Glossary
In this glossary we aim to clarify the terminologies associated with the Camino Blockchain and the Camino Messenger, providing a comprehensive guide for both technicians and travel professionals. We aim to define one expression, the Camino expression to a concept that otherwise could be explained with several different words, all closely meaning the same thing, and causing confusion.
Acronyms
Address
In the context of blockchains, an address is a compressed and/or hashed public key that is used as an address to receive funds or interact with the smart contracts on-chain.
Different representations are used by different chains. X and P chains use CB58 and C-Chain uses hex.
Application Service Bot
Application Service Bot (ASB) is a program that runs on Camino Messenger Server and validates the messenger fee cheques, mutes bots that do not adhere to the rules, like issuing invalid or bounced cheques.
Blockchain
A blockchain is a distributed ledger with growing lists of records (blocks) that are securely linked together via cryptographic hashes. See Wikipedia:Blockchain
Booking Token
The digital representation of a reservation or booking for travel-related services such as flights, hotels, tours, or other activities. This has a specific implementation that is developed and managed by C4T.
Builder
Partner building dApps or an integration with Camino Network.
Camino Messenger
An efficient travel data exchange system built on Camino Network for instant communication between suppliers and distributors.
Camino Messenger Account
The Camino Messenger Account is a smart contract (actually an ensemble of smart contracts), acting as the financial backbone of the Partner Configuration, holding the funds designated for trading on behalf of the Partner on the Camino Messenger, and paying / receiving payment amounts for bookings.
It also stores all configuration settings such as the services offered and wanted (and their versions), the applicable service fees and the accepted currencies. It also maintains a list of the wallets of the off-chain bots with which the Partner's systems interact with the Messenger.
The Camino Messenger Account can be created from the Partner Showroom of the Camino Suite or - for development purposes on Columbus only - by using a cli tool
More details can be found in our functional documentation: Camino Partner Showroom
Camino Messenger Bot
A client-implementation for sending and receiving messages via the Camino Messenger. This application acts as an abstraction layer for ease of communication even if the underlying technology stack changes and evolves over time. It offers endpoints to communicate with the Camino Messenger network and can actively send requests to so-called partner plugins.
Camino Messenger Server
The backbone of the Camino Messenger infrastructure. Essentially, it's a server relaying messages between bots. Currently, Matrix messenger server is used.
Camino Messenger Protocol
Camino Messenger Protocol (CMP) was developed as the communication protocol for Camino Messenger. It is used for (de)serializing messages between bots and partner plugins
More details can be found in our functional documentation: Camino Messenger Protocol Documentation
Camino Network
Comprehensive ecosystem with a vast amount of industry partners designed specifically for the travel industry leveraging blockchain technology
Camino Partner
A person or a company that is building on the Camino blockchain which has become a Validator and/or a Supporter
Centralization
The process or result of concentrating decision-making power, authority, or functions within a single individual, group, or location. This organizational structure is commonly observed in governments, large corporations, and financial institutions, where control is exercised from a central point, often leading to a hierarchical system of management and administration.
Centralized System
A centralized system is one in which a single entity or a small group of entities have control over the entire system. All data, processes, and controls are managed from a central point.
Key Characteristics:
- Single Point of Control: One central authority manages the system.
- Data Centralization: All data is stored in a central database.
- Ease of Management: Centralized systems are easier to manage because there is a single point of control.
- Efficiency: Centralized systems can be more efficient in decision-making and resource allocation since decisions are made by a central authority.
- Security Risks: If the central point is compromised, the entire system can be affected.
- Scalability Issues: Centralized systems can face challenges in scaling up as the central node can become a bottleneck.
- Vulnerability to Failures: Centralized systems are vulnerable to single points of failure, meaning if the central node fails, the entire system can be disrupted.
Examples: Traditional banking systems, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and centralized cloud services like AWS and Google Cloud.
Comparison: Centralized Systems vs Decentralized
| Feature | Centralized Systems | Decentralized |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Centralized authority | Distributed network |
| Data Storage | Centralized database | Decentralized ledger (blockchain) |
| Security | Vulnerable to central point attacks | Enhanced security through decentralization |
| Transparency | Limited, controlled by central entity | High, with immutable and transparent records |
| User Control | Limited, controlled by central authority | High, users control their own data |
| Scalability | Can face bottlenecks | Scalable through distributed networks |
| Innovation | Slower, controlled by central authority | Fast, driven by open-source and community |
Coin
A coin, in cryptocurrency terminology, refers to the primary or native digital asset of a specific blockchain network. It serves as the foundational currency within that ecosystem, often used for transaction fees, rewards, and network operations. Coins are distinct from tokens, which are typically built on top of existing blockchain platforms.
Cross-Chain
A system designed to enable communication and asset transfers between different blockchain networks, allowing for a more connected and efficient blockchain ecosystem.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that operate on decentralized networks, typically using blockchain technology. Key features include:
- Decentralization: No central authority controls or regulates them.
- Cryptography: Used to secure transactions and control the creation of new units.
- Digital nature: Exist only in electronic form, with no physical counterparts.
- Peer-to-peer transactions: Allow direct transfers between users without intermediaries.
- Limited supply: Many have a cap on total units to maintain value.
- Pseudonymity: Users can operate with a degree of anonymity.
Customer
End consumer buying a travel product or service. The customer might travel alone or with other travellers. It is also common that the customer is a person or entity not traveling, like for example the secretary or company buying a ticket for a business trip. Or a travel agency buying a ticket for a family holiday trip
DApp (Decentralized Application)
A DApp is a software application that operates on a distributed computing system, typically a blockchain network. Key characteristics include:
- Decentralization: Runs on a peer-to-peer network of computers rather than a single centralized server.
- Open-source: Usually has its entire codebase available for scrutiny.
- Blockchain integration: Utilizes a blockchain for data storage and smart contract execution.
- Cryptographic tokens: Often uses cryptocurrency tokens for access or functionality.
- Consensus mechanism: Relies on network consensus to validate operations.
- Autonomy: Can operate without human intervention, guided by smart contracts.
DApps aim to enhance transparency, reduce single points of failure, and minimize censorship risks compared to traditional centralized applications.
Decentralized
A system organization or process where control, decision-making and functions are distributed across multiple points, rather than being centralized in a single central authority or system
Decentralized Autonomous Consortium
Consortium in which all members participate in decision-making because there is no central governing body and whose members share a common goal of acting in the best interest of the Consortium. The Camino Consortium is a heterogeneous group of companies that might disagree or have different approaches in minor or major matters. Camino offers tools to solve disputes and reach a consensus on general topics.
Deposit
The act of transferring cryptocurrency or tokens from a personal wallet to a smart contract, exchange, or other platforms for various purposes such as staking, lending, or trading.
Digital Asset
A digital asset is any content or item of value that exists in a digital form and can be owned or controlled. It often has a relation to an asset in the real world.
Digital Asset ID
A "Digital Asset ID" is a unique identifier for digital items like cryptocurrencies, digital art, or tokens. This ID ensures the item's authenticity, tracks ownership, and prevents fraud.
For example:
- NFTs: Each token has a unique ID on the blockchain, making every digital art or collectible distinct.
- Concert tickets or loyalty points: Each token has a unique code, ensuring authenticity and easy tracking.
- ERC-20 tokens: Each type of token has a unique contract identifier on the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring proper tracking and management.
Digital Signature
Digital Signature is a cryptographic mechanism used in blockchain networks to:
- Authenticate the sender of a message or transaction
- Ensure the integrity of the message or transaction data
- Provide non-repudiation
The digital signing process involves:
- The sender signs a payload (data or transaction details) using their private key
- The signature is sent along with the original payload
- The receiver can:
- Verify that the payload is unchanged
- Extract the public key from the signature to identify the signer
- Confirm the authenticity of the signature without prior knowledge of the public key
In blockchain contexts, this is often used for "unsigned transactions", which contains:
- The intended action (what shall be done)
- The digital signature
The signature verifies that the transaction is as intended by the sender and identifies the sender, allowing the network to execute the transaction in the context of the sender's account.
Dispute
Disagreement between parties involving differing interpretations, claims or views regarding a transaction or a series of transactions.
Distributor
An entity in Camino Network engaged in the distribution of travel products or services from suppliers.
Encryption
Encoding information to make it unreadable without the appropriate decryption key(s).
ERC-20 Token
ERC-20 represents a standard for fungible tokens on Ethereum. Contracts that represent an ERC-20 token must implement specified functionality that allows for uniform usage/behavior of these tokens. For more info: ERC-20 Token Standard
ERC-721 Token
ERC-721 represents a standard for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum. Contracts that represent an ERC-721 token must implement specified functionality that allows for uniform usage/behavior of these tokens. For more info: ERC-721 Token Standard
Ethereum Virtual Machine
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a global computer network that runs smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. It allows developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) that automatically enforce rules and agreements, ensuring transactions are secure without needing a middleman.
Camino Network's C-Chain is fully compatible with EVM, meaning code written for Ethereum can run on the C-Chain.
Externally Owned Account
Externally owned account (EOA), is a regular address that has a private key. In EVM based chains, an address may be a smart contract, which is not an EOA because it doesn't have a private key, meaning smart contracts can not sign things. You need a private key to sign things, hence the distinction between accounts.
Fiat Currency
Fiat currency is a government-issued currency that is not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver. Examples of fiat currencies include the US Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Euro. The value of fiat currency is derived from the trust and confidence that people have in the government that issues it.
Fungible
Fungible refers to the ability to replace or to be replaced by another identical item. ERC-20 tokens are fungible tokens.
Gas
Gas is the unit of measure for the amount of computational work required to process transactions or execute smart contracts on a blockchain network. On Camino Network it is used for EVM compatible C-Chain.
Gas Fee
(Also known as transaction fee)
A gas fee is a small payment made to compensate for the computational power required to process and validate transactions or execute smart contracts on a blockchain network.
Gas fee (or transaction fee) is calculated by multiplying consumed gas by the transaction and the gas price.
Gas Price
Gas price is the amount of cryptocurrency you are willing to pay per unit of gas to incentivize miners to process your transaction or execute your smart contract on a blockchain network.
On Camino Network gas price is fixed to 200 nCAM.
gRPC
Open-source remote procedure call (RPC) framework developed by Google. In Camino Messenger, bots and partner plugins communicate using gRPC services.
Message Type
In the context of Camino Messenger, this describes a specific protocol definition for a set of travel products or services. In general, it is a Protobuf message type definition.
Mint
Generally speaking, minting is the creation of a token or coin. Like creation of Bitcoin as miner rewards every block or creation of NFTs on any blockchain.
In the context of the Camino Messenger and Booking token it describes the process between supplier and distributor in which a travel product or service is purchased by creating (minting) a booking token and the act of transferring (buying) it by the distributor.
Mining
The process of validating transactions and adding new blocks to a blockchain, often involving solving complex mathematical problems.
Multisignature
(also called multisig)
A concept of allowing the transaction to require to have one or more signatures before it can be executed. Multisig provides more security than single-signature transactions.
NDC
New Distribution Capability. NDC is a set of XML-based data transmission standards developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to modernize and standardize the way airline products and services are distributed and sold.
NDC aims to enable airlines to deliver richer and more personalized content and offers to travelers
Node
A computer that connects to a blockchain network and participates in the network by relaying transactions and maintaining a copy of the blockchain.
Non-Fungible
Non-Fungible refers to something that is unique and cannot be replaced. Non-Fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique tokens that cannot be interchanged and all have their own unique id.
Off chain data
Not all data and transactions need to be stored directly on the blockchain itself. Off-chain data can be stored, processed, and managed using alternative methods or networks with only necessary information being recorded on the blockchain reducing transaction cost.
On chain data
Data that is recorded and stored directly on a blockchain network via transactions.
A general rule is that the more complex the transaction or the bigger the data the higher the transaction fee and the slower the transaction.
On-Ramp
An On-Ramp allows users to purchase cryptocurrencies using fiat money, typically through exchanges where users deposit fiat currency into their exchange account and use those funds to buy cryptocurrencies.
Off-Ramp
An Off-Ramp enables users to sell their cryptocurrencies on an exchange, converting the cryptocurrency to fiat money, and then withdrawing those funds to a bank account.
Onboarding
The process of introducing and integrating a new product into a company's offerings and ensuring that customers understand how to use and benefit from the product or service.
OTA
Online Travel Agency. OTAs are online platforms or websites that allow consumers planning and booking various travel-related services and products, often offering a wide range of options and choices from different suppliers.
Partner Configuration
The Partner Configuration allows Partners to make themselves known to the Camino Network as service providers, or as looking for services from other Partners in the Network. Upon matching between services wanted and offered by two parties, such services will be then traded on Camino Messenger.
More details can be found in our functional documentation: Camino Partner Configuration
Partner Plugin
The Partner Plugin serves as a bridge, enabling the Camino Messenger Bot to integrate with the Partner distribution or inventory system.
This is developed by the suppliers to link their inventory systems with the Camino Messenger Bot.
More details can be found in our functional documentation: Camino Messenger Bot Partner Plugin
PAX
Abbreviation of "persons approximate". Used to give a count of persons or referring to a single person/Traveller.
Point of Interest
Point of Interest (POI) refer to specific locations or attractions that are of interest to travelers like landmarks, tourist attractions, historical sites, natural wonders, parks, museums, restaurants, shopping centers, etc.
Protobuf
Protocol Buffers (protobuf) is a platform-neutral, language-neutral and extensible mechanism developed by Google for serializing structured data.
It is used by Camino Messenger Protocol.
Private Key
A private key in the context of cryptocurrency is a confidential, unique, alphanumeric code that enables the holder to access and manage their digital assets. It functions as a password, allowing the owner to sign (authorize) transactions and prove ownership of the associated wallet address (EOA). A private key must be kept secure and confidential.
Protocol
Definition of the methods and data formats that allow transmitting data between systems. In the context of Camino, it refers to the Camino Messenger Protocol.
Provider
Synonym for Supplier. Only "supplier" shall be used
Public Key
A blockchain account's public key is derived from its private key and is used to generate the account's identifier, known as an "address". The public key is extractable from signatures and can be used as an identifier and to encrypt data, which can only be decrypted by the corresponding private key. Nodes on the network can verify that transactions were properly signed using the associated private key by checking them against the account's public key.
Search
Process that occurs when a customer looks for travel-related products or services such as flights, hotels, car rentals or vacation packages
Seed Phrase
(also mnemonic key phrase, mnemonic seed phrase, or mnemonic)
Serves as a human-readable representation of an associated cryptographic key or seed. In the case of Camino Network, key phrases consist of a specific sequence of 24 words, carefully selected from a predefined word list.
The purpose of a key phrase is to simplify the process of backing up, storing, and recovering cryptographic keys. It offers a user-friendly and easily understandable approach to interact with and secure cryptographic systems. This accessibility empowers individuals to effectively manage their keys and retain control over their digital assets.
Settlement
Transfer of proof of ownership from the seller to the buyer and the corresponding transfer of funds from the buyer to the seller
Smart Contract
A smart contract is a self-executing digital agreement with the terms directly written into code, which automatically enforces and executes actions on a blockchain when predefined conditions are met. See: Wikipedia:Smart Contract
Stable coin
Cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value relative to a specific fiat currency like EUR, GBP or USD
Submessage
A Protobuf message type that can be used in multiple message types. These are used heavily in the CMP
Supplier
An entity in Camino Network engaged in the supply of travel products or services to distributors or customers
Supporter
Partner supporting Camino Network initiative but not (yet) undertaking concrete action like a builder or a validator
Transaction
A transaction in blockchains is a secure, verified, and transparent transfer of digital assets or information, including interactions with smart contracts, recorded on a decentralized digital ledger.
Travel Agency
Travel Agencies (TAs) are businesses that specialize in providing travel-related services and products to individuals groups and organizations.
Unlike online travel agencies (OTAs) which operate primarily through digital platforms traditional travel agencies may have physical storefronts where customers can visit in person to plan and book their trips.
(Travel) Entity
Widely used term in Camino Network which describes a travel related entity acting on the network. This term has been established as there can be different types of entities like persons, companies or persons acting on behalf of a company.
Token
A token is a digital asset that exists on a blockchain network and is created and managed by a smart contract.
Tour Operator
A company or individual that organizes and arranges travel-related products and service.
Tour Operators (TO) typically package together various components of a trip such as transportation accommodation activities and guided tours to provide comprehensive travel experiences to their customers.
Traveller
Person participating in a trip.
Trip
Journey or expedition from one place to another often involving a method of transportation and overnight stay(s).
UUID
Universally Unique Identifier, a 128-bit identifier standardized by the Open Software Foundation (OSF) as part of the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) specification and subsequently adopted by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). UUIDs are designed to be globally unique across space and time.
Validate
In the context of Camino Messenger, the process of checking whether a product or service is still bookable at the price advertised in the search results. As these are often provided from cached data and might have sold-out after a certain amount of time has passed.
This is a prerequisite for the Mint workflow.
Validator
Partner responsible for verifying and validating transactions and maintaining the integrity of the blockchain.
Also, depending on the context it refers to the node (physical server) of the Partner that runs the Camino Node application.
Vertical
(also Travel Vertical)
Similar to the term "Business Vertical" which describes a specific industry or market that focuses on a particular niche, travel verticals describe specific fields in the travel industry which can be seen isolated but have also certain overlaps with other verticals.
Wallet
Unlike a physical wallet which holds physical assets, in the blockchain space a wallet is just an application to be able to interact with the address on the blockchain which holds the assets.
Using a seed phrase or private key, one is able to locally create and sign transactions for a particular address or set of addresses before it is sent to a blockchain to be executed.
Usually a wallet also has some convenience functionality to see the tokens (funds, digital assets, collections) in possession and interact with them.