A network of decentralized gateways and domains that power the permaweb
About the Project
AR.IO is a global network, protocol, and currency that powers the permaweb—a decentralized, permanent storage solution for files, apps, webpages, and data on the Arweave network. The AR.IO Network is an open, ownerless, distributed network that brings together operators, developers, and end users from around the world. The network's nodes, known as AR.IO Gateways, serve as decentralized interfaces between users and the permaweb, acting as "Permaweb Service Providers." These gateways support essential web services, such as reading, writing, querying, and indexing Arweave data, ensuring a seamless experience for both developers and users.
Each AR.IO Gateway follows network protocols to maintain uniformity and participates in an observation and reporting system to monitor and enhance network performance. This decentralized approach not only keeps the network healthy but also holds gateway operators accountable. The AR.IO Network leverages a utility token, IO (ɸ), which serves multiple purposes: it acts as a currency for services like the Arweave Name System (ArNS), a stake for joining the network as a gateway, and an incentive for fulfilling gateway duties. This tokenomic model aims to make the permaweb more accessible and functional for all participants.
Arweave, as a Layer 1 blockchain network, offers scalable and permanent on-chain data storage, utilizing a tokenomic endowment model to incentivize miners and ensure long-term data preservation. However, the Arweave protocol doesn't cover all permaweb application needs, such as data indexing and retrieval. This gap has led to the independent development of infrastructure services, which, while essential, are often closed-source, complex, and costly to operate. AR.IO addresses these challenges by reducing gateway overhead costs through an open-source, efficient, modular architecture and creating an economic incentive layer with the IO Token. This strategy aims to attract more gateway operators, enhancing the permaweb's health, resiliency, and decentralization.
Use Case
Arweave offers immutable, decentralized storage for any file type with a one-time payment, ensuring data is preserved indefinitely. Its permaweb provides low-cost, zero-maintenance hosting for web apps, files, and webpages, enabling users and developers to build and access permanent online content. AccessAR.IO Gateways facilitate seamless data retrieval and interaction with the permaweb, enhancing the decentralized user experience. SmartWeave smart contracts execute on the client side, reducing costs and complexity for developers while supporting innovative decentralized applications. The IO (ɸ) token incentivizes gateway operators and supports services like the Arweave Name System (ArNS), promoting network functionality and participation. Gateways perform crucial tasks such as indexing and querying Arweave data, ensuring efficient and scalable access. The tokenomic endowment model guarantees long-term data preservation, ideal for archival and historical storage. Developers can seamlessly integrate with the AR.IO Network using open-source tools and protocols, creating applications that leverage permanent data storage and decentralized infrastructure.
Tokenomics
The IO Token (ɸ) incentivizes participation in the AR.IO Network, rewarding actions that support its health and growth. Gateways stake IO Tokens to join the network, ensuring commitment and enhancing security and reliability. The IO Token facilitates smooth transactions for services within the ecosystem, such as the Arweave Name System (ArNS), while maintaining permissionless and censorship-resistant operations. Its optimized incentive structure is tailored to the network's needs, independent of external factors, ensuring stable and predictable incentives. The token distribution includes 17.46% for the core team to drive development, 2.26% for advisors, 26.70% for backers, 17.50% for community distribution, 5.00% for initial protocol rewards, 10.00% for the foundation, and 21.08% for ecosystem and strategic partnerships. The total supply is capped at 1,000,000,000 IO Tokens, with no ability to mint new tokens, ensuring scarcity and value retention. Any changes to the token supply require a protocol fork and community consensus, maintaining decentralized governance.