Luganodes NaaS: Node-as-a-Service

Update: Luganodes NaaS Console is now live. Aethir Node holders can start delegating and running their nodes.

Introduction

Recently, we announced Luganodes' partnership with Aethir to provide Node-as-a-Service for checker node holders. This announcement is, in fact, part of a greater venture by Luganodes, and we are proud to introduce Luganodes NaaS, a dedicated platform for providing automated/hassle-free node operations for node holders. Luganodes has extensive experience in providing institutional-standard staking services, which will be carried over into our NaaS offering, thereby delivering a best-in-class experience to users.

In this article, we explain the opportunities our NaaS service opens up and provide clarity on the technicalities of this space.

New Opportunities

As crypto and DeFi enthusiasts, we are accustomed to token offerings, airdrops, staking, and restaking. But here’s what’s new and exciting: companies are now offering nodes for sale. Yes, nodes! Instead of distributing tokens and recruiting validators through traditional staking methods, multiple ventures are adopting this alternative approach, where nodes are sold to individuals like you. You can then run these nodes, provide validation, and earn rewards in the process.

This has led to the emergence of Node sales, where licenses (or keys) for running nodes are sold to customers. For instance, GPU provider Aethir is selling Checker Node licenses as ERC721 NFTs. Meanwhile, Sophon, an entertainment-focused ZK rollup network, has raised $60 million using this innovative fundraising approach.

Undoubtedly, the landscape is evolving, and so are our offerings. While staking and restaking remain lucrative options, Luganodes is excited to now offer node operation as a service (NaaS). This means anyone can purchase and run nodes without needing technical expertise nor complex hardware. Luganodes handle all technicalities and security concerns via our enterprise grade infrastructure, saving you time and operational costs. Luganodes NaaS is your gateway to easily earning rewards and successfully running a node, in exchange for a paid subscription.

What’s in it for the user?

As the next big thing in crypto, node sales and rewards from nodes are expected to become increasingly popular. Those interested in investing and earning returns can certainly opt for buying nodes and using a NaaS to run them.

This can be a great opportunity for those looking to invest in the space but are wary of tokens being under scrutiny. Moreover, it provides a chance to support a service that offers decentralised and democratised solutions to the community. It’s an investment on both fronts.

NaaS Offering: Aethir

Aethir is Luganodes’ initial venture into the NaaS space. Aethir tries to solve a very interesting problem, the underutilisation of GPU resources and the democratisation of computing power. In the age of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the necessity of computing power cannot be understated.

Aethir's model transcends the limitations of traditional ownership structures by enabling distributed resource possession.

Today, 50 to 75% of GPU capacity remains idle and unused, which means there are a lot of untapped computing resources that can be harnessed for the greater good. With its roots in decentralisation, Aethir aims to foster a future in which advanced computing power is more accessible to everyone.

Its decentralisation is visible not only in its crowdsourced service and ownership but also in its geographical distribution of resources, which outperforms traditional centralised approaches to the GPU cloud.

Architecture

Aethir achieves all of this using its unique architecture which involves users, developers, miners, Aethir DAO and token holders - the ATH token, which remains central to the whole Aethir ecosystem, acting as the currency, liquidity and collateral. ATH holders can also take part in governance and staking.

Of the miners mentioned, the three main types can give us the gist of Aethir's operations.

• Containers - They are the fundamental units which provide real-time rendering services. In other words, this is where the actual usage of the GPU cloud occurs.

• Indexer - They connect users with the most suitable containers for their rendering needs.

• Checker - Assessing service quality, ensuring reliability and efficiency.

The entire system runs on Ethereum Layer 2 Arbitrum, providing a settlement layer via ATH tokens.

Checker Nodes

Checker nodes, in more familiar terms, “validate” the entire process of matching users with containers. They ensure Aethir's network integrity and service quality by checking multiple metrics and analyses. After completing a task, a Checker Node signs the results with its private key and sends them to the Referee. Nodes with results matching the majority receive token rewards.

Luganodes NaaS - Your Gateway to Node Operation

As a user and checker node license owner, you have the choice to run the node on your own machine, or use a Virtual Private Server(VPS) and set up, deploy and run nodes on this VPS.

Alternatively, you now have the possibility to delegate your node management to professionals, saving you time and resources. This solution is provided by Luganodes NaaS.

By opting for a node operator like Luganodes NaaS, you are ensured

• Fully transparent cost savings

• Reduced Complexity down to a single click

• Faster Deployment

• Scalability

• Reliability

With tremendous experience in running highly secure nodes for 45+ networks, with over $3B in staked assets, Luganodes is highly proficient in this task and provides enterprise-grade solutions. In terms of security, Luganodes offers some of the highest levels of protection with its Swiss-grade infrastructure. Thoroughly audited by Quantstamp, Luganodes adheres to SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and ISO 27001 standards, resulting in a AAA rating on Stakingrewards.com.

Luganodes has a strong track record on Ethereum and Ethereum-based technologies, with 11k+ validators on Ethereum Mainnet. We are the second-largest node operator for Native Restaking.

Building on our extensive staking experience, Luganodes is creating a fresh and enhanced customer experience for NaaS, specifically designed for retail clients:

• Customer Experience First: Our user-friendly NaaS dashboard will launch on Aethir’s first mainnet day, ensuring seamless usability.

• Competitive Pricing: We offer transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect from your node(s).

• 24/7 Support: Enjoy round-the-clock assistance via our Telegram channel and access to comprehensive documentation.

• Community Engagement & Incentives: We actively engage with our community and provide attractive incentives.

• Enhanced Online Presence: Our online platforms have now been expanded to specifically cater to NaaS customers.

Conclusion

Luganodes NaaS, in partnership with Aethir, marks a significant step into the emerging node market, which holds great potential. Luganodes will soon support other projects adopting the node sale approach, including the Sophon node sale. Now is the best time for users to sign up for Luganodes NaaS.

About Luganodes

Luganodes is a world-class, Swiss-operated, non-custodial blockchain infrastructure provider that has rapidly gained recognition in the industry for offering institutional-grade services. It was born out of the Lugano Plan B Program, an initiative driven by Tether and the City of Lugano. Luganodes maintains an exceptional 99.9% uptime with round-the-clock monitoring by SRE experts. With support for 45+ PoS networks, it ranks among the top validators on Polygon, Polkadot, Sui, and Tron. Luganodes prioritizes security and compliance, holding the distinction of being one of the first staking providers to adhere to all SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and ISO 27001 standards as well as offering Chainproof insurance to institutional clients.