol [8]. Unlike Bitcoin, its proof-of-work scheme is based on bandwidth
rather than computation. To \mine" a TorCoin, a relay transfers bandwidth
over the Tor network. Since relays can sell TorCoin on any existing altcoin
exchange, TorCoin e ectively compensates them for contributing bandwidth
to the network, and does not require clients to pay for access to it.</p>

<p>For more info, see the <a href="https://petsymposium.org/2014/papers/Ghosh.pdf" rel="nofollow">white paper on TorCoin</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-25T19:39:25.120Z
2016-10-25T19:39:25.120Z
user2716556
<p>The tor network relies on volunteers providing bandwidth. This is a limiting factor of that system, since there is currently no direct benefit by operating a tor relay.</p>

<p>As I understood, TorCoins are altcoins that can be mined by providing bandwidth to the system. But how would a Proof-of-Work mechanism work for such a system? </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-28T21:45:20.747Z
I know nothing of TorCoin, but reading your question it sounds that it doesn't use PoW at all, but some Proof-of-Bandwidth. How they do that without it being gameable, I have no idea.
Jannes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-01T08:11:16.347Z
I try to understand [this paper](http://www.robgjansen.com/publications/torpath-hotpets2014.pdf). The difference between PoW and PoB (Proof-of-Bandwith) is that there is more than one entity needed to bring that Proof. Thats my limited understanding of the concept so far.
wuza
<altcoin>
How do TorCoins work?
wuza
# How do TorCoins work?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-02-28)

The tor network relies on volunteers providing bandwidth. This is a limiting factor of that system, since there is currently no direct benefit by operating a tor relay.

As I understood, TorCoins are altcoins that can be mined by providing bandwidth to the system. But how would a Proof-of-Work mechanism work for such a system?

**Tags:** altcoin

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I know nothing of TorCoin, but reading your question it sounds that it doesn't use PoW at all, but some Proof-of-Bandwidth. How they do that without it being gameable, I have no idea.  
> **username_0**: I try to understand [this paper](http://www.robgjansen.com/publications/torpath-hotpets2014.pdf). The difference between PoW and PoB (Proof-of-Bandwith) is that there is more than one entity needed to bring that Proof. Thats my limited understanding of the concept so far.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-10-25. Score: 1

TorCoin
is an alternative cryptocurrency, or altcoin, based on the Bitcoin
protocol [8]. Unlike Bitcoin, its proof-of-work scheme is based on bandwidth
rather than computation. To \mine" a TorCoin, a relay transfers bandwidth
over the Tor network. Since relays can sell TorCoin on any existing altcoin
exchange, TorCoin e ectively compensates them for contributing bandwidth
to the network, and does not require clients to pay for access to it.

For more info, see the [white paper on TorCoin](https://petsymposium.org/2014/papers/Ghosh.pdf).


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