While different decentralized storage networks use different models (erasure coding, replication, proof-of-storage, etc.), Walrus focuses on distributed storage nodes, backed by cryptographic proofs and market-driven token incentives.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the lifecycle of data in Walrus Protocol:

1. Upload

Users or applications upload data to the network. Data is encrypted client-side so storage nodes cannot read or alter content.

2. Fragmentation & Distribution

Data is split into smaller encrypted chunks and distributed across independent storage nodes globally. This provides:

Redundancy

Fault tolerance

Resistance against node failures

3. Storage Provider Participation

Nodes that store data earn WAL tokens. Their rewards depend on:

Storage capacity provided

Duration of uptime

Bandwidth availability

Reliability metrics

This creates a market of storage providers competing to supply the network with capacity.

4. Retrieval

When data is requested, nodes retrieve or reconstruct it using available fragments. Due to redundancy, the system remains resilient (e.g., even if multiple nodes are offline).

5. Verification

Cryptographic proofs ensure that:

Data exists

Data has not been corrupted

Storage providers are actually storing the data they claim

Verification mechanisms prevent malicious actors from earning tokens without providing services.#walrus $WAL @Walrus 🦭/acc