corda/docs/source/key-concepts-ecosystem.rst

The network
===========

.. topic:: Summary

   * *A Corda network is made up of nodes running Corda and CorDapps*
   * *The network is permissioned, with access controlled by a doorman*
   * *Communication between nodes is point-to-point, instead of relying on global broadcasts*

Network structure
-----------------
A Corda network is an authenticated peer-to-peer network of nodes, where each node is a JVM run-time environment
hosting Corda services and executing applications known as *CorDapps*.

All communication between nodes is direct, with TLS-encrypted messages sent over AMQP/1.0. This means that data is
shared only on a need-to-know basis; in Corda, there are **no global broadcasts**.

Each network has a **network map service** that publishes the IP addresses through which every node on the network can
be reached, along with the identity certificates of those nodes and the services they provide.

The doorman
-----------
Corda networks are semi-private. Each network has a doorman service that enforces rules regarding the information
that nodes must provide and the know-your-customer processes that they must complete before being admitted to the
network.

To join the network, a node must contact the doorman and provide the required information. If the doorman is
satisfied, the node will receive a root-authority-signed TLS certificate from the network's permissioning service.
This certificate certifies the node's identity when communicating with other participants on the network.

We can visualize a network as follows:

.. image:: resources/network.png
   :scale: 25%
   :align: center

Network services
----------------
Nodes can provide several types of services:

* One or more pluggable **notary services**. Notaries guarantee the uniqueness, and possibility the validity, of ledger
  updates. Each notary service may be run on a single node, or across a cluster of nodes.
* Zero or more **oracle services**. An oracle is a well-known service that signs transactions if they state a fact and
  that fact is considered to be true.

These components are illustrated in the following diagram:

.. image:: resources/cordaNetwork.png
   :scale: 25%
   :align: center

In this diagram, Corda infrastructure services are those upon which all participants depend, such as the network map
and notary services. Corda services may be deployed by participants, third parties or a central network operator
(such as R3). The diagram is not intended to imply that only a centralised model is supported.