# Hybrid tracker: centralized routing + P2P gossip, Solana as source of truth

The tracker runs as a centralized service (we operate it) for fast, optimizable inference routing and node scoring. Nodes also gossip state via a lightweight P2P layer so the network degrades gracefully if the tracker is unavailable. Critically, Solana smart contracts are the authoritative source for stake balances, slash events, strike counts, and bans — the tracker can read this state but cannot modify it, preventing us from manipulating payouts even if we control the routing layer.

A pure DHT (like Petals uses) makes latency-aware routing and ban enforcement significantly harder to implement correctly. A purely centralized tracker is a single point of failure and a regulatory target. The hybrid gives us fast routing now with a clear path to decentralization as the network scales.

## Considered Options

- **Pure DHT**: resilient, harder to build good routing and enforce bans
- **Centralized only**: simple, single point of failure, we could manipulate payouts
- **Hybrid (centralized + P2P gossip, Solana authoritative)**: chosen
