Swarm (BZZ) is a decentralized storage and communication service that operates on a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. It offers a secure, private, and censorship-resistant platform for data storage and relay. The native BZZ token grants users access to these services and serves as compensation for node operators who provide them. Users can acquire BZZ tokens through various means, including centralized exchanges, and use them to store and retrieve data on the Swarm network.
The BZZ token, also known as Swarm, is the native cryptocurrency of the Swarm network. It serves several purposes within the ecosystem:
Data Storage and Relay: BZZ is used by publishers to write data to the Swarm network and have it stored securely for extended periods of time. The token is also used to incentivize full node operators who provide data storage services.
Node Operation and Staking: BZZ is required as a non-refundable stake to operate a Swarm full node. This stake makes the node eligible to earn more BZZ in exchange for providing data storage services.
Postage Stamp Batches: BZZ is used to purchase postage stamp batches, which are necessary for publishing data on the Swarm network. These batches serve as a storage fee to incentivize nodes to store content for a certain period of time.
Decentralized Applications: BZZ can be used to reserve space on the Swarm network, allowing developers to host censorship-resistant decentralized applications.
Reward Redistribution: The BZZ tokens paid by publishers are redistributed to full node operators in exchange for the data storage services they provide. This redistribution is done through a "shelling game" system, which ensures a fair distribution of rewards based on the amount of BZZ staked by each node.
In summary, the BZZ token is essential for the functioning of the Swarm network, facilitating data storage, node operation, and incentivizing decentralized data storage and application hosting.
To store Swarm (BZZ) tokens, you can use a wallet app like MetaMask. Here are the steps:
Add the Gnosis Chain Network:
- Open MetaMask and add the Gnosis Chain network to your wallet. This is necessary because BZZ tokens are bridged from Ethereum to the Gnosis Chain for use in the Swarm ecosystem.
Add the Custom Token:
- After adding the Gnosis Chain network, you need to add the BZZ token as a custom token. The canonical address for the BZZ token on the Gnosis Chain is
0xdBF3Ea6F5beE45c02255B2c26a16F300502F68da
.
- After adding the Gnosis Chain network, you need to add the BZZ token as a custom token. The canonical address for the BZZ token on the Gnosis Chain is
Import Your Node's Wallet:
- If you have a Bee node, you can import its wallet into MetaMask. The wallet key is stored in the
keys/
folder in the node's datadir in JSON format, and the password is in a nearby file. For example, on Debian or Ubuntu, you can find the wallet key and password using the following commands:sudo cat /var/lib/bee/keys/swarm.key sudo cat /var/lib/bee/password
- Fund Your Node's Wallet:
- To interact with the Swarm test network, your node's wallet needs Sepolia ETH and sBZZ. You can acquire these by joining the Swarm Discord server, navigating to the #faucet channel, and requesting test tokens from the faucet bot. For the mainnet, your wallet needs xBZZ for traffic accounting and some xDAI for gas fees on the Gnosis Chain.
By following these steps, you can store and manage your Swarm (BZZ) tokens securely.
To buy Swarm (BZZ) tokens, follow these steps:
Choose an Exchange:
- Centralized Exchanges (CEXs): Find a reliable CEX where BZZ is listed. You can refer to Coinmarketcap.com's Markets section for a list of exchanges that support BZZ.
- Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): Alternatively, use a DEX that supports the Ethereum blockchain, such as 1inch.
Set Up a Wallet:
- Web3 Wallet: Download and install a Web3 wallet like Metamask.
- App Wallet: Alternatively, use an app wallet like Trust Wallet.
Buy Ethereum:
- Centralized Exchange: If using a CEX, buy Ethereum as your base currency. If you are not an existing user, refer to guides on registering and buying your first cryptocurrency.
Transfer Ethereum to Your Wallet:
- Withdraw Ethereum: From your CEX account, withdraw the Ethereum to your wallet, ensuring you set the network to Ethereum.
Connect to the DEX:
- Choose a DEX: Select a DEX that supports your wallet, such as 1inch if using Trust Wallet.
- Connect Your Wallet: Use your wallet address to connect to the DEX.
Trade Ethereum for BZZ:
- Select Ethereum as Payment: Choose Ethereum as the payment currency.
- Select BZZ as the Coin to Buy: Select Swarm (BZZ) as the coin you want to purchase.
Confirm the Transaction:
- Preview and Confirm: Review the transaction details and confirm your purchase.
Monitor Your Wallet:
- Wait for the Transaction: Wait for the Ethereum to be swapped for BZZ and appear in your wallet.
Remember to stay informed about the best practices to avoid potential losses when using any cryptocurrency exchange platform.
Swarm (BZZ) is a cryptocurrency launched in 2021 and operates on the Ethereum platform. It is a functional token issued by Swarm, a distributed storage platform and content distribution service that aims to provide a decentralized and redundant store for dapp code, user data, blockchain, and state data.
Swarm raised $6 million in a private token sale in February 2021 and had a public token sale scheduled for June 14, 2021, alongside the Bee mainnet soft launch on June 13, 2021. The project also airdropped 1 million BZZ tokens, generating significant interest and discussion within the cryptocurrency community.
Swarm operates as a native base layer service of the Ethereum web3 stack, focusing on decentralized storage and content distribution. The platform has seen significant growth, with hundreds of new nodes being added daily, and a surge in blockchain transactions related to Swarm.
The cryptocurrency market is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for data centers, power, and bandwidth capacity. This growth is driven by the need for infrastructure to support cryptocurrency mining, which is a power-hungry process involving heavy computer calculations to verify transactions.
Swarm's token, BZZ, is listed on multiple active markets and has a significant trading volume. The token's price history shows long-term value trends, with a 52-week range and market capitalization.
Swarm, also known as BZZ, is a decentralized data storage technology built on the Ethereum network. It operates as a global network of nodes called "Bees," which store and serve data without the need for a centralized hosting provider. Here's how it works:
Key ComponentsDecentralized Storage:
- Swarm splits data into small chunks, called "chunks," which are then copied multiple times and scattered across the network.
- Each chunk is stored redundantly on the four nearest nodes to ensure data availability and redundancy.
Node Incentives:
- Nodes are incentivized to store data through a postage stamp system, where publishers pay a small amount of BZZ tokens for each chunk uploaded.
- Nodes can earn BZZ tokens by storing and serving data, which encourages them to cache frequently accessed content and keep it near users.
Accounting and Micropayments:
- Swarm uses a bandwidth balance system, where nodes track the amount of data they give and retrieve from other nodes.
- If the balance exceeds a limit, nodes need to pay with a "cheque," which is a digitally signed data pack that can be used to withdraw BZZ tokens from a checkbook contract.
- Tokenomics:
- The BZZ token is an ERC20 token that lives on the Ethereum blockchain.
- The token supply is dynamic and changes based on purchases and sales from a bonding curve, which determines the token's price.
Data Storage and Retrieval:
- Users can upload data to Swarm using the Swarm Desktop app, which interacts with the Swarm network.
- Data is stored securely and can be accessed through human-readable formats and ENS domains.
Node Operation:
- Users can run a full node and stake BZZ tokens to participate in the network and earn more BZZ tokens for providing storage services.
Decentralized Applications:
- Swarm supports the development of decentralized applications (dApps) by providing a complete stack of essential base layer components.
Anonymity and Privacy:
- Swarm ensures anonymity through Kademlia connectivity, where nodes only know a limited number of their neighbors, making it difficult to trace the source of data.
Redundancy and Fault Tolerance:
- Data is stored redundantly to ensure availability even in the face of node dropouts or data loss.
DDoS Resistance:
- The decentralized nature of Swarm makes it resilient against DDoS attacks, as the network grows stronger with each additional node.
Swarm is a decentralized data storage technology that leverages the Ethereum network to provide secure, private, and censorship-resistant data storage and retrieval. It incentivizes nodes to store and serve data through a postage stamp system and micropayments, making it an efficient and reliable solution for decentralized applications.
The token Swarm (BZZ) has several strengths that contribute to its potential and usability:
Decentralized Storage and Communication: Swarm is a decentralized storage and communication platform built on the Ethereum blockchain, providing a secure, private, and censorship-resistant infrastructure for data storage and communication.
Proof-of-Stake Consensus Mechanism: Swarm uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, ensuring the platform's security and decentralization. This mechanism incentivizes users to participate in the platform's ecosystem by staking their tokens.
Token Economy: The unique token economy of Swarm incentivizes users to participate in the platform's ecosystem. Users can earn BZZ tokens by providing storage and bandwidth to the platform, as well as by participating in various activities on the platform.
Multi-Purpose Token: The BZZ token serves multiple purposes, including as a means of payment for services on the platform, an incentive for user participation, and a governance token, allowing the community to participate in decision-making for the platform's development.
Fixed Token Supply: The token supply is fixed at 63,149,437, which can help maintain a stable and predictable token economy.
Wide Range of Use Cases: Swarm's decentralized storage solution can be used for a wide range of applications, from storing webpages and NFT metadata to database backups and streaming audio and video.
- Implementation in Various Projects: Swarm has already been implemented in several projects, including the OpenBazaar decentralized marketplace and the Storj decentralized storage network, demonstrating its potential for real-world applications.
These strengths contribute to Swarm's potential as a decentralized storage and communication platform and the value of its native token, BZZ.
Swarm (BZZ) carries several financial risks. According to InvestorsObserver, the token has a high risk assessment, indicating that it can potentially be easily manipulated by limited trading activity. Additionally, the token supply is fixed at 63,149,437, which may impact its value.
There are also risks associated with holding and using BZZ tokens, such as the possibility of data becoming unavailable or corrupt, and the node not receiving any rewards. Furthermore, staking and participating in the network as a node operator can result in unexpected slashing of staked amounts.
In general, investing in cryptocurrencies like BZZ involves risks, and users should be cautious and informed before making investment decisions.
- Viktor Trón (@zelig): A key member of the Ethereum Swarm team, involved in the development of the Swarm network.
- Dániel A. Nagy (@nagydani): Another important contributor to the Swarm project, part of the Ethereum Swarm team.
- Philipp Pieper: Co-founder of Swarm, also involved in the Swarm Network, an open-source project and DAO.
- Timo Lehes: Co-founder of Swarm, a FinTech and blockchain investor with experience in various financial markets.
- Katie Evans: Chief Business Development and Communications Officer at Swarm, with a background in financial markets and communications.
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