#walrus is a decentralized storage and data availability network designed for blockchain and AI-driven applications. The protocol provides a scalable, verifiable way to store large files, such as images, videos, and datasets, that would otherwise be costly and inefficient to store directly on-chain.
Walrus is built on the Sui blockchain, and the platform integrates with Sui’s smart contract environment to offer developers flexible, reliable storage capabilities. Originally developed by Mysten Labs, Walrus is an independent decentralized network governed by its native token, WAL, and supported by the Walrus Foundation.
How Walrus Works
Encoding and off-chain storage
When data is uploaded to Walrus, it is split into smaller pieces, known as slivers, using Red Stuff, the network’s custom erasure-coding algorithm. Red Stuff improves efficiency by distributing these encoded fragments across multiple storage nodes rather than storing complete copies on each one.
These storage nodes are periodically required to verify that they still hold their assigned fragments, helping to maintain ongoing availability. Even if several nodes go offline, the original data can be rebuilt from a subset of slivers. This approach allows Walrus to maintain resilience with fewer data copies than the full replication typically required in traditional blockchains.
On-chain metadata
In Walrus, large files are stored as blobs, which refer to bundles of unstructured data such as images, videos, or datasets. Instead of placing these large blobs directly on the blockchain, Walrus stores only their metadata and proofs of availability on the Sui blockchain.
Proofs of availability are cryptographic records that confirm storage nodes are still holding their assigned data fragments. These proofs allow anyone to verify that a blob remains accessible without downloading or inspecting the full file.
Developers can use Sui smart contracts, written in the Move programming language, to reference and validate these stored blobs directly within their applications.
Data retrieval
When you request a stored file, an aggregator gathers the required slivers from multiple nodes and reconstructs the original data. The retrieved content can then be delivered through a content delivery network (CDN) or cache for faster access. Because only small fragments are transferred and recombined, the retrieval process remains efficient even for large datasets.
Walrus Sites
Walrus Sites are decentralized websites hosted directly on the Walrus and Sui networks, providing an alternative to traditional web hosting. Developers can upload static files through the site-builder tool, and the content is stored permanently on the network.
Each site is tied to a Sui address, can be associated with NFTs, and supports SuiNS for simple, human-readable names. Because the content is stored across decentralized nodes, it remains available and resistant to censorship. While Walrus Sites are static by design, developers can connect wallets and use smart contracts to add interactive features and on-chain functionality.
Use Cases
Walrus can be integrated with other blockchains to support applications that require decentralized and scalable data storage, including:
NFTs and DApps: Walrus can store and deliver media files such as images, videos, and audio. These files are accessible through HTTP requests, allowing developers to build multimedia decentralized applications (DApps).Artificial intelligence: Walrus can be used to store verified datasets, AI model weights, and proofs of correct training, helping ensure the availability and authenticity of AI data and outputs.Blockchain data archiving: Walrus can function as an alternative storage layer for blockchain history. For example, the network can store Sui’s checkpoints, transaction records, and historical snapshots of blockchain states.Data availability: Walrus supports Layer 2 networks by certifying the availability of off-chain data, such as blobs, validity proofs, and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), required for verification and auditing.Decentralized web hosting: Walrus can host complete decentralized websites, allowing both front-end and back-end components to operate fully on-chain.
The WAL Token
WAL is the native token of the Walrus protocol, built on the Sui blockchain. WAL has a maximum supply of 5 billion tokens and follows a deflationary model that reduces supply through token-burning mechanisms. It’s used within the ecosystem for many purposes, including:
Payment: WAL is the payment token for data storage on Walrus. Users can pay upfront for storage, and the WAL is distributed over time to nodes and stakers as rewards.Security: WAL supports network security through delegated staking. Users can stake or delegate tokens to storage nodes and earn rewards based on node performance. When slashing is introduced, penalties will apply to underperforming nodes. Governance: WAL holders can participate in network governance by voting on key parameters and penalty settings.
#ZBT ZBTUSDT CryptoAnalysis Binance Altcoins CryptoTrading BullishSetup CryptoCommunity TechnicalAnalysis TradingSignals CryptoUpdate Blockchain CryptoNews SwingTrade HoldStrong
#WALUSDT $SOL $TRX $WAL