Quai Network ($QUAI) is a layer 1 blockchain using sharding technologies and based on Proof-of-Work 2.0 consensus.
Quai is a hybrid solution with both horizontal and vertical scaling elements. It is structured into three layers by default and achieves parallel processing with built-in sharding. In its own words, Quai is a network of modular blockchains.
*Learn more in our report discussing in details Quai Network ($QUAI) and other emerging new layer blockchain projects - Beyond Aptos, Sui & Canto | An in-Depth Guide to the Emerging Alt-L1s
Quai contains 13 chains of three levels. Consensus is formed via Merged Mining (PoW 2.0) and the Hierarchal Longest Chain Rule (HLCR). Merged Mining means every miner in the network mines on three chains (one on each level). The HLCR is a modified version of the longest chain rule in ordinary blockchains. Quai is essentially Bitcoin with native layer 2s and layer 3s. Quai is unique as it stays loyal to Proof-of-Work while almost everybody else has switched to a variation of Proof-of-Stake.
The Prime Chain is the base chain. It has an approximate throughput of one block every 15 minutes. The Prime Chain is for interactions that do not require speed but might require interaction from users across the entire network. As a reference, the Bitcoin network generates new blocks every 10 minutes. The Quai Prime Chain will have lower throughput than Bitcoin, assuming the block size is the same.
Region Chains are easier to mine, with throughput at one block every 5 minutes. The Region Chains are further divided into three Zone Chains each. Each Zone Chain is expected to have the highest throughput and produce a block every 10 seconds. Quai can also add more Region and Zone Chains on demand.
Quai Network is in the testnet testing stage. The detailed launch date of its mainnet is not disclosed yet.
- Adoption Incentives 25%
- Mining 20%
- Foundation 15%
- Strategic Partners 15%
- Infrastructure Partners 5.5%
- Founders 5%
- Bounties 5%
- Contributors 4%
- Community 3%
- Exchange Liquidity 2%
- Testnet Incentives 0.5%
Quai Network was co-founded by Alan Orwick, Karl Kreder, and Sriram Vishwanath. The three of them all had work experiences at the University of Texas at Austin and Dominant Strategies corporation (a blockchain company developing PoW scaling solutions). Alan Orwick is the CEO of Dominant Strategies.