Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN)

Building the Kingdom of Tonga's Sovereign e-Government Network

Leveraging Bitcoin's Proven Architecture

Bitcoin Network Legacy

Genesis Block Mined: January 3, 2009
Years of Operation: 16 Years
Security Record: Never compromised or hacked since inception

Designed for imperfect networks and imperfect human aspects,
Bitcoin has stood the test of time as the most secure decentralized network.

"Ko e Otua mo Tonga ko hotau tofi'a" - God and Tonga are our inheritance

Presenter: Edwin Liava'a
liavaa.space
MEIDECC PI - Proof of Concept Implementation

1/5

DePIN Network Architecture

Physical Infrastructure with VPN Tunneling & MPLS

🏛️
Ministry Node
MEIDECC PI
Primary Node
🔐
VPN Tunnel
Encrypted
Communication
🌐
MPLS Network
Multi-Protocol
Label Switching
⛓️
Blockchain Layer
Immutable
Ledger

Key Infrastructure Components:

  • Secure VPN tunneling between all ministry nodes
  • MPLS backbone for efficient packet routing
  • Decentralized consensus mechanism inspired by Bitcoin
  • Resilient to network failures and attacks
2/5

Proof of Concept Implementation

Phase 1: MEIDECC PI Deployment

Currently Developing POC

Phase 2: Ministry Rollout

Once MEIDECC nodes run perfectly, expand to other government ministries

Phase 3: Complete e-Government Network

Full Tonga GovNet implementation across all ministries

100%
Transferable Solution
Scalable
From 1 to All Ministries
Sovereign
Tongan-Controlled Infrastructure
3/5

Digital Sovereignty Migration

Current State

Windows OS
Microsoft Office
Foreign Dependencies

→

Future State

Linux OS
LibreOffice
Local Control

Inspired by Global Digital Sovereignty Movement

  • Following successful European government migrations to open-source
  • PasifikaOS vision for Pacific digital independence
  • Cost savings redirected to local infrastructure development
  • Complete control over government digital infrastructure
  • Enhanced security through open-source transparency

"The Revival of PasifikaOS - Digital Sovereignty Rises in the Pacific"

4/5

Blockchain Network Architecture

MEIDECC Department Nodes

⛓️
MEIDECC
Blockchain
🌍
Environment
🌊
Meteorology
💡
Energy
📡
Communications
⚡
Climate Change
🔧
Infrastructure
📊
Information
⚠️
Disaster Mgmt

Tonga e-Government Blockchain Network

🏛️
MEIDECC
8 Department Nodes
🏥
Health
Connected Nodes
🎓
Education
Connected Nodes
💼
Finance
Connected Nodes
⚖️
Justice
Connected Nodes
🌾
Agriculture
Connected Nodes

Unified Blockchain: All ministries share one immutable ledger
Ensuring transparency, security, and inter-ministry coordination

5/6

Tonga Cable Ltd: Network Infrastructure Gatekeeper

Current vs. Future Government Network Architecture

Current State: Data Through Service Providers

🏛️
Ministries
→
📡
ISP Core Networks
⚠️ Less Secure
→
🌐
Internet

Future State: TCL as Gatekeeper with TongaIX

🔄
TongaIX
TCL Internet Exchange
Local Routing
🏛️
Health
🏛️
Education
🏛️
Finance
🏛️
MEIDECC
Tonga Cable Ltd
Gatekeeper & Bandwidth Manager
VPN MPLS

Key Benefits of TCL-Managed Architecture

🛡️
Enhanced Security
Government data stays local, never touches ISP core networks
🚀
Dedicated Bandwidth
TCL allocates guaranteed bandwidth for each Ministry
🔄
Local Traffic Routing
TongaIX ensures government traffic stays within Tonga
💪
Resilient Architecture
Independent from commercial ISP disruptions
6/7

Business Continuity & Resilient Network Design

Multi-Layer Resilience Architecture

Starlink Satellite Backup

🛰️
Low Earth Orbit
Satellite Constellation
📡
Ground Stations
Each Ministry Location
⚡
Instant Failover
Automatic Switching
Primary: TCL Fiber Network
High-speed dedicated bandwidth via TongaIX
Blockchain Layer
Distributed ledger ensures data integrity even during outages
Backup: Starlink Satellite
Independent satellite connectivity for critical operations

Business Continuity Features

🔄
99.9% Uptime
Dual connectivity ensures continuous operations
🛡️
Blockchain Resilience
Distributed nodes maintain consensus during failures
⚡
Zero Downtime
Automatic failover between primary and backup

Resilience Against Multiple Scenarios

✓ Submarine cable damage
✓ Natural disasters
✓ Power outages
✓ Cyber attacks
7/9

Decentralized Solar Power Infrastructure

Solar-Powered Government Mini-Grids

☀️
Decentralized Solar Arrays

100% Renewable Energy Source

🔋
Resilient Battery Storage

72+ Hour Backup Capacity

🏛️
Ministry Hub
🏢
MEIDECC Center
🏬
Emergency Ops

Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure

⚡
Energy Independence
No Grid Vulnerability
🔄
72+ Hours Continuous
Operation During Outages
🌀
Hurricane-Resistant
Modular Components
🔌
Decentralized Power
For Critical Systems

Complete Infrastructure Resilience

The solar-powered mini-grids form the physical infrastructure layer that complements the decentralized government network architecture. During natural disasters or infrastructure failures, this system ensures government services remain operational through:

  • Continuous power to blockchain nodes during grid outages
  • Prioritized energy allocation to critical government systems
  • Autonomous operation capability with no external dependencies
  • Seamless integration with the DePIN disaster recovery solution
8/9

Transformative Benefits & Next Steps

🔒
Unhackable Infrastructure
Bitcoin-level Security
💰
Cost Reduction
No License Fees
🌴
True Sovereignty
Tongan-Owned Network
🚀
Future-Ready
Web3 Compatible

The Beauty of Our Solution

Transferable: One implementation, infinite possibilities
Scalable: From MEIDECC to entire government network
Sovereign: Tonga controls its digital destiny
Proven: Built on Bitcoin Blockchain success

Let's Build Tonga's Digital Future Together!

MEIDECC PI POC → All Ministries → Complete Tonga e-Government

"Ko e Otua mo Tonga ko hotau tofi'a"

9/10

Project Budget Breakdown

Most Cost-Effective Implementation

Component Description Est. Cost (TOP)
Hardware Components
Server Hardware 10 Energy-efficient node servers with redundancy
(To be discussed)		 TOP 0
Networking Equipment Switches, routers, firewalls, cabling
(To be discussed)		 TOP 0
Solar Power Arrays 5 kW systems for each of 3 critical locations
(To be discussed)		 TOP 0
Battery Storage 72+ hour backup (20kWh per location)
(To be discussed)		 TOP 0
Software & Development
Blockchain Systems Development Local development - 6 months
Options:
- If donor funded: TOP 60,000
- If local funded by Tonga Gov: TOP 30,000		 TOP 30,000 - 60,000
Open Source Components Linux, LibreOffice, Arbitrum Nitro (Geth) TOP 0
Integration Services Connecting to existing government systems TOP 0
Implementation & Training
Technical Installation Hardware setup, network configuration
(To be discussed)		 TOP 0
Staff Training Technical and administrative training
(To be discussed)		 TOP 0
Documentation System manuals and operational procedures
(To be discussed)		 TOP 0
Annual Maintenance & Support
System Maintenance Hardware and software support TOP 30,000/yr
Solar System Maintenance Panel cleaning, battery checks, repairs TOP 15,000/yr
Total Initial Investment One-time setup costs
(All components to be discussed except Blockchain Development)
Range depends on funding source:		 TOP 30,000 - 60,000
Total Annual Operating Cost Ongoing maintenance TOP 45,000/yr

Significant Cost Advantages

vs. Traditional Solutions: 60-70% lower initial investment
No licensing fees: Saving approximately TOP 150,000 annually
Energy savings: Estimated TOP 35,000 per year through solar power
ROI timeline: Full system cost recovery within 3-4 years

* All figures are estimates based on current market rates

* Blockchain Systems Development costs based on local development rate

* Hardware costs can be further optimized through phased implementation

10/11

Project Budget Breakdown - Reference Costs

Full Cost Implementation (Reference Only)

Component Description Est. Cost (TOP)
Hardware Components
Server Hardware 10 Energy-efficient node servers with redundancy TOP 85,000
Networking Equipment Switches, routers, firewalls, cabling TOP 45,000
Solar Power Arrays 5 kW systems for each of 3 critical locations TOP 75,000
Battery Storage 72+ hour backup (20kWh per location) TOP 90,000
Software & Development
Blockchain Systems Development Local development - 6 months TOP 60,000
Open Source Components Linux, LibreOffice, Arbitrum Nitro (Geth) TOP 0
Integration Services Connecting to existing government systems TOP 35,000
Implementation & Training
Technical Installation Hardware setup, network configuration TOP 25,000
Staff Training Technical and administrative training TOP 15,000
Documentation System manuals and operational procedures TOP 10,000
Annual Maintenance & Support
System Maintenance Hardware and software support TOP 30,000/yr
Solar System Maintenance Panel cleaning, battery checks, repairs TOP 15,000/yr
Total Initial Investment Full cost implementation reference TOP 440,000
Total Annual Operating Cost Ongoing maintenance TOP 45,000/yr

Reference Budget Note

This reference budget represents a full-cost implementation scenario.
The previous slide shows our current negotiation position with components to be discussed.
Exact costs will depend on partnership agreements, available funding sources, and in-kind contributions.

11/11