What is Network API?
The Network API helps you easily query information about created blockchain networks. Using the Network API, you can query detailed information about the blockchain network and blockchain environment.
What is Network(Blockchain Network)?
The network (blockchain network) refers to an environment composed of ‘Mainnet’, a Layer 1 blockchain service provided by EQ Hub, and ‘Microchain’, a Layer 2 blockchain service.
A network can have one mainnet and multiple microchains, and within the network, the mainnet is connected to all microchains (but not between microchains).
The network can be built through the ‘Network’ service of EQ Hub, and at this time, the mainnet of the network is also built. After the network construction is complete, microchains can be built within the network.
In addition, the testnet can be operated according to the user's purpose. In this case, you can build a testnet instead of the mainnet, and then build a microchain.
Assets can be moved between the mainnet and microchains within one network, and coins on the mainnet can be moved between different networks.
Every network has its own unique network ID value, and mainnet and microchains within the network have their own unique chain ID value to distinguish them from each other.
What is Microchain?
Microchain refers to the Layer 2 blockchain service provided by EQ Hub.
The microchain has the same structure as the mainnet, which is a Layer 1 blockchain.
In other words, just like the mainnet, every microchain has its own coin, and the coin economy can be configured accordingly.
Microchains can be built for various purposes, and the biggest effect that can be obtained by building a microchain is to distribute the traffic that occurs on the mainnet to the microchain. By distributing traffic, the mainnet and microchain can be operated more stably, and the data generated on the blockchain is also divided into the mainnet and microchain, making it suitable for operating different services.
What is Node?
A node is a server that participates in the operation of the mainnet or microchain that can be built through the EQ Hub.
Mainnet and microchain have a decentralized structure composed of individual nodes.
Nodes in the EQ Hub are divided into two categories.
- Equalizer
- Light Node
Equalizer is a node that performs all functions required for blockchain network operation, such as generating blocks and storing all block data in blockchain networks such as mainnet or microchain.
The equalizer proceeds to verify the transaction while proceeding with mutual agreement to create a block. At this time, each equalizer must sign to prove its identity, and for this, each equalizer has its own unique key (private key).
A light node is a node that performs only some functions, such as being in charge of communication between the equalizer and the outside world, and storing some of the block data of the blockchain network.
In order to generate a transaction in the blockchain network, transaction information must be delivered to the equalizer, which is then delivered to the equalizer through the light node. In addition, requests such as data query within the blockchain network are also performed through light nodes.
Node operators can also manage their nodes through ENMC, a node management service.
What is gas?
Gas is a unit created to set fees when executing transactions or smart contracts on the blockchain network.
What is gas price?
Gas price is the price a user is willing to pay for each unit of gas in order to execute a transaction or smart contract on the blockchain network.
What is fee?
Fee is the price used when executing a transaction on the blockchain network. When using EQ Hub's blockchain network, the fee is fixed and applied.
Quick checklist
Items required to use the Network API are as follows.
- API Key
Where can I use?
It can be used when developing dApps that use various blockchain networks.