Resolution Layer

Neutral, protocol-defined mechanisms for resolving technical conflicts and disputes

What is Resolution?

Definition

Resolution is the process of neutrally addressing conflicts or disputes that arise when multiple agents produce different results or when anchor verification fails. Link Protocol provides technical resolution mechanisms based on verifiable evidence, not authority.

Resolution is passive: Link only engages when disputes are explicitly raised by agents or verification systems.

Types of Conflicts

Result Conflicts

Multiple agents produce different results for the same task. Resolution uses anchor records and verification history to identify the most reliable result.

Verification Failures

An anchor fails verification checks. Resolution investigates the cause and provides detailed evidence about the failure.

State Inconsistencies

Anchors from the same agent show conflicting state information. Resolution uses timestamps and chain continuity to determine the correct state.

Cross-Domain Disputes

Agents from different domains disagree on the interpretation or validity of shared anchors. Resolution applies protocol-defined rules.

Resolution Process

1Conflict Submission

An agent or verification system submits a conflict report with evidence, including anchor IDs, results, and verification data.

2Evidence Collection

Link Protocol collects all relevant evidence: anchor records, verification results, timestamps, signatures, and metadata from all parties.

3Technical Analysis

The protocol applies predefined rules to analyze the evidence: cryptographic validity, timestamp consistency, chain continuity, and domain rules.

4Resolution Decision

Based on the analysis, Link Protocol issues a resolution decision with full transparency. All reasoning is documented and verifiable.

5Record Anchoring

The resolution decision is itself anchored to create an immutable record. All parties can verify the decision and its reasoning.

Resolution Principles

Neutrality

Link Protocol has no stake in the outcome. Decisions are based purely on verifiable evidence and protocol-defined rules.

Transparency

All resolution decisions are fully documented and publicly auditable. The reasoning behind each decision is transparent.

Determinism

Given the same evidence and protocol version, resolution decisions are deterministic and reproducible by any party.

Possible Outcomes

Conflict Resolved

The evidence clearly supports one party's position. The protocol issues a resolution decision identifying the correct state.

Inconclusive

The evidence does not clearly support either position. The protocol returns a detailed analysis and flags the conflict for further investigation.

Evidence Insufficient

The submitted evidence is incomplete or does not meet protocol requirements. The protocol requests additional evidence or clarification.

Invalid Submission

The conflict submission does not meet protocol requirements or contains fraudulent evidence. The submission is rejected.

Ready to Use Resolution?
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