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Nervos Network

Nervos Network CKB

About

What Is Nervos Network (CKB)?

Nervos Network (CKB) is an open-source public blockchain ecosystem. Its goal is to create a peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto-economy network where users can access a wide range of provably secure blockchain services and capabilities.

The Nervos mainnet launched in November 2019 with a novel dual-layer architecture. There’s a base layer where the consensus mechanism operates and smart assets are stored, and a computation layer where transactions are processed.

The base layer, also known as the Common Knowledge Base, has its own cryptocurrency called CKByte (CKB). It uses the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism and drives the Nervos ecosystem. It is used to pay miners for keeping the network safe, managing network resources, and letting users store things on the network.

The Nervos Network allows developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) that can operate on various blockchain systems. Any of the network layers can be used to run both decentralized apps and smart contracts.

Who Are the Founders of Nervos Network?

The Nervos Foundation initiated the project in 2018, as researchers, engineers, and developers assembled to make up the core team.

Three people created the platform itself: Terry Tai, who developed the Yunbi cryptocurrency exchange and co-founded Teahour.fm; Daniel Lv, who co-founded ruby-china.org and served as the platform's chief technology officer (CTO) for both imToken and Yunbi; and Kevin Wang, an engineer who provided consulting services to IBM Silicon Valley Lab and co-founded the Launch School.

What Makes Nervos Network (CKB) Unique?

The development team's unconventional methodology is evident in the Nervos Network's design: the blockchain is open-source, the technology supports multiple assets, and the architecture is made up of several layers and a number of protocols.

Nervos’ dual-layer architecture involves two layers. (1) The layer-1 base layer, also called the Common Knowledge Base, is where the network achieves consensus using PoW. This layer has its own cryptocurrency called CKByte, or CKB, which fuels the Nervos ecosystem. Layer 2 is the computational layer, where transactions are processed in real time and where developers carry out programming tasks.

Nervos Network wants to make it easier to make and use decentralized apps (dApps) by combining the security of the Proof of Work (PoW) algorithm with scalability and the ability to share data between layers.

Nervos Network's economic model is scalable, which means that participants can help the project grow by using platform features. In exchange, they get access to a decentralized, open, and censorship-resistant platform. Users can use the platform to store their assets; the price depends on how much space they need and how long they need it for.

Related Pages:

Read about Quant (QNT), Cosmos (ATOM) and Polkadot (DOT).

Read about the difference between Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake in blockchain.

What is a layer-1 blockchain? Find out with our crypto glossary.

What are dApps? Learn more with CMC Alexandria.

How Many Nervos Network (CKB) Coins Are There in Circulation?

CKByte (Common Knowledge Base) or CKB is the network's native token. It has a total supply of 43,510,781,425 coins, which are allocated as follows:

21.5% to public token sale (to public sale investors);

17% to the ecosystem fund;

15% to the team (vested over 4 years);

14% to private sale in 2018 / to certain institutional investors (unlocked over 2 years);

5% to the founding partners (unlocked over 3 years);

2% to the foundation;

0.5% to the platform's testnet incentives;

25% of the Genesis tokens were burned (and never circulated).

As of March 2023, there are 39,936,460,802 CKB tokens in circulation.

CKB is a utility token that provides flexibility to the entire ecosystem. It’s a reserve asset on layer 2, as well as a means of payment for block rewards, staking rewards, and transaction fees.

CKB holders have access to state storage space on the platform's mainnet, getting the right to store 1 byte of data on the layer 1 blockchain (storage space is proportional to users' assets / their holdings);

How Is the Nervos Network Secured?

Nervos Network uses a PoW-based Nakamoto consensus mechanism to secure dApps and digital assets. The CKB token is deployed on a PoW blockchain for security and decentralization, so it's protected and mined with an ASIC-backed PoW function.

The network is open-source and has been audited by a third-party: CertiK. Also, the team regularly holds hackathons with cash prizes where people can win money for finding security flaws in the network.

Where Can You Buy Nervos Network (CKB)?

As of March 2023, the top exchanges for CKB trading are Binance, KuCoin, Bithumb, Bittrex, Gate.io, Huobi, Crypto.com Exchange, Coinone, BKEX, MEXC, CoinEx, Indodax, WazirX, Tokocrypto, Bitrue, CoinDCX and others.

Download the CMC mobile app to track the price of CKB in real-time.

Read up-to-date crypto news and educational articles on CMC Alexandria.

AI Analysis

Analyzed on March 1, 2026

What is the Nervos Network (CKB) cryptocurrency good for? What are its main use cases?

The Nervos Network (CKB) is a blockchain ecosystem designed to provide a universal, decentralized, and scalable infrastructure for the next generation of blockchain applications. Its native cryptocurrency, Common Knowledge Base (CKB), plays a key role in securing and governing the network. Here are its main use cases and advantages:

1. Universal Layer 1 Blockchain

  • CKB serves as the foundational layer for the Nervos Network, enabling developers to build scalable, interoperable, and secure decentralized applications (dApps).
  • It supports smart contracts (via Rust-based and Mina Protocol integrations) and cross-chain transactions through its Layer 2 solutions (e.g., Godwoken).

2. Store of Value & Economic Security

  • CKB tokens are used to secure the network via Proof-of-Work (PoW) mining (similar to Bitcoin) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) for governance.
  • The Cell Model (a unique data storage mechanism) allows for efficient and low-cost transactions, making CKB a potential store of value for long-term holders.

3. Cross-Chain Interoperability

  • Nervos uses Force Bridge to enable asset transfers between different blockchains (e.g., Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other Layer 1s).
  • This makes CKB useful for DeFi, NFTs, and cross-chain dApps.

4. Scalability & Low-Cost Transactions

  • The Layer 2 solutions (like Godwoken) allow for high-throughput, low-cost transactions, making CKB suitable for micropayments, gaming, and IoT applications.
  • The Cell Model optimizes storage, reducing costs compared to traditional UTXO-based blockchains.

5. Developer & Enterprise Adoption

  • Nervos provides developer-friendly tools (e.g., Nervina, CKB-VM) for building scalable, secure, and interoperable applications.
  • Enterprises can use CKB for private chains, supply chain tracking, and decentralized identity solutions.

6. Governance & Decentralization

  • CKB holders can participate in on-chain governance to influence the network’s future development.
  • The Nervos DAO allows for community-driven decision-making.

Conclusion

Nervos (CKB) is designed to be a scalable, interoperable, and secure blockchain infrastructure that supports DeFi, cross-chain transactions, and enterprise applications. Its unique Cell Model and Layer 2 solutions make it a strong competitor in the blockchain space, particularly for developers and enterprises looking for a low-cost, high-performance blockchain.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of CKB?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

What blockchain does Nervos Network use? Is it its own blockchain or built on top of another?

Nervos Network operates its own blockchain, known as the Nervos Common Knowledge Base (CKB), which is designed to be a layer 1 blockchain with a unique architecture. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

1. Nervos CKB (Common Knowledge Base)

  • Native Blockchain: Nervos CKB is an independent blockchain, not built on top of another (like Ethereum or Bitcoin).
  • Layer 1 Focus: It serves as the foundational layer for the Nervos ecosystem, providing security, decentralization, and a base for higher-layer solutions.
  • UTXO Model: Unlike Ethereum’s account-based model, CKB uses a UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model, similar to Bitcoin, but with improvements for smart contracts.
  • Cell Model: CKB introduces a cell-based data structure, allowing for more flexible and efficient smart contract execution.

2. Layer 2 Solutions (Built on CKB)

While CKB is the base layer, Nervos also supports layer 2 solutions for scalability and interoperability:

  • Godwoken: A layer 2 solution that enables EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatibility, allowing Ethereum dApps to run on Nervos.
  • Polyjuice: A layer 2 framework that brings Ethereum-like smart contract functionality to CKB.

3. Interoperability with Other Blockchains

  • Force Bridge: A cross-chain bridge that connects Nervos CKB with Ethereum, allowing asset transfers between the two networks.
  • CKB-VM: A virtual machine that supports multiple programming languages (Rust, C, etc.) and can interact with other blockchains.

Conclusion

Nervos Network has its own blockchain (CKB) as the core layer, with additional layer 2 solutions (like Godwoken and Polyjuice) to enhance functionality and interoperability. It is not built on top of another blockchain but rather designed as a standalone, scalable, and interoperable base layer.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of Nervos CKB?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

Is Nervos Network programmable? Does it support smart contracts or decentralized applications?

Yes, Nervos Network is programmable and supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Here’s how it works:

1. Smart Contracts on Nervos

Nervos uses CKB-VM (Common Knowledge Base Virtual Machine), a Turing-complete execution environment that allows developers to write and deploy smart contracts. The primary smart contract language is Rust, with support for other languages like C and AssemblyScript via WASM (WebAssembly).

2. Layer 2 Solutions for Scalability

Nervos is designed as a Layer 1 blockchain (CKB) with Layer 2 solutions (like Godwoken and Polyjuice) to enhance scalability and smart contract functionality:

  • Godwoken: A Layer 2 rollup that enables EVM-compatible smart contracts, allowing developers to port Ethereum DApps to Nervos.
  • Polyjuice: A Layer 2 solution that brings Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility to Nervos, allowing Solidity-based smart contracts to run on CKB.

3. Decentralized Applications (DApps)

Nervos supports DApps through:

  • EVM Compatibility (via Godwoken & Polyjuice)
  • Native CKB Smart Contracts (written in Rust/WASM)
  • Cross-Chain Interoperability (via Nervos DAO and Layer 2 solutions)

4. Key Features for Developers

  • Deterministic Execution: CKB-VM ensures predictable smart contract behavior.
  • Low-Cost Transactions: Nervos uses UTXO-based accounting (like Bitcoin) but with smart contract capabilities.
  • Interoperability: Nervos can interact with other blockchains via bridges and Layer 2 solutions.

Conclusion

Nervos is fully programmable, supports smart contracts, and enables DApps through its Layer 2 solutions. Developers can choose between native CKB smart contracts (Rust/WASM) or EVM-compatible contracts (Solidity) via Godwoken and Polyjuice.

Would you like details on how to deploy a smart contract on Nervos?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

How fast are Nervos Network transactions? What is the typical confirmation time and throughput (transactions per second)?

The Nervos Network (CKB) is designed to be a high-performance, scalable blockchain with a focus on security and decentralization. Here’s an overview of its transaction speed, confirmation time, and throughput:

1. Transaction Speed & Confirmation Time

  • Typical Block Time: ~10 seconds (adjustable via governance).
  • Finality: Transactions are considered final after ~10 blocks (approximately 1–2 minutes), ensuring security against double-spending.
  • Fast Confirmations: Some wallets and services may allow "fast" confirmations after 1–2 blocks (~10–20 seconds), though full security is achieved after finality.

2. Throughput (Transactions Per Second - TPS)

  • Theoretical Max TPS: ~1,000+ TPS (depending on block size and network conditions).
  • Real-World TPS: Typically 100–300 TPS under normal conditions, with the ability to scale higher during peak demand.
  • Comparison: Nervos CKB is faster than Bitcoin (~7 TPS) and Ethereum (~15–30 TPS pre-L2 scaling), but slower than some Layer 1 chains like Solana (~2,000–65,000 TPS).

3. Factors Affecting Performance

  • Dynamic Block Size: Nervos CKB uses a dynamic block size mechanism, allowing blocks to grow with demand (up to a limit).
  • Layer 2 Scaling: Nervos supports Godwoken (EVM-compatible L2) and other rollup solutions, which can significantly boost throughput.
  • Consensus Mechanism: Uses Proof of Work (PoW) for security, which is slower than PoS but more decentralized.

4. Comparison with Other Blockchains

Blockchain Avg. TPS Block Time Finality Time
Nervos CKB 100–300 ~10 sec ~1–2 min
Bitcoin ~7 ~10 min ~1 hour
Ethereum (L1) ~15–30 ~12 sec ~12–15 min
Solana ~2,000+ ~400 ms ~1–2 sec

Conclusion

Nervos CKB offers fast (~10-second) block times and high throughput (100–300+ TPS), making it suitable for decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi. For even higher performance, users can leverage Layer 2 solutions like Godwoken.

Would you like details on Nervos’ Layer 2 scaling solutions?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

How much data can I store on the Nervos Network blockchain? Does it support on-chain data storage?

The Nervos Network (CKB) is designed as a layer 1 blockchain that supports on-chain data storage, but with some important limitations and considerations:

1. On-Chain Data Storage Capacity

  • CKB (Common Knowledge Base) uses a UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model similar to Bitcoin, but with a key difference: cells (a type of UTXO) can store arbitrary data.
  • Each cell can hold up to 1024 bytes of data by default, but this can be extended by locking more capacity (each byte costs 1 CKB).
  • The total storage capacity of the Nervos Network is theoretically unlimited (as long as users are willing to pay for storage), but practical limits depend on:
    • Network consensus rules (currently, no hard cap, but storage costs are enforced).
    • Economic incentives (users must pay for storage, so spam is discouraged).

2. How Data Storage Works on Nervos

  • Data is stored in cells (similar to how Bitcoin stores UTXOs).
  • Each cell has a capacity (measured in bytes), and storing data consumes that capacity.
  • Storage costs are paid in CKB (1 CKB = 1 byte of storage).
  • Data can be updated or deleted by spending the cell and creating a new one.

3. Comparison to Other Blockchains

Feature Nervos (CKB) Ethereum Bitcoin
On-Chain Storage Yes (cells) Yes (contract storage) Limited (OP_RETURN)
Storage Cost Paid in CKB (1:1) Paid in gas (ETH) Limited (OP_RETURN)
Scalability High (layer 1) Limited (gas costs) Very limited
Data Size Limit Up to 1024 bytes per cell (extendable) Depends on gas 80 bytes (OP_RETURN)

4. Use Cases for On-Chain Storage on Nervos

  • Decentralized identity (DID)
  • NFT metadata
  • Smart contract data
  • Lightweight dApps that need persistent storage

5. Limitations & Considerations

  • Cost: Storing large amounts of data can be expensive (1 CKB = 1 byte).
  • Performance: Large-scale storage may require off-chain solutions (e.g., Nervina, a decentralized storage network built on CKB).
  • No native file storage: Unlike IPFS or Arweave, CKB is not optimized for large files (better for small, structured data).

6. Alternatives for Large-Scale Storage

If you need large-scale decentralized storage, consider:

  • Nervina (a CKB-based storage network)
  • IPFS + CKB (for off-chain storage with on-chain references)
  • Arweave (for permanent, low-cost storage)

Conclusion

Nervos does support on-chain data storage, but it’s best suited for small to medium-sized structured data. For large files, off-chain solutions like Nervina or IPFS are more practical.

Would you like help with a specific use case? 🚀

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

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