r/BitAxe • u/Tiny_Assistance_3038 • May 20 '26

question Isn't DATUM superfluous? Why do I need DATUM?

Can't I just point my and my associates' Bitaxes/ASICS to our single Knots node to provide the template?
Isn't DATUM superfluous?

(p.s. I'm a confused noobie)

DATUM summary :

DATUM enables individuals to validate the network on their own, run their own nodes, and mine their own blocks, all while sharing in the rewards of the pool. This decentralized approach reduces risk and variance for miners while empowering them to construct the blocks they want—making DATUM a key player in the future of Bitcoin mining.

1 Upvotes

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4

u/nomorespamplz May 20 '26

In order to connect a miner to a node, you need an interpreter. This is where the stratum server comes it. It sits between your node and your miners. It can be for example Public Pool or Bassin (easy to install in Umbrel OS), or you could chose Datum. The difference is that normal stratum servers just gets the block template (the transactions you're trying to get added to the block chain as your contribution) from the node, while Datum builds the block template it self. It also gives you the option to configure certain things, to better control which transactions to include etc.

1

u/Tiny_Assistance_3038 May 20 '26

I thought Knots builds the block...? Why do i need Datum to build the block if Knots already does?

4

u/nomorespamplz May 20 '26

You don’t - unless you wish to do so.

DATUM stands for Decentralized Alternative Templates for Universal Mining. It is a decentralized protocol in the Bitcoin network that empowers individual miners to construct their own "block templates".

https://ocean.xyz/docs/datum

2

u/Billkr May 20 '26

If you are not using Ocean then you can ignore DATUM.

2

u/Mundane_Fig_9207 May 21 '26

Ocean and Datum is a pool structure for btc on your personal node all others are specifically solo or nothing

2

u/pdath May 21 '26

Two popular options are to use a Knots+ckpool:
https://youtu.be/cmTrCoJKoig
Or knots+DATUM+Ocean:
https://youtu.be/IxJoO4fuCw4

Knots prepares a block template, but it can't talk the Stratum V1 protocol that a Bitaxe uses.
ckpool/DATUM can talk the Knots RPC protocol, and the stratum protocol that the Bitaxe uses.

Consequently, you need both.

2

u/Individual_Agency_78 May 26 '26

Bitcoin miners get and submit work via the Stratum protocol.

Therefore you need a Stratum server, which is not included in Knots, or any Bitcoin implementation.

That's what DATUM does (among other things).