Artificial intelligence (AI) is described as the most significant technology ever encountered. However, only a few recognize the transformative potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI), which some predict could be realized by 2027. The first entity to deploy AGI at scale could gain unparalleled control over humanity’s future. The pursuit of AGI has sparked an unquenchable demand for computational power, creating a scenario where this demand cannot be met. This situation has prompted major technology companies, governments, and other resource-rich organizations to scramble for GPU chips, investing billions of dollars. Those lacking such resources must depend on costly cloud computing services.

In response, decentralized physical infrastructure networks, or DePINs, have been developed. These are distributed networks of small-scale infrastructure designed to support rapid scaling, particularly in computing through GPUs owned by data centers, technology companies, telecommunications firms, leading gaming studios, and cryptocurrency mining companies.

Aethir has constructed such a network, aggregating enterprise-grade GPU chips into a global network that enhances the availability of on-demand cloud computing resources across AI, gaming, and virtualized computing sectors. Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates Aethir from other cloud-computing infrastructure companies!

Introduction to Aethir

Aethir operates as a distributed cloud computing infrastructure, consolidating enterprise-grade GPU chips into a global network to enhance the availability of on-demand cloud computing resources across AI, gaming, and virtualized computing sectors.

The system allows enterprise GPU owners to monetize their underutilized GPU chips by transforming them into cloud computing providers. End users, in turn, gain access to cost-effective, on-demand computing resources essential for AI training and inferencing tasks, real-time rendering applications, and other virtualized computing operations.

On the supply side, resource owners register their compute assets with the network, undergo a verification process for their resource specifications, and then commit $ATH tokens to qualify for servicing requests. On the demand side, end users submit their computing needs, which are then matched with the optimal high-performance resources. For gaming scenarios, gamers directly access resources that deliver the gaming experiences they request. Following the completion and verification of services, payments are made from the compute purchasers and the Aethir treasury to the resource providers.

Architecture

The Aethir ecosystem is structured around five main components:

Resource Owners: Individuals or entities owning the GPU chips, supplying the core compute power within network Containers.

Aethir Network: Consists of Containers, Checkers, and Indexers that manage the compute resources, ensure quality control, and facilitate the matching of resources to meet end-user requirements.

Compute Buyers and Gamers: Users who consume the network’s computing resources, whether for AI-related tasks or gaming.

Treasury: Manages all staked $ATH tokens and disburses all rewards and fees in $ATH.

Settlement Layer: Utilizes blockchain technology to log transactions, enhancing the scalability, efficiency, and distribution of $ATH incentives.

The backend infrastructure of the Aethir Network comprises several key components:

Containers: These are central to the Aethir network, serving as virtual endpoints where cloud operations are executed. Containers handle tasks such as rendering games for players, executing inference tasks for AI consumers, or powering virtual devices. Their main function is to enhance the cloud experience by providing an immediate and responsive service with “zero lag.” This is accomplished by transferring the workload from local devices to the Containers, including all aspects of game execution and command processing.

Checkers: Checkers play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and performance of the Containers. They verify the specifications of each Container as provided by the Container Providers to ensure the network’s Quality of Service (QoS) remains high.

Indexers: Essential to the network, Indexers facilitate the matching of consumers with the appropriate Containers. Their objective is to minimize the time from a consumer’s request to the delivery of cloud-based applications and services. This rapid matching process, aimed at providing a “second on” service, involves efficient signaling and scheduling to ensure that transitions, such as from a game request to the actual game screen, occur as quickly as possible.

What are Checker Nodes?

A Checker Node is one of the three fundamental components of the Aethir Network backend infrastructure.

Checker nodes maintain the integrity and service quality of the Aethir network by assessing Containers and their operational processes. Key parameters include Liveness, Capacity, and Quality of Service, with methods such as Heartbeat collection, Benchmark testing, and Link data analysis employed for evaluation.

Checker Node Rewards

Checker nodes receive token incentives structured as follows:

Base Rewards: These are distributed to all Checkers who correctly complete their tasks, amounting to 10% of the platform’s total tokens, released linearly over four years. The distribution is based on the weighted average of tasks correctly completed by each Checker, calculated and distributed daily.

Bonus Rewards: An additional 5% of the platform’s total tokens, also released linearly over four years, are allocated as bonus rewards for Checkers meeting specific criteria. These rewards are evaluated and distributed quarterly, with the bonus pool shared equally among eligible nodes, including 5% of the total platform tokens averaged each quarter and 25% of collected penalties.

Blast Has Released Node-as-a-Service Feature for Aethir

If running the Checker Node Client on your own machine is not what you’re aiming for, opting for either a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a Node-as-a-Service (NaaS) is an alternative. The primary distinction between the two options is that a VPS requires the individual to set up, deploy, and manage the nodes independently, whereas NaaS handles all management tasks. By delegating the Checker Node License (NFT) to a NaaS provider, one can earn rewards automatically.

We’re excited to announce a new feature: Node-as-a-Service, for Aethir Checker Nodes, supported by Blast! This service enables users to host their nodes on one of the premier infrastructure platforms in the Web3 space, which powers some of the industry’s top brands.

Blast simplifies the node deployment process with its user-friendly interface and automated setup, enabling quick and straightforward provisioning without the need for technical expertise. Our engineering team, with over four years of experience and a substantial portfolio, manages RPC nodes across more than 41 blockchain networks and operates validators for over 50 networks, with a total value locked (TVL) exceeding $650 million.

For those actively involved in the Aethir ecosystem and looking to boost AI usage and capabilities, we encourage you to explore Blast. Follow our social channels to stay updated, and get ready to deploy and manage your Aethir nodes with ease!

If you require assistance with dedicated nodes, our engineering team is available 24/7 on the Bware Labs Discord server. Join the server using the provided invite link, select your “NaaS” role, and interact with our team members who are eager to help you with hosting and managing your Aethir nodes.