As cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology gained traction, networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum encountered scaling issues due to rising demand. NEAR Protocol offers innovative solutions to these problems.
What is NEAR?
NEAR Protocol is a layer 1 blockchain designed to address scalability issues using sharding technology. It relies on smart contracts and a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism to secure its network. Created by the NEAR Collective, it was co-founded by Alex Skidanov and Illia Polosukhin in 2020. NEAR aims to function as a decentralized, community-powered cloud infrastructure for hosting decentralized applications (DApps).
The NEAR Token
NEAR Protocol has its own cryptocurrency, the NEAR token, which powers transactions on the network and rewards validators and developers. With a capped supply of 1 billion tokens, they are distributed through token sales, mining, and as incentives for validators. NEAR token holders can engage in the network’s governance by voting on proposals aimed at improving the system.
How Does NEAR Protocol Work?
NEAR Protocol integrates several technologies to stand out among blockchains that support smart contracts, such as Ethereum, EOS, and Polkadot. Key features include: **Nightshade Sharding** Nightshade is NEAR's key innovation that enhances transaction processing by distributing workloads across multiple validator nodes. Each node handles a smaller portion of the activities, boosting transactions per second (TPS). **Rainbow Bridge** The Rainbow Bridge allows assets like ERC-20 tokens, stablecoins, and NFTs to move between Ethereum and NEAR, offering access to NEAR’s lower fees and faster transaction speeds. **Aurora** Aurora is a layer-2 solution on NEAR, providing developers with an Ethereum-compatible platform while lowering transaction costs. Aurora consists of the Aurora Engine and the Aurora Bridge, ensuring compatibility with Ethereum and facilitating token movement between the networks.
NEAR Protocol offers a range of innovative solutions to scaling challenges faced by modern blockchains. With technologies like Nightshade Sharding and the Rainbow Bridge, NEAR aims to enhance the performance and accessibility of decentralized applications.
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