# Technical Architecture

**Network Topology**

* **Entry Nodes:** Handle initial VPN connections and encrypt user traffic.
* **Middle Nodes:** Relay encrypted traffic through multiple, randomized hops.
* **Exit Nodes:** Decrypt the final layer and provide access to the open internet.

**Example Path:**

```markup
User → [Entry Node] → [Middle Node 1] → [Middle Node 2] → [Exit Node] → Internet
```

**Security Protocols**

* **Encryption Stack:**
  * Layer 1: WireGuard® (ChaCha20-Poly1305)
  * Layer 2: Onion routing with per-hop key rotation
  * Layer 3: DNS leak protection via encrypted DNS
* **Node Authentication:**
  * ZK-SNARKs for privacy-preserving compliance verification
  * Reputation scores based on uptime, latency, and security audits
* **Decentralized Governance**
  * **Proposals:** Submitted via smart contracts
  * **Voting:** Token holders vote based on stake weight
  * **Execution:** Automated by smart contracts