ankr

Ankr is a Web3 infrastructure platform that offers tools for developers, stakers, and enterprises to interact with multiple blockchains.Ankr allows developers to work with blockchain data, build applications, and launch scaling solutions like rollups and sidechains without maintaining their own hardware.The platform also offers enterprise and scaling services designed for organizations that require flexible, high-performance infrastructure or their own blockchain environments.ANKR is the protocol’s native token, and it’s used for payments, collateral, network staking, node provider rewards, and governance within the Ankr ecosystem.
What Is Ankr?
Ankr is a decentralized Web3 infrastructure provider that enables developers, applications, and users to interact with multiple blockchain networks more easily. The platform provides APIs and RPC services for building decentralized applications (DApps), staking options through Ankr Earn, and customizable solutions tailored to enterprise-level blockchain needs.
Ankr was founded in 2017 by Chandler Song and Ryan Fang, with a mainnet launch in 2019. The protocol’s native token, ANKR, can be used to pay for services, support node operations through collateral and staking, and participate in governance. ANKR holders can propose and vote on changes to the Ankr Staking system, with approved proposals implemented by the Ankr team to guide the platform’s ongoing development.
What Ankr Provides 
Decentralized node infrastructure services
Setting up a blockchain node requires technical knowledge, time, and effort. Not everyone has the skills to manage node deployment themselves. Ankr simplifies this process by offering access to blockchain infrastructure through a decentralized network of node providers.
This enables developers to interact directly with multiple blockchains, eliminating the need to manage their own infrastructure. These nodes form a global network of independently operated, high-performance machines that can deliver data on demand. With traffic distributed across multiple nodes, applications can benefit from faster response times, improved scalability, and more reliable access to blockchain networks.
APIs and RPC endpoints 
Developers deploying smart contracts and DApps require reliable access to blockchain data. Ankr’s Node API connects you to full and archive nodes using standard RPC and REST requests. Ankr’s Advanced API offers faster, indexed access to historical data and can pull information from multiple blockchains in a single query. These tools enable developers to obtain the necessary data and maintain the operation of their applications without requiring additional backend setup.
Key Features
Scaling services
Ankr’s scaling services provide tools and infrastructure to help blockchains and applications handle higher activity and improve performance. The suite includes Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS), which provides a ready-made framework for developers to launch their own rollups without needing to build the underlying technology from scratch. Developers can also create sidechains using decentralized infrastructure, with the option to incorporate incentive models, such as liquid staking.
Liquid staking
Liquid staking allows you to stake assets on Proof of Stake (PoS) networks without locking them up. Ankr issues liquid staking tokens (LSTs) that represent your staked assets and the rewards they earn. For example, when you stake ETH through Ankr, you receive ankrETH, a token that reflects both the staked ETH and the rewards it earns over time.
Once you stake a supported asset, the liquid staking tokens are automatically added to your Ankr dashboard. These tokens can still be used for trading or in DeFi applications while they continue earning rewards.
Bitcoin Secured Infrastructure 
Bitcoin Secured Infrastructure (BSI) is a service from Asphere, Ankr’s enterprise arm, that helps developers build custom Layer 1 or Layer 2 networks using Bitcoin’s security as a foundation. BSI provides end-to-end support, including blockchain setup, maintenance, and modular tools that integrate with technologies such as the Cosmos SDK and ZKStack.
Through BSI, teams can work with infrastructure templates that include RPC services, validator setups, and modular components suited for Bitcoin-aligned ecosystems such as Stacks or Babylon. This enables developers to leverage Bitcoin’s security and liquidity while supporting scalability and streamlining certain aspects of the development process.
Enterprise
Ankr’s enterprise offering provides customizable blockchain infrastructure for organizations that require high-performance, large-scale solutions. Businesses can use multi-chain RPC and API services designed for low-latency and high-throughput workloads, backed by dedicated engineering support and the option to request custom configurations.
Additional features include white-label liquid staking and appchains, which cater to enterprises that require flexible staking solutions or their own scalable blockchain networks. Multiple protocols have partnered with Ankr for its enterprise services, including BNB Chain, Chiliz, Polygon, and SushiSwap.
The ANKR Token
ANKR is the native token of the Ankr protocol, with a maximum supply of 10 billion tokens. It’s used within the protocol for multiple purposes, including:
Services: Users can pay for Ankr Network Premium Plans using ANKR, with discounts available for those who opt for this payment method.Collateral: To become a node provider, a collateral deposit in ANKR is required, which helps ensure reliable network performance.Rewards: Node providers can earn ANKR for serving network traffic. Token holders can also stake ANKR with node providers and receive a share of the rewards.Staking: ANKR can be staked to support the network’s distributed node infrastructure, with stakers earning rewards tied to network activity and performance.Governance: ANKR holders can participate in Ankr DAO governance by proposing and voting on network changes. Each token equals one vote, and voting tokens are locked for the duration of the proposal period. 
Closing Thoughts
Ankr offers a suite of infrastructure and scaling tools designed to support developers, applications, and enterprises as they interact with blockchain networks. Through decentralized node services, rollup and modular scaling options, and customizable enterprise solutions, the platform Ankr provides flexible options for projects to build and operate Web3 applications with reliable performance.
Further Reading
What Is DePIN in Crypto?What Are Zk-Rollups? The Layer-2 Scalability TechniqueWhat Are Modular Blockchains?
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