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Ankr Whitepaper Explanation

#155

Ankr is a decentralized node infrastructure provider designed to improve Web3 development by offering a distributed network of nodes.

What Is Ankr?

Ankr is a decentralised infrastructure provider for Web3 — the next generation of internet applications built on blockchains. It provides developers with easy access to blockchain nodes (the computers that run blockchain networks), RPC endpoints (connection points for communicating with blockchains), and liquid staking services. Ankr aims to be the backbone that Web3 developers build on.

Think of Ankr like the utility company for blockchain developers. Just as you do not build your own power plant to run your business, developers use Ankr's infrastructure instead of setting up and maintaining their own blockchain nodes.

The Problem It Solves

Running a blockchain node is expensive and technically demanding — it requires dedicated hardware, constant maintenance, and deep expertise. But every decentralised application needs to communicate with a blockchain. Most developers end up relying on a few centralised node providers, which creates a single point of failure that undermines the decentralisation these applications are built for. Additionally, staking tokens on many networks locks up capital that cannot be used elsewhere.

How It Works

Ankr operates a distributed network of nodes across many blockchains, providing developers with reliable API access to read and write data on those chains. Instead of running your own Ethereum or Polygon node, you connect to Ankr's network and start building immediately.

Ankr's liquid staking service lets users stake tokens on networks like Ethereum, Polygon, and Avalanche and receive liquid staking tokens in return (like ankrETH). These tokens represent the staked position plus accumulated rewards and can be used in DeFi applications, so stakers do not have to choose between earning staking rewards and having liquid, usable assets.

Why It Matters

Ankr plays a critical infrastructure role in the Web3 ecosystem, providing the node access and staking services that thousands of applications depend on. Its liquid staking competes with projects like Lido DAO and Rocket Pool, while its node infrastructure serves a similar purpose to centralised providers but with a decentralised architecture.

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