Getting Started

This guide will help you get started with XBR for decentralized data trading and service microtransactions.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Python 3.9 or later installed

  • wamp-xbr installed (see Installation)

  • Basic familiarity with WAMP and Ethereum concepts

Understanding XBR

XBR (Cross-Bar Resource) is a protocol for:

  • Secure peer-to-peer data trading

  • Service microtransactions in Open Data Markets

  • Monetization of data and data-driven microservices

XBR builds on top of WAMP messaging and Ethereum smart contracts.

Basic Concepts

Data Markets

Open marketplaces where data providers and consumers can trade

Channels

Payment channels for off-chain microtransactions

Domains

Logical groupings of data markets

Membership

Participant registration in data markets

FAQ

What Blockchain options do I have?

  • Local Development Network: For testing and development

  • Public Ethereum Networks: Mainnet and testnets

  • Infura: Managed Ethereum node service

  • QuikNode: High-performance dedicated nodes (https://quiknode.io/)

  • Running your own Node: We recommend Go Ethereum (“geth”)

For a full geth node on a testnet, minimum requirements are:

  • 4GB RAM, 50GB disk (e.g. AWS EC2 t3.medium)

  • Full sync time: approximately 4 hours

Why run your own (public) Ethereum node?

  • Avoid queues to public/shared nodes during high-traffic periods

  • Higher chance of transactions being mined quickly

  • Event monitors for customized block explorers need complete transaction logs

  • Queue and cache batches of transactions

What are the gas costs for XBR operations?

Gas costs vary based on network conditions. See the XBR documentation for current estimates.

How to resolve MetaMask error “tx doesn’t have the correct nonce”?

If running a test blockchain that was restarted from blank state, MetaMask caches information about the network including completed transactions. Clear this cache by selecting a different network in MetaMask or reinstalling.

Next Steps