How to mine Flux using ZelHash? (Node Requirements)

Understanding ZelHash Algorithm

1. ZelHash is a memory-hard, ASIC-resistant proof-of-work algorithm developed specifically for the Flux ecosystem.

2. It leverages a combination of RandomX and SHA-3 variants to ensure equitable distribution among GPU miners and prevent centralization through specialized hardware.

3. The algorithm dynamically adjusts memory access patterns during mining sessions to increase resistance against optimized firmware and timing-based side-channel attacks.

4. Each ZelHash block requires verification of both computational work and node identity via ZelID integration, binding mining activity to authenticated Flux nodes.

5. Difficulty recalibration occurs every 60 seconds based on real-time network hash rate and active node count, maintaining consistent block times around 60 seconds.

Minimum Hardware Specifications

1. A 64-bit x86_64 CPU with at least four physical cores and support for AVX2 instructions is mandatory.

2. Minimum RAM requirement stands at 8 GB DDR4, though 16 GB is strongly recommended to accommodate ZelHash’s memory-intensive dataset growth over time.

3. GPU acceleration is optional but not utilized by native ZelHash miners; the reference implementation runs entirely on CPU to preserve decentralization principles.

4. Storage must include at least 100 GB of available space on an SSD for the Flux blockchain database, Zelcore wallet cache, and runtime binaries.

5. Operating systems officially supported include Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Debian 12, and CentOS Stream 9 — Windows and macOS are not supported for production mining nodes.

Node Authentication and ZelID Integration

1. Every mining node must register a valid ZelID, a decentralized identity anchored on the Flux blockchain using Ed25519 key pairs.

2. ZelID registration requires staking 1000 FLUX tokens, which remain locked while the node participates in consensus or mining operations.

3. The ZelID must be linked to a public IP address or a stable domain name resolved via Flux DNS, enabling peer discovery and reward routing.

4. Node uptime is continuously monitored; failure to respond to heartbeat signals for more than 15 minutes triggers temporary suspension from mining eligibility.

5. Rewards are distributed exclusively to the ZelID’s associated FLUX address, with no intermediary wallets or third-party pools permitted in the native protocol.

Software Stack and Configuration

1. The official Flux daemon (zelcashd) must be compiled from source using the v7.0.0+ tag or installed via the Flux package repository.

2. Mining is enabled by setting gen=1 and genproclimit=-1 in the zelcash.conf file, allowing full CPU core utilization.

3. The configuration must include zelid=your_zelid_hash to bind mining output to a registered identity.

4. RPC authentication is enforced by default; users must generate credentials using the fluxrpcpassgen utility before launching the daemon.

5. Log verbosity can be adjusted with debug=zelhash to monitor hashing iterations, memory initialization, and difficulty acceptance events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I mine Flux using a cloud VPS?A: Yes, provided the VPS meets all CPU, RAM, and OS requirements and allows persistent background processes. However, most low-cost VPS providers restrict high-CPU usage, leading to frequent process termination.

Q: Is GPU mining supported for ZelHash?A: No. ZelHash is intentionally designed without GPU kernel support. Any third-party GPU miner claiming compatibility is unofficial and incompatible with Flux consensus rules.

Q: What happens if my node loses internet connectivity during mining?A: Blocks mined offline will be orphaned upon reconnection. The node automatically resyncs headers and resumes mining only after validating the latest chain state.

Q: Do I need to run a full Flux node to mine?A: Yes. Mining requires full blockchain synchronization and continuous validation of incoming transactions and blocks. Light clients or SPV modes are not supported for mining participation.