Sentinel (DVPN)

Decentralized VPN and Bandwidth Sharing

Sentinel is a decentralized network that allows users to share their unused internet bandwidth securely. It powers decentralized VPN (dVPN) applications, enabling private, encrypted, and censorship-resistant internet connections. Users can host nodes to sell bandwidth or use dVPN apps built on Sentinel’s infrastructure.

Privacy and Security

Sentinel emphasizes privacy, security, and efficiency by using decentralized technology to prevent attacks and protect user data. It offers a no-log policy and provable encryption, making it harder for bad actors to compromise the network.

Token Utility and Rewards

The Sentinel token (DVPN) is used within the ecosystem for staking, payments, and real-time bandwidth transactions. Users can earn rewards by staking tokens or sharing bandwidth. The token supports pay-as-you-go or subscription billing models for dVPN services.

Developer Ecosystem

Sentinel provides open-source SDKs and APIs for developers to build dVPN applications and integrate payment systems, including fiat and crypto options, enhancing accessibility and customization.

Market and Growth Potential

Sentinel aims to become the global protocol for bandwidth exchange, supporting a decentralized VPN ecosystem with broad market potential as privacy and decentralized internet solutions grow in demand.

Pros of Sentinel

• Operates on a decentralized network using blockchain technology, ensuring transparency, security, and immutability.
• Enables peer-to-peer transactions without third-party involvement, reducing transaction costs.
• Supports incentivizing participants for sharing resources like bandwidth and cloud storage, encouraging wider adoption.
• Focuses strongly on user privacy, security, and efficiency.
• Offers staking rewards up to 61% APY, allowing users to earn passive income.
• Provides multiple dVPN apps built on an open-source protocol with strong encryption and support for popular VPN protocols.
• Allows users to monetize unused bandwidth by running nodes or selling bandwidth.
• Supports fiat, crypto, and in-app purchases with flexible subscription plans.
• Community-driven with ongoing engagement and feedback integration.
• Uses cryptographic techniques to secure data transmission and protect user privacy.

Cons of Sentinel

• The price has shown recent declines and underperformance compared to the broader crypto market.
• Buying Sentinel may involve delays due to KYC processes or transaction confirmation times on decentralized exchanges.
• Some users find managing multiple consoles or interfaces challenging, though efforts are underway to consolidate them.
• Costs for advanced features or upper-tier services can be relatively high.
• The ecosystem and adoption are still growing, which may affect liquidity and market activity.
• Mining or subscription returns may be low or require consistent activity to be worthwhile.

Founders of Sentinel

• The founder of Sentinel is Matic Herman.
• Other key figures related to Sentinel Global (a venture firm with a similar name but different focus) include Jeremy Kranz, Will Plummer, and Karan, but they are not founders of Sentinel crypto itself.
• SentinelOne, a different company, was co-founded by Almog Cohen and Tomer Weingarten, which is unrelated to Sentinel crypto.

Investors in Sentinel

Sentinel has attracted investments from several venture capital and crypto-focused firms. Notable investors include AGE Crypto, Digital Strategies, Genblock Capital, KR1, and Mempool Ventures. These investors have contributed to funding rounds that have helped Sentinel grow and develop its decentralized VPN and bandwidth-sharing ecosystem. Additionally, Sentinel Global, a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, is involved in investments related to the broader Sentinel ecosystem.

Halal Status of Sentinel

Sentinel is potentially halal if it aligns with Islamic finance principles. It is a decentralized digital asset used for sharing resources like bandwidth and cloud storage, which gives it real-world utility and transparency. Since it does not inherently involve interest (riba) or gambling (maysir), and supports practical applications, it may be considered halal by some scholars.

However, the halal status depends on:

• The underlying project being halal.
• Avoidance of interest-based mechanisms.
• Clear and transparent token use.
• Absence of excessive speculation or uncertainty (gharar).

Because opinions vary among scholars and no specific ruling on Sentinel is provided, the answer is:

Yes, Sentinel can be halal if used and traded in compliance with Islamic finance principles and without involvement in prohibited activities.