> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cortensor.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cortensor.network/community-and-ecosystem/community-testing/closed-alpha-testing-phase-4.md).

# Closed Alpha Testing Phase #4

## **Stress, Scale, and Stability**

Phase #4 marks a critical milestone in the Cortensor Closed Alpha Testing series, designed to push the decentralized AI infrastructure through intensive real-world validation. With major modules now live across DevNet5, this phase will focus on system-wide coordination, stress testing, and scalability verification. Participants who contribute to this critical evaluation will be rewarded in $COR based on performance, uptime, and participation metrics.

### Contest Rules

#### Stake Requirement

* **New Participants**: Stake 4,000 $COR per node (Pool 3) to qualify for Phase #4.

#### Node Uptime

Maintain active, responsive nodes over a 30–45 day window to qualify for full rewards.

#### Bug Reporting

Participants are expected to:

* Report bugs, issues, or feedback directly to Cortensor admins
* Participate in testing discussions and issue reproduction if requested
* Non-participation in reporting may lead to disqualification

#### Disqualification Rights

Cortensor may disqualify any participant for:

* Misrepresenting node performance or system behavior
* Abusing staking or reward rules
* Actions detrimental to network integrity

***

### Rewards

#### Base Reward

* $20/month per active node with qualifying uptime

#### Multi-Node Bonus (one-time)

* 3+ nodes → 10% bonus
* 5+ nodes → 20% bonus

#### Role-Based Bonus

* Discord Roles : Additional 5% for each role
* **Note**: Total bonuses are capped at 30% for fairness.

### Prizes

#### Performance-Based Prizes

Each node that meets **both** of the following conditions will receive:

* 📊 **Total Score ≥ 50%**
* 🔁 **Precommit Score ≥ 60%**

**Reward: $5 per eligible node**

<https://dashboard-devnet5.cortensor.network/stats/heatmap/rank/table>

This shift rewards reliable, consistent performance across the board — not just the top ranks — and ensures that quality contributions are fairly recognized.

***

### Testing Focus

This phase emphasizes end-to-end load handling, real-time routing, and validation under pressure:

#### 🔹 Network Task Shuffling Logic

Live via `NodeUtils` – Enables dynamic, swappable node selection for the **Precommit** phase, enhancing redundancy and response.

#### 🔹 User Task Flow Stress Tests

Full-path validation: **Node Pool ➝ Session Queue ➝ Stats ➝ Reputation** under simulated and community-generated traffic.

#### 🔹 Router Node API Testing

* Open to third-party users for real traffic testing
* Aligned with OpenAI-compatible endpoints
* Reverse proxy setup for production-style integration

#### 🔹 Session UI Iteration

* Improved orchestration visibility
* Real-time feedback from stress tests used to refine UX

#### 🔹 Payment Module Kickoff

* COR-based billing system in development
* Leveraging Sepolia Testnet COR for validation

***

### Key Outcomes

* Confirm dynamic shuffling and session stability under load
* Refine performance-based node reputation scoring
* Validate real-world inference requests through OpenAI-style APIs
* Prove cross-platform desktop app robustness under high activity

***

### Join the Contest

Become a builder in the next evolution of decentralized AI.\
👉 [Join Cortensor Discord](https://discord.gg/cortensor)

Let’s pressure test the future of decentralized AI — together.