Sharding
How sharding is implemented and used to scale in Qai Network.
Making Blockchains Work Like Modern Databases
Traditional databases solved the scaling problem decades ago through sharding - splitting data across multiple servers. Qai brings this proven approach to blockchain, but with a crucial innovation: maintaining full security across all shards.
What is Sharding?
Database Sharding (Traditional): Imagine a library that gets too big for one building:
Solution: Split books across multiple buildings (shards)
Benefit: More librarians can help visitors simultaneously
Challenge: Need a system to know which building has which book
Blockchain Sharding: The same concept, but for decentralized networks:
Traditional approach: Split both data AND security (dangerous)
Qai’s approach: Split only data, keep security unified (safe)
How Qai Implements Sharding
Key Benefits:
Parallel Processing
Each shard processes transactions independently
Like having multiple checkout lines instead of one
Result: 50,000+ TPS capacity
Lower Node Requirements
Nodes can choose to track only specific shards
Reduces hardware requirements for participation
More accessible = more decentralized
Geographic Optimization
Shards naturally organize by region
Minimizes latency within each shard
Better performance worldwide
Smart Address System
The Problem: How do you know which shard handles which transaction? Qai’s Solution: Addresses contain built-in routing information - like ZIP codes for blockchain.How It Works: Every Qai address has a 9-bit prefix that acts like a postal code:
First 4 bits: Region identifier (like country)
Next 4 bits: Zone within region (like city)
Last bit: Currency type (Qai)
Formatting
The table below specifies the format for each bit in the shard identifier.
region number
zone number
ledger identifier
Simple Examples
0x000…
Region 0, Zone 0
Qai
0x2A4…
Region 2, Zone 10
Qai
0x008…
Region 0, Zone 0
Qai
Benefits:
Instant routing: Nodes immediately know where to send transactions
No lookups needed: Address itself contains all routing info
Efficient processing: Eliminates cross-shard confusion
For technical details, see QIP-2.
The Security Breakthrough
Traditional Sharding’s Fatal Flaw:
10 shards = each gets 1/10th of security
Attackers can focus on the weakest shard
Like having 10 weak locks instead of one strong lock
Qai’s Innovation: Through coincident blocks and merged mining:
Every shard maintains 100% network security
Attacking one shard requires attacking the entire network
Like having the same unbreakable lock protecting every door
How It Works:
Hierarchical structure organizes all shards
Hash linked references connect every chain
Atomic operations ensure all shards advance together
Result: Unlimited shards, uncompromised security
Legacy Testnet Mappings
Early testnets use a lighter 9-shard hierarchy. It has already been concluded that the mainnet should accommodate more than 9 shards, so this mapping is no longer recommended. We make note of it here for wallet compatibility with early testnets.To find the address shard specification in detail please visit QIP-4.
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