The DASH cryptocurrency, launched in early 2014, was previously known as Xcoin and Darkcoin. It uses a combination of Proof of Work and Proof of Service algorithms. Unlike Bitcoin, based on one SHA-256 algorithm, DASH employs a combination of 11 cryptographic algorithms. The pay per block changes smoothly and varies with each new block, adapting to the complexity of the network. The calculation of a new block generally takes about two and a half minutes. Similar to Bitcoin, DASH is open-source software. As is the case with Bitcoin, all DASH transactions are written to the public blockchain. The point of difference between these two cryptocurrencies is that DASH commission fees are significantly lower than those of Bitcoin.

The DASH cryptocurrency network consists of two levels: the first level of security is provided by miners that perform the computation and the second level of security is maintained by crypto nodes. On the first security level transactions are received, sent and are checked for a double waste of the same funds. DASH has many advantages over other cryptocurrencies such as almost instant transactions, a high degree of anonymity and the ability to earn cryptocurrencies not only by mining but also through nodes management.

Masternodes used to be a unique feature of the DASH cryptocurrency. Over time, however, other digital currencies adopted this system of crypto nodes as well. Nowadays, anyone can become a blockchain node provider. Therefore, in order to protect against excessive node providers, each crypto node provider is required to keep a deposit of 1000 DASH in a special account. These funds can be withdrawn at any time but if the withdrawal is made the public node will immediately stop working. Blocking DASH coins on DASH node accounts serves another important function - it creates a deficit of coins on the exchanges thereby contributing to the rate growth. Furthermore, the DASH node will be excluded from the list of remunerated nodes in case if the node stops working correctly within the network. Owners of public crypto nodes DASH receive compensation from users of PrivateSend, InstantSend and Darksend services. The PrivateSend service reliably conceals information about both the recipient and the sender of the transaction. InstantSend allows reducing the time of the transaction to less than one second for a small fee. Disabled Darksend service executes several rounds (from 2 to 8) of coin mixing by default, in this way achieving maximum anonymity of payments. Owners of public crypto nodes DASH also receive 50% of the compensation set to the miners.

A DASH node is a server that stores a full copy of the DASH blockchain. The minimum server requirements to operate are as follows: 1 GHz processor, 4 gigabytes of RAM, 100 gigabytes of free hard disk space, ability to skip network traffic from 1 terabyte per month. Owing to crypto nodes, the speed and privacy of transactions are ensured. Moreover, the owners of public nodes are entitled to vote for different development options of the project and for the funding of various initiatives. In this way, DASH is managed collectively, without depending on the goodwill of one developer or a group of developers. The crypto nodes network works 24/7 and it is more efficient than the free nodes network, which works solely due to the enthusiasm of its owners. In the DASH nodes management network, crypto nodes constitute a business that generates regular and stable income. The DASH cryptocurrency algorithm gradually decreases the amount of reward for both maintainers and node owners. Nevertheless, it contributes to the growth of the DASH digital currency in the long run. Also, a large number of public nodes allows developers to implement new decentralized functions effectively.