Overview

Aethir is a decentralized cloud computing platform that allows users to rent out their GPU power in a GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) fashion. This is designed to meet the substantial and growing demands of compute-intensive applications such as training AI/ML models in the enterprise AI, Gaming, or IoT sectors. 

Aethir leverages underutilized GPU resources from data centers, enterprises, cryptocurrency miners, and individual consumers. These resources are aggregated and then GPU power is intelligently redistributed to support high-demand applications across various sectors. By integrating idle GPUs into a unified network, Aethir not only maximizes resource utilization but also offers competitive pricing and enhanced accessibility for computational resources that would have been idle or inaccessible in a centralized system.

Aethir is also part of the NVIDIA Inception Program. NVIDIA Inception is a free initiative that offers businesses access to the most recent technical resources from NVIDIA, opportunities to network with venture capitalists, and cutting-edge tools to help them grow more quickly.

Why the Project was Created

Aethir was created to address critical limitations and inefficiencies in the centralized cloud computing industry, particularly concerning the provisioning and utilization of GPU resources. As compute-intensive applications such as AI, ML, and cloud gaming continue to proliferate, the demand for high-performance GPUs has surged. Traditional centralized cloud service providers have struggled to meet this demand effectively, leading to a range of challenges that Aethir aims to solve. 

For reference, training Facebook’s LLM on 1.4 trillion tokens (~1T words) took 2048 A100s around 20 days. Buying the GPUs upfront would’ve cost >$20M, with each Nvidia A100 costing $10K. Using Cloud GPU providers like GCP or AWS would’ve cost >~$4M

To understand the significance of this, consider how centralized cloud computing typically works. Typically dominated by key players like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and IBM Cloud, Web2 incumbents operate large data centers and offer an extensive network of servers, storage systems, and networking equipment to deliver computing resources over the internet. As a customer, you’d generally opt for the following services:

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) – ie. applications (the most common)
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) – ie. platform to develop applications
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) – ie. the backend servers, networks, etc.

Among the benefits for users opting for centralized cloud computing we can find:

• Scalability: One of the primary benefits of IaaS is the ability to scale resources up or down based on demand. This flexibility allows businesses to handle varying workloads efficiently without over-provisioning infrastructure.
• Cost Efficiency: IaaS operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, where businesses only pay for the resources they consume. This model eliminates the need for large upfront investments in hardware and reduces ongoing maintenance costs.
• Speed and Agility: IaaS providers offer rapid provisioning of resources, enabling businesses to deploy new applications and services quickly. This speed enhances business agility and supports faster time-to-market for new products and features.

However, the downsides are:

• Vendor Lock-In: Migrating applications and data to a specific IaaS provider can create dependencies on that provider’s services, making it challenging to switch to another provider without significant effort and cost.
• Single Point of Failure: A centralized service provider means if e.g. Google goes down, your server goes down with it.
• Complexity in Management: Managing cloud resources can be complex, especially for businesses with large-scale deployments.
• Cost Management: While IaaS can be cost-effective, inefficient use of resources can lead to unexpected cost escalations. And for the infrastructure suppliers, there is a huge upfront capital expenditure to acquire the GPUs or servers in the first place which creates a huge barrier to entry.

Centralized IaaS providers, while offering numerous benefits, also face significant limitations that make the case for decentralizing GPU resources compelling. The creation of Aethir addresses these critical challenges by leveraging underutilized GPUs from data centers, enterprises, and even individual contributors to create a vast, globally distributed network. This decentralized approach mitigates the risk of resource bottlenecks and single points of failure inherent in centralized systems. By pooling idle GPU capacity, Aethir not only increases overall resource utilization but also democratizes access to high-performance computing, making it more affordable and accessible for a broader range of users.

Aethir Network Technology

The Aethir platform utilizes a complex and dynamic system architecture designed to integrate decentralized cloud computing effectively. The infrastructure is built around five key components:

1. Resource Owners: These are individuals or entities that own GPU chips and contribute their computational power to the network. They are essential as they provide the foundational resources for the functioning of the Aethir ecosystem.
2. Aethir Network: This component is the backbone of the system, consisting of three main elements:
   • Containers: They host the computational resources provided by the resource owners.
   • Checkers: Their role is to ensure the quality and reliability of the computational resources.
   • Indexers: They help in matching the computational resources with the needs of the end-users based on specific requirements.
3. Compute Buyers (Gaming & AI Enterprises): This group represents the consumers of the computational power supplied by the Aethir network. They use these resources on-demand for various purposes, such as AI training, inferencing, and gaming.
4. Treasury: It manages the financial aspects of the network. The Treasury holds all staked $ATH tokens and is responsible for disbursing rewards and fees within the Aethir ecosystem.
5. Settlement Layer: Aethir employs blockchain technology for its settlement layer which ensures the recording of transactions. This layer supports the network’s scalability, and efficiency, and distributes $ATH tokens as incentives.

To maintain the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the network, Aethir defines three specific roles: Container, Checker, and Indexer.

Container

The Container is responsible for delivering real-time, remote rendering services. They act as virtual endpoints where computational tasks are executed, such as rendering games or processing AI computations. The primary function of Containers is to ensure a seamless cloud experience by offloading heavy computational tasks from local devices, thereby providing a “zero lag” experience. 

Containers need to be in a constant state of readiness, pre-installed with necessary applications, and equipped with the requisite processing capabilities to handle high-performance tasks efficiently. For each task, containers are assessed for their capability to deliver the best possible consumer or enterprise application experience, considering factors such as frame rate and resolution. They are then selected based on their ability to provide the highest quality of service with the lowest possible latency and cost.  

The process of selecting Containers varies based on the type of computing required:

• AI Compute Customers: Containers are selected based on performance requirements dictated by the customer. This selection is critical to ensure that AI operations are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Gaming Compute Customers: For gamers, Containers are chosen based on their capability to offer the highest quality of service at the lowest possible cost. Key factors in this selection include frame rate, low latency, and resolution, all of which contribute to the best possible gaming experience.

Staking

Staking is important for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the network. It functions as an incentive system within the Decentralized Peer-to-Peer Network (DePIN) framework, promoting good behavior and penalizing misconduct. Node operators must stake $ATH tokens to contribute resources to a Container. This financial commitment helps ensure alignment with the platform’s objectives and motivation to provide optimal service. If a node operator fails to meet quality control standards or disrupts the network, their staked tokens are at risk of being slashed, thus enforcing accountability.

Rewards

Containers are compensated through two distinct reward mechanisms:

• Readiness: Containers earn rewards for maintaining a high state of readiness and providing standby services, such as Proof of Concept (PoC) rewards.
• Service: Additional compensation is provided based on the actual compute resources used by the end user. This includes rewards for Proof of Delivery (PoD) and service fees.

These mechanisms ensure that Containers are both prepared to serve immediate needs and compensated for their actual service delivery, aligning economic incentives with network performance and reliability.

Aethir Edge

The Aethir Edge device functions as a standardized container node. This device allows owners to contribute their consumer-grade compute resources to the network, transforming them into valuable assets within the decentralized computing ecosystem. In exchange for their contributions, owners receive rewards, creating an incentive structure that promotes the expansion and diversification of the network’s resource pool.

Typically, consumer-grade compute hardware is not suitable for integration into enterprise-grade compute infrastructure due to the vast variability in device capabilities and performance standards. The Aethir Edge addresses this challenge by standardizing these diverse resources. It enables consumer-grade resource owners to supply high-performance container nodes that are capable of handling enterprise workloads directly to the Aethir network.

With the introduction of the Aethir Edge, consumer compute infrastructure is homogenized and adapted to meet the demanding requirements of AI applications and cloud gaming. This shift not only expands the usability of consumer devices but also opens up new avenues for their utilization in high-demand sectors, effectively leveraging underutilized resources in a groundbreaking way. The Aethir Edge makes it feasible for the first time to integrate and harness consumer hardware for complex and resource-intensive tasks.

Checker

The Checker is tasked to ensure the integrity and performance of Containers. It fulfills this role by conducting various tests at key points throughout the Container’s lifecycle to maintain and verify standards of service and performance.

The Checker operates according to a specific schedule, focusing on three crucial stages in a Container’s lifecycle:

1. At Registration: An initial evaluation is performed when a Container applies for registration on the Aethir network. This check verifies the Container’s specifications to ensure they meet network standards. Containers that pass this stage are successfully registered.
2. In Standby State: To guarantee constant readiness, random checks are carried out on Containers in a standby state. These evaluations affect the Container’s scheduling opportunities and priority as determined by the Indexer.
3. During Delivery State: While the Container is active, service data is collected and assessed to confirm the quality of service. The findings from these assessments are crucial as they determine the necessity for any penalties due to subpar service delivery.

To effectively monitor and assess Containers, the Checker employs two main testing methods:

• Performance Parameters: This method involves directly accessing and reading data related to Container performance.
• Simulation Testing: In this approach, the Checker acts as a compute buyer to test resource consumption and analyze interactions, ensuring that Containers comply with their claimed specifications.

100,000 Checker nodes were put up for sale during the Aethir public node sale.

Proof of Capacity (Liveness)

Recognizing and rewarding the readiness and availability of node operators, even during dormant phases, is essential. The Checker conducts Proof of Capacity tests every 15 minutes to ensure a baseline level of compute availability. This guarantees that end users receive the resources they need promptly, even during spikes in demand.

Proof of Delivery

Maintaining service quality is paramount, and the Checker plays a vital role in monitoring Container performance against Aethir’s quality standards. This process not only involves rewarding Containers for high-quality service but also entails penalizing them through fee deductions or stake slashing for failing to meet standards. These outcomes significantly impact the Container’s future scheduling and operational opportunities within the network.

Indexer

The Indexer facilitates the connection between consumers and the most suitable Containers. Its primary goal is to ensure that cloud-based applications and services are launched swiftly and efficiently. The Indexer matches users with Containers based on several criteria, including the Container’s status, service deployment readiness, resource requirements, latency, and service fee.

By selecting Containers randomly, the Indexer mitigates fraud risks and ensures a decentralized and fair matching process. This helps maintain the integrity and efficiency of the network, delivering optimal performance and minimizing delays.

Indexers utilize a detailed set of criteria to match Containers with service requests effectively:

1. Container Status and Readiness: Initial considerations involve assessing the current operational status and readiness of Containers to handle new tasks.
2. Latency and Specifications: The Indexer evaluates the latency, critical for gaming and real-time applications, and the technical specifications of each Container to ensure they meet the user’s requirements.
3. Service Fee: Cost-effectiveness is also a key consideration. The Indexer looks for Containers offering the lowest service fee without compromising on quality.
4. Overall Experience and Ranking: The final selection is influenced by the Container’s ability to offer the best user experience. This is determined based on a combination of service fee, user experience, and the Container’s overall ranking within the network’s evaluation index.

Through these criteria, the Indexer ensures that end users are paired with the most suitable Containers, thereby optimizing the network’s resources and user satisfaction.

Proof of Rendering Work

Proof of Rendering Work is a validation mechanism specific to Aethir’s network. Every 15 minutes, a group of these workers is randomly chosen to validate transactions (checking if everything’s in order and accurate). The more they have invested (in terms of $ATH tokens), the better their service quality, and the less often they’ve been chosen before, the more likely they are to be picked. This is similar to the criteria of Ethereum validators.

While working, their performance is closely monitored to ensure quality. The network makes sure that users get the best possible service, adjusting resources based on demand and location. Should the quality be poor or the nodes engaging in malpractice, they are prone to getting their $ATH stake slashed.

Roadmap

Aethir’s roadmap consists of product launches and updates along with their mainnet launch and TGE of $ATH in Q2 2024. The following are some of the core items in the product pipeline that Aethir intends to launch or upgrade in the coming year.

Aethir Earth (Bare Metal GPU Rental)

Aethir Earth focuses on providing high-performance GPUs to meet the large-scale demands of enterprise customers, particularly those requiring H100 GPUs for intensive computing tasks. This product is designed to enhance efficiency and flexibility in order management and resource allocation. 

Aethir Earth also includes the development of open API interfaces, facilitating streamlined integration and management processes for various customers. This bare metal initiative aims to transition customers smoothly into Aethir’s broader Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) offerings within the next 12 months, ensuring a seamless and scalable solution for enterprise-grade computing needs.

Aethir Air (Cloud Gaming)

Aethir Air includes advanced features that enhance player experience and interactivity. The platform will incorporate device gyroscopic controls, allowing players to use physical movements to interact with games, such as tilting their device to steer in a racing game. In their roadmap, they aim to onboard more Consumer GPUs and GPU networks to contribute their hardware.

Additionally, Aethir Air aims to improve in-game communications, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted audio exchanges between players. These innovations are targeted at providing a more immersive and intuitive gaming experience, especially in underdeveloped and developing regions where hardware affordability is a significant barrier.

Cloud Smartphone Services (APhone)

Aethir’s Cloud Smartphone Services aims to build a borderless, cloud-intelligent mobile platform that emphasizes user security and privacy. They call it the APhone. The APhone enables users to offload memory or storage-intensive applications to the cloud, significantly enhancing device performance and battery life. It will also unlock applications restricted by traditional app stores due to hardware limitations. 

Users will be able to select regions for launching their cloud phone apps, much like a highly advanced VPN, facilitating international data migration and usage. Aethir aims to cater to a wide range of users, providing a high-performance mobile computing experience with enhanced privacy and security.

Sector Outlook

DePIN

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) is a completely new approach to traditional infrastructure development and usage. These protocols aim to leverage blockchain and decentralized principles to create more open, transparent, and accessible infrastructure networks. The goal of DePIN is to harness underutilized resources, reduce costs, and democratize access to critical infrastructure services that would have otherwise been centralized.

DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) encompasses projects aiming to decentralize the provision and delivery of physical and human capital using token incentives. This movement started more than three years ago with projects like Helium and Braintrust. Over the years, DePIN networks have expanded into three main sectors: Physical Infrastructure, Human Infrastructure, and Machine Infrastructure. 

Regardless of the area of specialization, the primary goal is to replace a centralized and often monopolized coordinator and use native tokens to convert users into stakeholders of their network. 

Physical Infrastructure	Human Infrastructure	Machine Infrastructure
Projects in this sector provide digital commodities like compute, storage, and bandwidth or address issues in industries like food delivery. Examples include Aethir, Filecoin, Helium, Render, and WiFiMap.	Human infrastructure networks connect people with specific skills or resources to those who need them. Braintrust pioneered this sector by creating a large pool of part-time labor. Event-related apps like Teleport have also emerged in this category.	This sector is in its early stages and aims to decentralize industries like AI and Robotics. It revolves around the idea that more data, especially diverse data, can improve the performance of AI systems. Projects include Bittensor, Autonolas, and MachineFi, focusing on AI and autonomy.

Put simply, DePIN networks transform industries with fixed costs into variable cost structures, benefiting from network effects and collaboration.  

Centralized Infrastructure	DePin
Requires large upfront capital expenses, which is a significant barrier to entry	Allows for crowdsourcing capital expenses in a transparent way through token incentives
Involves inefficient and time-consuming bureaucratic processes	Blockchains reduce administrative overheads since the ledger can be used as a single source of truth
Requires trust in opaque centralized providers	No single point of failure

In a long enough time horizon, DePIN can disrupt multiple industries and showcase what decentralized global networks can achieve when it comes to use cases such as video rendering, perpetual storage, cellular plans, AI agents, model training, asset tracking, location services, etc.

The reason for this is that DePIN is a solution that scales global infrastructure, making it more efficient, resilient, and performant than centralized infrastructure. This allows for crowdsourcing CapEx by incentivizing users with tokens to contribute towards common objectives.

GPU Cloud Compute

Aethir dabbles in the GPU compute space. Global computing power is said to be ~6 ZFLOPS (zeta flops) by 2025. A flop represents performance, the higher it is, the better. For reference, an NVIDIA RTX 3080 has ~30 TFLOPS (teraflops) – that means globally, there is the computing power of 33M-worth of RTX 3080s available, and often either idle or underutilized. This however is simply a rough estimate of sizing in this industry – flops are not the only measure of GPU power and different GPUs serve different purposes.

GPUs, initially designed for rendering graphics in gaming and professional applications, have expanded their role into high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and blockchain technologies. The GPU market is driven by the increasing demand for these advanced applications, necessitating high computational power and efficiency.

As of 2023, the global GPU market is valued at approximately $3.2 billion, with projections indicating significant growth in the coming years. Analysts forecast that the market will reach $25.5 billion by 2030, driven by a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of around 34.8%. This growth is fueled by the proliferation of AI and ML applications, the expansion of cloud gaming services, and the continuous advancement in graphical rendering for entertainment and professional sectors. The AI market is the core driver for GPU demand, from LLMs to Generative AI, GPUs perform technical calculations faster and with greater energy efficiency than CPUs. That means they deliver leading performance for AI training and inference as well as gains across a wide array of applications that use accelerated computing.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape for GPU DePIN revolves around a few key projects including Render, Akash, and Ionet. These offer relatively similar services of tapping into idle/underutilized GPUs and renting them out for a specific purpose. 

	Aethir	Render	Akash	Ionet
Target Audience	Gamers, AI researchers, and enterprises needing virtual computing resources.	Rendering high-quality graphics and animations.	A broad range of users seeking decentralized cloud computing solutions (e.g. startups or developers)	AI researchers, machine learning practitioners, and enterprises requiring high-performance computing for AI/ML workloads.
GPU Supply type	Predominantly uses enterprise-grade GPUs (for now), aiming to onboard consumer-grade GPUs.	Consumer-grade and enterprise-grade GPUs	Consumer-grade and enterprise-grade GPUs	Predominantly uses enterprise-grade GPUs, but also has consumer-grade GPUs.

Render

Similar to Aethir, Render allows its users to contribute unused GPU computing power. However, the primary purpose of these GPUs on the Render network is to help projects or content creators render motion graphics and visual effects. In exchange, GPU contributors earn Render tokens ($RNDR), the native utility token of the Render Network. 

Many motion graphic artists and businesses that rely heavily on 3D rendering and modeling are hesitant to spend enormous amounts of money on data centers filled with GPUs, particularly since GPUs often become outdated and must be replaced every few years to keep up with the latest data processing requirements. GPU units also require a significant amount of electricity to operate, and many 3D graphics creators and users are based in expensive urban centers with high utility costs.

Content creators can upload GPU-based rendering tasks to Render which can then be completed by Render’s decentralized network of GPU service providers. One $RNDR Token is mapped to a unit of work called OctaneBench. OctaneBench is a tool created by OTOY to define compute power provided by any combination of graphics cards into a single score. 

IOnet

io.net focuses on providing decentralized AI and machine learning compute services, targeting both consumer and enterprise-grade GPU resources. Ionet’s flagship product, the IO Cloud, is a distributed cloud network where developers can deploy decentralized ML clusters, leveraging GPUs provided by network participants. The IO Cloud differentiates itself with a permissionless setup, allowing anyone to contribute hardware or utilize the network for AI tasks.

Ionet currently has the largest number of connected GPUs of almost 100,000 verified GPUs and 1,000 CPUs globally, including high-performance models like the NVIDIA H100 or NVIDIA L4.

Akash

Akash Network is aimed primarily at developers, businesses, and data centers looking for cost-effective and flexible cloud computing solutions. It caters to a wide range of users including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and individual developers who need scalable resources without the long-term commitments or high costs associated with traditional cloud providers. They also carry some top-of-the-line GPUs like the NVIDIA H100 or A100, but not as many as Ionet or Aethir

Potential Adoption

DePIN projects challenge traditional incumbents in industries like telecommunications, mapping, and cloud services. By leveraging network economies they can counter the economies of incumbent centralized providers. Advantages include lower capital expenditures (Capex), utilizing existing locations, and reducing the need for extensive personnel. The end goal is that by offering cost-effective solutions, DePIN can undercut established players and pass savings on to users.

Aethir is positioned to capture significant adoption in the AI and machine learning sectors, which are experiencing explosive growth and demand for high-performance GPU computational resources, as large AI/ML models take a lot of computing power to train. Aethir caters to startups and established enterprises needing scalable GPU resources for training and inferencing models, which is critical given the current shortage and high costs of traditional cloud GPU providers. Tapping into idle and underutilized enterprise GPU power (and soon consumer GPUs) provides strong potential adoption.

Additionally, the Cloud Gaming industry represents another substantial market for Aethir, valued at over $5B in 2023 growing at a 37% CAGR. Cloud gaming allows users to stream games directly from the cloud to their devices, eliminating the need for powerful gaming consoles or PCs. This shift has made gaming more accessible but has also increased the demand for high-performance GPU resources to ensure seamless, low-latency gameplay which can be optimized through Aethir’s decentralized GPU network. 

This is a market sector that takes years to grow but can eventually scale and transition to become an industry of its own. There might be times when the price appreciation of tokens might make them seem an overnight success, but DePIN has been years in the making. Ultimately, DePIN diversifies the role of hardware manufacturers, miners, and consumers, and intends to attract a wider range of participants by reducing entry barriers and broadening geographical reach. Most notably, DePIN converts the parties involved into stakeholders, fostering ongoing engagement and surpassing simplistic buy-and-sell relationships.

Chains

Aethir is built on the Arbitrum Layer 2 chain. Aethir utilizes blockchain technology as the backbone of its decentralized cloud computing platform, offering numerous advantages essential for its operation. The inherent decentralization provided by blockchain eliminates reliance on any single point of control or failure, which enhances the overall resilience and security of the network. This decentralization is critical for reducing risks such as data breaches and server downtime and ensuring that no central authority can manipulate or excessively influence the network.

The security features of blockchain, including its immutable and transparent ledger, are necessary to build participants’ trust. Every transaction and operation on the network is permanently recorded and openly accessible, making the platform transparent and auditable. This transparency ensures that users and providers can verify the accuracy and security of their transactions, fostering a trustworthy environment.

Moreover, blockchain facilitates the effective use of smart contracts, which automate the execution of agreements without the need for intermediaries. These smart contracts govern the GPU-as-a-Service model on Aethir, managing everything from service provision to payment processing and the enforcement of penalties. This automation not only streamlines operations but also ensures that all contractual terms are executed precisely as agreed.

Tokenization is another feature of blockchains, allowing Aethir to create and distribute its native $ATH tokens. These tokens are used within the network for transactions, staking, and as part of an incentive system that encourages participation and resource contribution from users. The token economy helps maintain an active and engaged community, essential for the platform’s vision and continuous growth.

Arbitrum’s solution for the Aethir network seems ideal for what the protocol tries to achieve which is product adoption. Arbitrum is one of the most popular choices for developers who want to deploy their dApp on a chain that is fast, cheap, and also has a massive user base. In addition, Arbitrum is an EVM chain that helps with compatibility with other EVM chains in case of integrations, partnerships, or expansion. 

Participants 

The core participants in Aethir are GPU Buyers or Providers, and Checkers who are responsible for the integrity and operation of the protocol.

Compute Providers 

Providers contribute their GPU and CPU resources to the Aethir network. They play a crucial role in maintaining the network’s computational capacity. Providers are rewarded through token incentives such as Proof of Rendering Work and Proof of Capacity. These rewards encourage them to supply their computing power to the network, ensuring availability and readiness. Other reasons to be a GPU Compute Provider include:

• Monetary Rewards: Earn substantial income through service fees and rewards. By offering your GPU resources, you tap into a lucrative market driven by high demand for computational power in gaming and AI.
• Empower Innovation: Play a crucial role in supporting cutting-edge technologies. Your contributions enable developers and enterprises to run complex workloads, driving innovation in AI research, gaming, and beyond.
• Scalable Operations: Easily scale your contributions by adding more GPU servers to the Aethir platform. The flexibility to expand your operations ensures you can grow alongside the increasing demand for GPU compute resources.
• Secure and Decentralized Network: Participate in a secure and transparent decentralized network. Aethir values security and trust, ensuring your contributions are protected and your earnings are transparent.
• Community Engagement: Engage, share insights, and collaborate on projects, enhancing the overall ecosystem and driving forward technological advancements.
• User-Friendly Platform: Benefit from Aethir’s intuitive platform that simplifies the management of your GPU resources. From setup to monitoring and financial management, Aethir provides all the tools you need for efficient operations.
• Contributing to a Sustainable Future: By providing GPU compute on Aethir, you contribute to a more sustainable and efficient use of computing resources. Distributed cloud infrastructure optimizes resource utilization, reducing the environmental impact of large-scale data centers.

To maintain network stability and security, GPU Compute Providers are required to stake their GPUs on the Aethir platform. This commitment helps safeguard the network and ensures continuity of service. Additionally, it is crucial to consistently monitor the performance of your GPU servers to guarantee that they adhere to the required standards and provide reliable service.

The Aethir platform offers a provider dashboard that allows you to manage your operations effectively. This tool is essential for tracking daily service fees, rewards, and the operational status of your servers. Through the dashboard, you can manage server additions, configuration adjustments, and troubleshoot any issues, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.

Aethir Earth

Aethir Earth represents a specialized segment of the Aethir network, focusing on a decentralized bare metal GPU cloud infrastructure crafted specifically to enhance high-performance computing for machine learning tasks and AI applications. Here’s a closer look at the unique aspects of Aethir Earth:

Decentralized Infrastructure

In contrast to traditional centralized cloud services, Aethir Earth adopts a decentralized model that utilizes GPU servers from a global community of GPU Compute Providers. This approach not only enhances scalability and flexibility but also improves resilience against various types of failures and outages, inherent in centralized systems.

Bare Metal GPU Performance

Aethir Earth provides bare metal GPU resources, which allow direct hardware access without the overhead associated with virtualization. This setup ensures superior performance, particularly beneficial for compute-intensive tasks such as AI model training and real-time gaming, where quick data processing and response times are crucial.

Global Network of Providers

The infrastructure benefits from a wide-reaching network of GPU servers scattered across the globe. This geographic diversity not only bolsters the reliability and availability of computing resources but also ensures that users can access significant computational power whenever required, mitigating latency and regional data sovereignty issues.

Optimized for Machine Learning and AI

Specifically tailored to meet the demands of modern machine learning and AI applications, Aethir Earth is equipped with high-performance GPUs and a robust supporting infrastructure. This setup is ideal for executing complex algorithms and handling intensive workloads that are typical in cutting-edge AI research and development.

Transparent and Secure

The decentralized nature of Aethir Earth enhances both transparency and security. The platform provides a secure environment that upholds the integrity of computational tasks and data, while also minimizing risks associated with centralized points of failure, thus ensuring greater reliability and trust for both providers and users.

Seamless Integration

For GPU Compute Providers, integrating resources into Aethir Earth is designed to be straightforward and efficient. Providers can easily add and configure their GPU servers, while users benefit from minimal setup requirements to deploy their workloads, effectively harnessing the network’s full computational capabilities.

Community-Driven Innovation

Participation in Aethir Earth allows providers to be part of a community-driven platform that is at the forefront of technological innovation. This collaborative environment not only fosters the development of new technologies and applications but also encourages continuous improvement and expansion of what is achievable in the realms of machine learning and AI.

Aethir Atmosphere

Aethir Atmosphere is a decentralized GPU infrastructure tailored specifically for cloud gaming. It aims to revolutionize the gaming industry by offering high-performance, scalable, and efficient cloud-based rendering solutions. Here’s a concise overview of the key features and offerings of Aethir Atmosphere:

Decentralized Cloud Rendering

Utilizing a decentralized network of rendering containers supplied by GPU Compute Providers worldwide, Aethir Atmosphere ensures a robust, scalable, and resilient infrastructure capable of meeting the demands of modern gaming.

Cloud Gaming Focus

Designed specifically for cloud gaming, Aethir Atmosphere provides real-time rendering capabilities that enable seamless, high-quality gaming experiences without requiring powerful local hardware. This accessibility makes high-end gaming achievable for a broader audience.

Rendering Containers

The platform optimizes the rendering process through the use of containerized GPU resources. These containers create isolated environments for rendering tasks, which promotes efficient resource utilization and consistent performance across various gaming applications.

Global Network of Providers

The decentralized structure of Aethir Atmosphere is supported by a diverse network of GPU providers located globally. This geographic distribution enhances service availability and reliability, enabling low-latency gaming experiences for users worldwide.

Optimized for Performance

Aethir Atmosphere is fine-tuned to deliver high-performance rendering to meet the specific needs of cloud gaming. It supports the latest gaming technologies and manages complex rendering tasks efficiently.

Scalability and Flexibility

The platform’s decentralized design facilitates seamless scalability. As gaming demand grows, additional rendering containers can be integrated into the network, ensuring the infrastructure can handle increased workloads without performance degradation.

Transparent and Secure

Aethir Atmosphere maintains transparency and security through decentralized governance and robust security measures, safeguarding against centralized points of failure and ensuring the integrity of rendering tasks.

Seamless Integration

Game developers can easily integrate their games with Aethir Atmosphere, benefiting from the platform’s powerful rendering capabilities. This straightforward setup allows developers to concentrate on crafting immersive gaming experiences while the platform manages the rendering.

Community-Driven Innovation

Providers and developers who join Aethir Atmosphere contribute to a community-driven platform that nurtures innovation and collaboration. This environment encourages the development of new gaming technologies and applications, pushing the boundaries of cloud gaming possibilities.

In summary, Aethir Atmosphere represents the next generation in cloud gaming, offering a decentralized, scalable, and high-performance solution that democratizes access to top-tier gaming experiences globally.

Compute Buyers 

These are organizations or individuals that require high-performance computing resources. They leverage Aethir’s decentralized infrastructure to run applications such as AI training, inference tasks, cloud gaming, and more. Buyers pay for computing resources using $ATH tokens. They benefit from lower costs and high efficiency compared to traditional centralized cloud services. These include AI researchers, game developers, enterprises needing virtualized compute resources, and startups looking for scalable computing solutions.

How to Rent an Aethir Earth Server

Here’s how Aethir customers can rent an Earth Server.

• 1. Access the Servers Page: Go to the “Aethir Earth” section on the side menu of the platform and select “Servers.” This page will display a data summary and a map indicating available server locations, the total number of available servers, and the distribution of these servers by location. To initiate the server rental process, click the “Rent Servers Now” button.

• 2. Select Region and GPU: On the “Rent Server” page, you’ll need to choose the geographic region where you want your server to be located and specify the type of GPU required for your needs. This step ensures that you select a server that geographically optimizes your operations and meets your technical requirements.

• 3. Select Server Specifications: You can then browse through the list of available servers. This list can be filtered by CPU type and memory size to narrow down the options. Servers are grouped by specification types such as CPU architecture, number of GPUs, GPU type, and bandwidth category. More detailed information about memory, disk size, and network interface is available under each specification type. Select the server that matches your requirements by clicking the checkbox next to each server. Note that within a single order, you can only select servers under one specification type.
• 4. Select Duration: Choose the duration of your server rental, which can be set by month or week. Input how many months or weeks you will need the server. Be aware that certain discounts may be available if you opt for a longer rental period.
• 5. Review and Confirm Order: Review your order details on the right side of the page in the “Order Details” section. This section will summarize the selected servers, total duration, and the overall cost. Confirm these details are correct and proceed to the payment step.
• 6. Make Payment: Select your payment method. Options typically include paying with your wallet balance or topping up and paying in one go if your balance is insufficient. It’s important to ensure you have enough balance in your wallet, especially if you have ongoing charges, as the topped-up balance might be immediately consumed, potentially causing the payment to fail.

• 7. Manage Your Servers: Once your payment is confirmed, your rented servers will be listed under the “Servers” section within the “Aethir Earth” tab. Here, you can monitor the status and service terms, along with other relevant details of your rented servers.

 

Server access specifics can be found in the Details popup.

Checker Node Operators

Users can participate as Checkers by purchasing a Checker Node license (ended). The Checker Owner Portal lets Checker node license owners manage their nodes. Users can monitor accumulated rewards and initiate withdrawals.

As a Checker license owner, you can operate the Checker Client GUI/CLI on your computer and run your nodes by yourself. Alternatively, you can delegate your node licenses to third-party node operators that will run your nodes with the Checker Client GUI/CLI on their devices for a portion of your Checker node rewards. Node license owners can also choose to outsource operations to a VPS or a Nodes-as-a-Service provider. 

These are the minimum requirements for running Checker nodes on your computer:

– 64MB RAM

– 1 X 86 CPU Cores@2.1GHz

– 10GB disk space (per node)

– 10Mbps internet connection

Below is the Checker Node operating sequence diagram, along with the exact steps of the node setup process on the Checker Owner and Checker Client GUI/CLI side.

On top of that, checker node holders also benefit from partnership integrations that may have upcoming allocations to node holders. Aethir-integrated projects include APhone, CARV, Delabs Games, io.net, Rivalz Network, and Zero1, with more upcoming. 

(APhone airdrop to Aethir Checker Node holders is already live, and all Aethir node checker holders are eligible to claim the APhone Annual Pass airdrop here).

Checker Rewards

Checker nodes earn through mining rewards, which are distributed as $vATH tokens (these are vested versions of $ATH similar to Xai’s esXAI).

10% of the Total Token Supply is allocated to these mining rewards over a 4-year timeframe, with an additional 5% reward allocation for a performance bonus to nodes that qualify. Quarterly assessments will be performed to check for eligibility for bonus rewards, including uptime, no early withdrawals, etc.

Checker node license owners have two options for reward withdrawal. Users can withdraw 100% of their token rewards with an initial 120-day vesting period and a 180-day vesting period for all subsequent withdrawals. The other option is to withdraw tokens with a 30-day vesting period and a 75% reward reduction for early withdrawals. If users choose the early withdrawal option, they get 25% of their accumulated tokens.

Aethir Edge Miners

Aethir Edge represents a strategic integration of edge computing with decentralized cloud infrastructure (DCI) to enhance computing efficiency and reduce latency. Edge computing involves processing data closer to its source by localizing it to the user, addressing latency and bandwidth challenges inherent in centralized cloud models. This is particularly vital for real-time applications in AI, machine learning, and IoT, where immediate data processing is crucial.

Aethir Edge leverages these principles by deploying a distributed network of GPU resources that provide localized computing power. This infrastructure supports both the training and inference phases of machine learning models, ensuring faster response times and reducing reliance on distant data centers. By combining the strengths of edge computing with the scalability of DCI, Aethir Edge offers a robust solution for latency-sensitive applications such as autonomous driving, facial recognition, and cloud gaming.

In the realm of cloud gaming, Aethir Edge’s infrastructure allows for real-time rendering and low-latency streaming, significantly enhancing the user experience. This decentralized approach ensures that gaming data is processed and delivered more efficiently, overcoming the limitations of traditional centralized cloud models. As the gaming industry continues to grow, the demand for high-performance, low-latency computing solutions positions Aethir Edge as a key player in the sector, driving adoption and innovation.

Aethir Edge is the first-ever authorized mining device integrated with distributed cloud infrastructure, and 23% of Aethir’s native token $ATH supply will be exclusively reserved for Edge miners.

Use Cases

Allowing companies to have access to scalable on-demand compute unlocks a series of possible innovations.

AI Model Training

The development and evolution of AI models are contingent upon access to extensive computational resources. As the ambitions for achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and equitable AI outcomes grow, the need for scaling AI model training becomes increasingly evident. Without a significant increase in available compute power, these goals remain elusive.

Aethir’s decentralized cloud infrastructure is specifically engineered to meet this critical need. The platform provides a scalable solution for AI model training by leveraging its vast network of distributed GPU resources. This infrastructure allows for the intensive computational demands of modern AI applications, facilitating the training of complex models that require substantial data processing capabilities.

AI Inferencing

AI Inferencing refers to the process by which a trained AI model applies its learned patterns to new, unseen data to make decisions or predictions. This is a critical phase in the AI lifecycle, exemplified every time ChatGPT responds to a query or a self-driving car navigates a street. However, for AI Inferencing to be effective, especially in real-time applications, it demands considerable computational power with minimal latency.

Low-latency computing is essential for AI Inferencing to deliver timely and accurate outcomes. This is particularly crucial in mission-critical applications such as traffic management, autonomous vehicle navigation, and air traffic control, where delays can compromise safety and effectiveness. Traditionally, achieving this level of responsiveness has been a challenge due to the limited access to high-quality compute infrastructure.

Aethir’s distributed cloud compute infrastructure is designed to overcome these challenges by providing low-latency compute capabilities. Unlike traditional models that depend on centralized data centers, Aethir’s infrastructure utilizes a decentralized approach, allowing it to aggregate resources closer to where they are needed. This geographical optimization reduces the travel distance for data, thereby minimizing latency and accelerating the inferencing process.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming, also known as game streaming, is growing rapidly as a sector in the gaming industry. This technology allows users to stream games directly from the cloud to various devices, bypassing the need for high-end hardware locally. With entry-level gaming computers typically costing around $1,000 and high-end mobile devices required for many popular mobile games, cloud gaming presents a viable alternative that broadens accessibility to premium gaming experiences.

The cost of gaming hardware is prohibitively high for hundreds of millions of gamers worldwide. Additionally, the decline of internet cafes, once a refuge for gamers without the means to purchase expensive equipment, further limits access to high-quality gaming experiences. These factors create a significant barrier to entry for a large segment of the global gaming community.

Cloud gaming democratizes access to high-end gaming by eliminating the need for powerful local hardware. This shift allows game studios to focus on creating richer and more immersive experiences without being constrained by the device capabilities of their end users. 

Cloud Phone

The Cloud Phone concept leverages the power of cloud computing to significantly enhance the capabilities of mobile devices. By utilizing sufficient compute resources from the cloud, a standard mobile phone can be transformed into a cloud-powered, super-charged device. This transformation is facilitated through a simple app download and installation, enabling users to create and access cloud phone instances.

Once the app is installed, users can offload resource-heavy applications to the cloud. This capability allows for the running of advanced applications such as high-end photo editing software and real-time games, which typically require more powerful hardware than what is available on most smartphones. This is particularly beneficial for users at the lower end of the smartphone market, who can experience the functionalities of high-end devices without the associated costs.

One of the significant advantages of the Cloud Phone is its ability to bypass restrictions imposed by application stores such as Google Play or the App Store. These platforms often restrict access to certain applications based on hardware capabilities. The Cloud Phone enables users to bypass these restrictions, providing access to a wide range of applications that were previously incompatible with their devices.

AI Productization

As AI continues to advance, the AI product market is poised for rapid expansion. Innovative AI-powered products are increasingly becoming integral components of business operations and personal applications. One such example is the development of remote worker agents that can integrate directly into workplace communication platforms like Slack or Zoom.

These AI agents can be onboarded seamlessly into a company’s digital communication channels, contributing effectively to team meetings and calls. Having been pre-trained on specific company history and processes, these agents can function akin to new employees, possessing expert-level knowledge and the ability to interact dynamically with human team members.

Business Model

The Aethir network operates under a dual-mode system tailored to accommodate various service needs and enhance efficiency in resource utilization:

1. Wholesale Mode: This mode functions similarly to bulk buying, where services are pre-booked at a predetermined set price. This approach allows for predictable costing and streamlined resource allocation.
2. Service Fees Mode: Operating akin to a bidding system, this mode involves dynamic pricing that fluctuates based on demand. Developers pay these service fees to Containers based on the current market demand, ensuring a balance between supply and demand dynamics.

For resource owners, the process of integrating with the Aethir network is designed to be straightforward:

• Resource Registration: Owners register their compute resources with the network.
• Specification Evaluation: The resources undergo an evaluation process to confirm their specifications meet network standards.
• Staking $ATH: To become eligible to service requests, resource owners must stake $ATH tokens. This staking serves as a commitment to maintaining the quality and reliability of the services provided.

On the demand side, the network caters to the specific needs of end users by matching their requests with the most suitable, high-performance compute resources. End users, such as gamers in gaming use cases, submit their requests to the network.

These requests are then matched with high-performance resources that can provide the requested service, such as a specific gaming experience.

Upon successful delivery and confirmation of satisfactory service, the compensation flow is initiated:

• From Compute Buyers: Rewards are distributed from the compute buyers to the resource owners for the services rendered.
• From Aethir Treasury: Additional rewards may flow from the Aethir treasury to the resource owners, reinforcing the incentive to provide high-quality and reliable services.

Service Fees: This is a variable cost based on demand paid by developers to the containers for services. A single unit of service, or session, is 15 minutes of work. In each model, the $ATH Bank collects 20% of the service fee paid by the Compute Buyer or Game Developer. The remaining 80% goes towards the Compute Provider.

Emissions: The $ATH Bank also receives 5% of token emissions from the treasury, with the remaining 95% going to the Compute Provider.

This business model supports a sustainable ecosystem where both resource providers and users benefit. Resource owners gain financially through service fees and rewards for providing reliable, high-performance compute resources. At the same time, end users enjoy high-quality services tailored to their specific needs, whether for gaming, AI applications, or other compute-intensive tasks. 

Revenue Streams

Aethir wants to lead the decentralized infrastructure market and capitalize on the surge of demand for GPU computing. This demand comes from diverse sectors such as AI development, cloud gaming, and edge computing. Aethir’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to offer services around these sectors and comprehensive GPU management tools, which collectively improve efficiency, performance, and accessibility for its users.

The appeal and success of Aethir’s services can be seen from its Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) which currently exceeds $36 million. This financial strength demonstrates the platform’s viability and capacity to generate substantial, ongoing revenue through its cloud solutions and GPU network.

Mining Rewards

Proof of Rendering Work

This refers to node operators that are in active use (ie. are online, healthy, and busy with tasks). Token incentives are issued as an additional reward for completing computing tasks within the ecosystem. This encourages supply-side entities to join Aethir’s ecosystem and provide valuable processing and computing work. Proof of Rendering Work is exclusively distributed to containers upon completing computing tasks.

Proof of Capacity

Compute Providers earn Proof of Rendering Capacity for demonstrating readiness to provide compute services (ie nodes that are on standby). Even in the absence of active work, providers receive rewards to incentivize onboarding onto the ecosystem, thus mitigating participation risks.

Emissions

Mining rewards are important for ecosystem participants. However, to maintain container standards, onboard resource providers, and ensure the long-term sustainability of rewards, mining rewards emissions are crucial. Despite the frontloading of rewards, this is done to ensure that resource providers and participants who join Aethir’s ecosystem, later on, are not penalized and are instead strongly encouraged to join and contribute to the ecosystem through the use of a decay function for bootstrapping.

Node Sale

Aethir intended to sell 100,000 checker node licenses on a tiered pricing basis that is similar to Xai. They managed to sell just over 74,000 nodes, raising over $100M from the node sale with an implied FDV of just around $2.5B.

The remaining nodes will be voted upon via a governance vote to determine if/when to resume the node sale or if the remaining should be burned.

 

Tokenomics

$ATH is the native token of the Aethir ecosystem with the following utilities:

Transactional Utility: The $ATH token serves as the primary medium of exchange within the Aethir ecosystem. It is used by demand-side participants to purchase processing power from node operators. This transactional utility is pivotal to Aethir’s three main business models.

Ecosystem Incentive: As Aethir’s ecosystem evolves, the $ATH tokens will also be used among partnered projects and integrations. The introduction of merge mining and integrated marketplaces will further increase the token’s utility. This adaptability ensures $ATH remains relevant, providing the means for various transactions within the ecosystem. Potential future integrations could see $ATH being used in a wide array of contexts, reflecting its versatility and importance. For example,  CARV, Rivalz Network, and various other partners are committing a percentage of their token supply to reward $ATH token stakers. 

Governance and Participation: As Aethir works towards the establishment of a DAO, $ATH will serve a central role in this governance framework via:

• Proposal Submission: $ATH token holders can propose changes or new initiatives within the ecosystem.
• Discussion and Voting: The community can engage in discussions and vote on proposals, ensuring that decisions are made democratically.

Staking $ATH

Users can stake their $ATH tokens to join the Aethir network, serving several important functions:

• Commitment: Staking demonstrates an economic commitment to the network, aligning the interests of node operators with those of the platform.
• Security: The staked tokens act as collateral. If a node operator engages in misconduct or fails to meet the platform’s standards, their staked $ATH tokens can be slashed (partially or fully confiscated). This system helps maintain the integrity and reliability of the network by discouraging malicious behavior.

Holders of $ATH can have two staking options: Stake to the Gaming Ecosystem to empower the next generation of blockchain-based games and earn rewards from gaming partners, or the AI Ecosystem to drive advancements in decentralized AI and earn additional rewards from AI partners.

The APR% for both pools is variable.

Staking Process

Staking $ATH within the Aethir ecosystem involves a series of steps designed to support both the gaming and AI sectors with token incentives. Here’s how you can participate in staking:

1. Wrap Your ATH: Convert your ATH tokens into two forms: veATH (voting-escrowed ATH, which is non-transferable and used for staking) and stATH (which will have future use cases and is transferable).
2. Choose Your Pool: Select either the Gaming or AI ecosystem for staking. Staking in the ATH-Gaming pool will yield additional rewards from gaming partners, while the ATH-AI pool focuses on rewards from AI partners.
3. Lock Your ATH: Deposit your veATH tokens into the chosen staking pool for a predetermined duration (8 days to 4 years). Your ATH will be split into stATH and veATH tokens during this process.
4. Earn Rewards: Rewards are distributed weekly, comprising ATH tokens and additional bonuses from the chosen pool’s partners. The reward amount depends on the staked amount and the duration of the lock-up.
5. Reward Calculation: The longer your tokens are locked, the higher the rewards are due to an increase in the ATH Rewards Multiplier and Additional Emissions Multiplier.

Some important information to have in mind:

• Both stATH and veATH tokens are required to withdraw your staked ATH after the lock-up period.
• Early withdrawals are not permitted.
• You may increase your staked amount or extend the lock-up period at any time to enhance your rewards.

Upon locking your ATH, you receive both stATH and veATH tokens:

• stATH tokens are transferable and will have additional future use cases.
• veATH tokens provide base ATH rewards and additional partner token rewards within the ecosystem.

Token Distribution

Total Supply: 42,000,000,000

*Of the 35% allocated to Edge/Enterprise/IDC, 23% is exclusively allocated to Edge miners.

Risks

Even during a bull market, the inherent price volatility of tokens may hinder adoption for a couple more years. Considering that supply-side

contributors receive compensation in the form of the project’s native token, and price fluctuations introduce uncertainty, having an impact on the user’s profitability. Even though hedging strategies could potentially mitigate this issue, this is not viable right now, as these tokens still lack composability or use cases in DeFi. As a result, this also affects the demand side of the equation, since such tokens are used to pay for network services as well. A rapid surge in token prices without a corresponding adjustment in the prices of services could deter potential users. 

Beyond the hardship of finding product-market fit, it is also critical to facilitate censorship resistance and make sure that incentives are properly aligned at all times to prevent scenarios of unsustainable inflation. Most importantly, supply-side growth doesn’t guarantee demand-side adoption. DePIN projects abusing token emissions to rapidly incentivize suppliers might face supply issues down the road when usage is not adequate. In addition to that, they also compete against Web2 incumbents in terms of marketing and sales strategies. 

One key consideration is that projects like Aethir often need to have their token available in the market from day one. This design directly ties the token to the success of the actual business. 

Slashing

Node operators on the Aethir network may face slashing penalties under certain conditions. These penalties can result in the partial or complete loss of staked tokens, even if the operator has made efforts to comply with network rules. The rules and application of slashing may be perceived as imprecise or unfair.

Moreover, the criteria for slashing may be complex and challenging to navigate, leading to unintentional breaches by well-meaning operators. This risk necessitates clear, transparent guidelines and robust support mechanisms to help operators understand and comply with network protocols. Without these measures, slashing could undermine the overall participation and health of the Aethir ecosystem.

Market Risk

The value of $ATH tokens can be highly volatile, influenced by market dynamics, regulatory changes, and broader economic conditions. This volatility can affect the economic stability and attractiveness of staking and participating in the Aethir ecosystem. Node runners rewarded in $vATH are exposed to such volatility while waiting out the withdrawal period.

Security

DePIN serves as a framework designed to enhance the privacy and security of decentralized networks. It integrates advanced cryptographic techniques and decentralized storage solutions, ensuring that data and transactions within the blockchain ecosystem are protected against unauthorized access while remaining integral and tamper-proof.

DePIN distinguishes itself through a comprehensive approach to security that includes:

• Advanced Cryptographic Techniques: These are crucial for securing transactions and protecting data, ensuring that information is accessible only to authorized parties.
• Decentralized Data Storage: This feature helps to prevent data breaches by eliminating single points of failure and ensures data integrity through widespread replication and distribution.
• Secure Smart Contracts: By auditing and securing the execution of smart contracts, DePIN minimizes vulnerabilities that malicious entities could exploit.
• Robust Consensus Mechanisms: These mechanisms are essential for preventing malicious attacks and ensuring the validity of transactions through decentralized verification processes.

While DePIN significantly enhances blockchain security, it faces scalability issues due to its decentralized nature. Potential solutions include sharding and L2 solutions to improve efficiency and manageability. Additionally, DePIN must navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance with various data protection laws and adapting to new regulations.

For Aethir’s specific use cases like AI model training and cloud gaming, DePIN’s advanced cryptographic techniques and secure smart contracts ensure that computational tasks and data transfers are protected against unauthorized access and manipulation. This is particularly important for maintaining integrity and trust, especially when dealing with sensitive or high-stake computations. These security measures are also important for securing the whole Aethir network which includes several users and infrastructure that supports the protocol.

Team

Aethir is a global team with people coming from diverse backgrounds from Business, Economics to Engineering. They have experience in various industries like Telecommunication, and mostly Gaming.

Daniel Wang – Co-founder and CEO. With roles at IVC (Partner), YGG E2 (CIO), Riot Games (Head of International Publishing), and Riot Games China (COO), Dan is a seasoned leader in the gaming and Web3 industry.

Mark Rydon – Co-founder and CCO. Mark has held key roles at NOTA Platform, Flux Capital, Gaas LTD, Kulture Athletics, Inc., and Bechtel Corporation.

Kyle Okamoto – CTO. Kyle has served as the CEO & General Manager at Ericsson’s IoT, Automotive, and Security businesses, CEO of Edge Gravity, and Chief Network Officer at Verizon Media.

Paul Thind – CRO. Paul, currently the CRO at Aethir, previously co-founded and served as CEO at Triggerspot Inc. and was an advisor at Creadits and Trick Studio.

Joe – CMO. Joe has been helping web3 companies with go-to-market since 2017. He has focused on marketing for web3 founders by growing their brand and developer ecosystems. He has also advised on regional market expansion for large L1 blockchains and centralized exchanges, helping to acquire users across Europe and APAC.

Project Investors

To date, Aethir has raised $9M. An undisclosed seed round in January 2022, and a pre-Series A round in July 2023 at a $150M valuation led by Sanctor Capital, Hashkey, Merit Circle, and CitizenX, with participation from Arthur Hayes’ Maelstrom, Mirana Ventures, and Animoca Brands.

In March 2024, Aethir launched a public node sale putting 100,000 checker nodes up for sale on the Arbitrum network starting at 0.1259 $ETH (@$3970/eth) on a tiered basis. This would’ve equated to $345,121,750 across all 53 tiers. The sale ended on 8 May, selling over 73,000 node licenses across 20,000 unique buyers valued at over 41,000 $ETH ($162,770,000). This gives Aethir an implied FDV of over $2.5B.

FAQ

What is Aethir?
Aethir is a decentralized cloud computing platform that allows users to rent out their GPU power in a GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) fashion. It facilitates a variety of high-performance computing applications, including AI model training and cloud gaming.

How does Aethir ensure low-latency performance?
Aethir leverages a decentralized network of GPU servers, strategically distributed geographically to minimize latency. This setup ensures that computational tasks are performed close to the end users, providing a seamless and responsive experience.

What types of applications can benefit from Aethir’s services?
Aethir is ideal for compute-intensive applications such as AI inferencing, AI model training, real-time gaming, and any other application requiring high-performance GPU resources.

How can I become a GPU Compute Provider on Aethir?
To become a provider, you need to register your GPU resources on the Aethir network, have them evaluated and confirmed to meet the network’s standards, and then stake $ATH tokens to become eligible for service requests.

What is staking in the context of Aethir?
Staking involves locking $ATH tokens within the network to participate as a resource provider or to gain voting rights in the network’s governance. Staking helps secure the network and allows participants to earn rewards based on their contributions.

Are there any incentives for staking $ATH?
Yes, stakers can earn rewards in $ATH tokens, and depending on the staking pool (AI or Gaming), additional rewards from network partners may also be available.

Can I use Aethir for cloud gaming?
Absolutely. Aethir provides a powerful infrastructure for cloud gaming, allowing game studios to deliver high-quality gaming experiences to users without the need for high-end local hardware.

What security measures does Aethir implement?
Aethir uses DePIN (Decentralized Privacy Infrastructure Network) to enhance security, employing advanced cryptographic techniques, decentralized data storage, and robust consensus mechanisms to protect the network and its transactions.

How does Aethir handle data privacy?
Aethir ensures data privacy through encryption and the decentralized nature of its storage solutions, preventing unauthorized access and breaches.

Where can I learn more about integrating my application with Aethir?
Developers interested in integrating their applications with Aethir can visit the official Aethir website for detailed documentation and integration guides, or contact the Aethir support team over at Discord for direct assistance.

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