# Closed Alpha Testing Phase #6

Phase #6 builds directly on the foundations of Phase #5, introducing deeper integration, scaling challenges, and validation across the most critical system layers. This phase pushes the network further into **realistic session flows, advanced model orchestration, and cross-region reliability testing**, while rewarding node operators for stability and adaptability.

***

### **Contest Rules**

**Stake Requirement**

* New participants must stake **6,000 $COR per node** (Pool 3) to qualify.

**Node Uptime & Participation**

* Maintain active, responsive nodes throughout the testing window.
* Operate nodes capable of handling dynamic model switching, expanded memory use, and payment flow edge cases.

**Bug Reporting Participants are expected to:**

* Report bugs, crashes, or inconsistencies to the team
* Assist in validating experimental logic around SessionPayment, SessionQueue, and node-level metrics
* Provide actionable feedback via Discord or direct discussion channels

**Disqualification Rights Cortensor reserves the right to disqualify participants for:**

* Misreporting node status or uptime
* Gaming staking or reward mechanics
* Any behavior damaging to network health or testing integrity

***

### **Rewards**

#### **Base Reward**

* Base rewards are now **tied directly to Node Level**, split into three tiers:
  * **Level 0–3:** $20/month per node with qualifying uptime
  * **Level 4–7:** $25/month per node with qualifying uptime
  * **Level 8–10:** $30/month per node with qualifying uptime
* To qualify for base rewards, nodes must maintain:
  * **Active uptime** throughout the testing window
  * **Precommit Score ≥ 60%**

#### **Role-Based Bonus**

* Earn +5% per Discord role (capped at 25%)

#### **Node Level Bonus**

* Phase #6 introduces **Cognitive Level / Node Level-based rewards**.
* Each level corresponds to **+$0.50 per node per month**, applied linearly across Levels 0–10:
  * **Level 0:** $0
  * **Level 1:** $0.50
  * **Level 2:** $1.00
  * **Level 3:** $1.50
  * **Level 4:** $2.00
  * **Level 5:** $2.50
  * **Level 6:** $3.00
  * **Level 7:** $3.50
  * **Level 8:** $4.00
  * **Level 9:** $4.50
  * **Level 10:** $5.00

#### **Performance-Based Prizes**

* Nodes that meet both thresholds receive an additional $5:
  * Total Score ≥ 50%
  * Precommit Score ≥ 60%\
    Leaderboard: [View DevNet7 Dashboard](https://dashboard-devnet7.cortensor.network/stats/heatmap/rank/table)

#### **Multi-Node Bonus (Only New Node Ops)**

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

***

### **Testing Focus**

Phase #6 extends testing across multiple layers of Cortensor’s stack:

**Cognitive Level (Node Validation)**

* Node scoring expanded to reward accuracy, uptime, and validated work.
* Levels tied directly to bonus rewards (0–25%).

**Node Spec, Memory Index & Dynamic Model Handling**

* Testing **memory indexing**, dynamic model loading, and **model switching** between tasks.
* Validate workload routing based on node specs and memory capacity.

**GPU & Model Tests**

* Benchmark inference performance across CPU vs GPU nodes.
* Validate support for larger models (e.g., LLaMA 3.x, DeepSeek) under GPU-backed nodes.
* Stress test dynamic model allocation, warm starts, and GPU memory limits under load.

**SessionPayment – Tight Integration**

* Full contract-to-contract integration between Session and SessionPayment.
* Validate synchronous inflow/outflow of credits and miner payouts.
* Stress test real-time event triggers in live task flows.

**Regression Testing – Session & Queue Refactor**

* Validate data structure changes in Session and SessionQueue.
* Ensure backward compatibility and robustness against corrupted state.

**Oracle Node Expansion – Cross-Region Testing**

* Deploy oracle nodes across multiple data centers and geographic regions.
* Eliminate single-point fragility in network and physical connectivity.

**Canary Testing – DevNet & Testnets**

* Canary testing begins on **DevNet7**, **Testnet-0**, and **Testnet-1**.
* Stress tests focused on **Testnet-0** and **Testnet-1** to validate production readiness.

**Dashboard UX Improvements**

* Iterative enhancements for better **session monitoring** and **payment tracking**.
* Simplified flow for node operators and developers.

***

### **Upcoming Public Hackathon Preview**

* Duration: 4 weeks
* Incentive: Double rewards
* Theme: Real-world app integrations and AI agent tools
* Audience: Open to devs, builders, and contributors
* Launch: Immediately after Phase #5 concludes

***

### **Key Outcomes**

* Validate Cognitive Level → Node Level scoring with live bonuses.
* Confirm stable node spec-based routing, memory indexing, and dynamic model switching.
* Test tight Session ↔ SessionPayment contract integration.
* Validate regression fixes from SessionQueue data refactoring.
* Expand oracle reliability across multiple regions.
* Stress-test the stack across DevNet7, Testnet-0, and Testnet-1.
* Improve dashboard usability for day-to-day operators.

***

### **Join the Contest**

Push the boundaries of decentralized AI.\
Test advanced logic, validate core systems, and earn $COR while shaping the infrastructure behind Cortensor’s future stack.

**Join Cortensor Discord:** [discord.gg/cortensor](https://discord.gg/cortensor)


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