Definition
The Template Distribution Protocol (TDP) is the Stratum V2 sub-protocol that moves freshly built block templates from a Bitcoin node, the Template Provider, into the mining stack. It is the plumbing that makes miner-side transaction selection practical: rather than trusting a remote pool to assemble blocks, a miner runs its own node and pulls templates locally over TDP.
The Template Provider role
A Template Provider is typically a patched or modern Bitcoin Core node exposing the TDP interface. It streams new block templates and incremental updates whenever the mempool or chain tip changes, so the miner always works on a current, fee-optimized template. Because the template originates on hardware the miner controls, there is no opportunity for a third party to silently insert or remove transactions in transit.
Where it fits in the stack
TDP rarely operates alone. In a fully sovereign setup it feeds the Job Declaration Protocol, which declares the locally built template to a pool so the miner still receives smoothed payouts. The pairing lets an operator combine the income stability of pooled mining with the censorship resistance of solo block construction, a balance that was impossible under earlier protocols.
Why sovereign miners care
Running your own Template Provider closes the last gap where an outside party shaped your blocks. It is a core building block for anyone treating mining as a sovereignty practice rather than a passive hosted service.
Learn how declared templates reach the pool in our Job Declaration Protocol entry, and see the full upgrade context under Stratum V2.
In Simple Terms
The Template Distribution Protocol (TDP) is the Stratum V2 sub-protocol that moves freshly built block templates from a Bitcoin node, the Template Provider, into the…