What is Aethir (ATH)? Using idle GPUs to create a decentralized cloud computing network

Aethir works to help open up powerful GPU (graphics processing unit) services and infrastructure for a wider pool of users. The project achieves this by pooling unused GPUs into a decentralized network and harnessing their collective power, making high-performance computing more accessible and affordable.

For startups and smaller enterprises in particular, the costs required to access significant computing power — which is often required to train artificial intelligence (AI) models, for example — can be a hurdle to growth. Aethir offers a solution to this scenario by providing access to a global network of GPUs. This allows fledgling enterprises to access the necessary resources without straining their budgets. The result? Increased innovation, advanced development, and reduced costs.

In this article, we'll explore more about Aethir's ecosystem, technology, and the role of the ATH token.

TL;DR

• Aethir provides a decentralized alternative to traditional cloud computing with a network that pools unused GPUs together. The platform helps to make high-performance computing more affordable.

• Aethir's global GPU network lets startups and small businesses tap into AI and gaming without the big price tag, supporting innovation and cutting costs.

• Aethir's distributed GPU framework combines scattered GPUs into a reliable, scalable, and high-performing system for complex computational tasks.

• Decentralized ownership in Aethir makes GPU resources more accessible. It lets more people help advance technology and share computing power.

• The Aethir token (ATH) is used for payments, community engagement, decision-making, and quality assurance in the ecosystem.

How does Aethir address the GPU supply shortfall?

The tech field has experienced a GPU supply shortage in 2024, with demand skyrocketing thanks to booming fields like AI, gaming, and IoT (Internet of Things). Aethir's solutions can help to ease this challenge.

Aethir's secret ingredient is its decentralized cloud computing platform, which gathers all those unused or underused GPUs sitting idle in data centers across the world and puts them to use.

How does this help? Let's say you're developing the next big thing in AI or working on a cutting-edge game that needs massive GPU resources. Traditionally, finding enough computing power was a challenge due to limited GPU availability and high costs. However, Aethir's approach offers access to a global network of GPUs, greatly increasing your computing power without the need for expensive hardware investments.

In simple terms, Aethir combines scattered GPUs into a powerful and flexible network. This is particularly crucial for industries like AI, where computing needs can vary drastically from one project to the next, or for gaming, where demand can peak at any time. Meanwhile, for the IoT sector, which often requires real-time processing, having instant access to GPUs through Aethir can be a game-changer.

What are the main ideas behind Aethir's distributed GPU framework?

Imagine trying to bake a cake in the most disorganized and cluttered kitchen you've ever seen. It sounds chaotic and inefficient, right? Now imagine if you could have a magical kitchen that could instantly bring all those ingredients together in the right place, exactly when the recipe demands them. That’s essentially what Aethir’s distributed framework does for GPUs. It takes GPUs clusters scattered around the world and integrates them into a unified network, creating a seamless and efficient system.

Keeping with our cooking metaphor, picture each cluster as a separate kitchen full of equipment and ingredients. Alone, each kitchen might struggle to handle a massive banquet. But linked together, they can support each other, making sure no single kitchen gets overwhelmed.

The network of GPU clusters is the backbone of Aethir’s architecture, providing a robust platform that can tackle even the most demanding computational tasks — from complex AI models to gaming platforms. The real advantage behind the system lies in its reliability and resilience. By distributing workloads across multiple GPUs, Aethir reduces the risk of failure you might face with a single, overburdened system.

If one GPU falters, others can pick up the slack, much like how backup generators kick in during a power outage. This redundancy is crucial for applications that require constant, high-performance computing. Aethir’s network can handle current tasks and adapt to growing computing needs. This flexibility is crucial for industries that rely on high-powered computations, allowing them to innovate without hardware limitations.

Aethir’s distributed GPU framework transforms isolated computing resources into a cohesive, powerful network. This boosts reliability and resilience, making sure industries can meet their growing computational needs without significant additional investment.

How does decentralized ownership help Aethir's users and the industry?

Aethir distributes ownership and access to its pooled GPU resources across a broad network, creating a fairer distribution of available resources.

With traditional computing, hefty hardware and infrastructure investments are required to access GPU power, creating entry barriers. Aethir's decentralized model is a game-changer. By pooling unused GPUs together and giving access as needed, it opens doors for startups, small businesses, and individual developers who might otherwise not be able to afford high-end GPUs.

This digital ecosystem fosters innovation by making high-powered computing accessible to a diverse range of users. A small AI research team can use Aethir's network to train complex models without investing in their own GPU clusters.

This levels the playing field, enabling more participants to contribute to technological advancements and tap into new economic opportunities. Indie gaming publishers, for example, can use shared GPU resources to make game graphics. This can help them save money and finish their games faster.

Meanwhile, decentralized ownership reduces risks and improves resilience. In traditional setups, if a central server fails, everything grinds to a halt. Because of its distributed resources, Aethir’s network can handle the failure of a single GPU or data center. This model spurs growth by creating a market for people to earn money from their idle GPUs. It maximizes resource use and creates income for GPU owners and data centers with extra capacity.

What is a checker node?

In the Aethir network, a checker node is one of three components to keep things running smoothly on the back end. Let's look at the role of these three elements.

Containers

Aethir containers can be compared to virtual workstations that do the heavy lifting of executing and rendering applications. Whether it's running an AI or a game scene, containers handle tasks efficiently. Offloading tasks to the cloud gives containers a powerful, flexible computing environment. They're designed to always be ready, reducing latency and enhancing the user experience.

Indexers

Indexers connect platform users with suitable Containers based on the services required and the lowest possible fee. Speed is fundamental to the Indexer. Aethir states that its goal with Indexers is to deliver a "second on" service where the transition from the user's request to delivery occurs in the shortest time possible.

Checkers

Checkers play a critical role in maintaining service quality by verifying the performance and specifications of containers to keep everything running smoothly. Checkers constantly monitor and validate Containers to make sure they meet the necessary standards. They control quality by penalizing poor performance and rewarding good performance, making sure performance integrity is maintained.

What is the Checker Node License?

The Checker Node License is a non-fungible token that rewards you for running a Checker Node Client. You have the option to run the Checker Node Client on your own machine, or through virtual private servers (VPS), Node-as-a-Service (NaaS), or another user's machine. While the sale of licenses has ended, you'll reportedly be able to purchase one on the secondary market in the future.

Virtual Private Servers or NaaS? If you don't want to run the Checker Node client on your machine, you can use a VPS or NaaS. The key difference between the two is that you'll need to set up, deploy, and manage the nodes on your own with a VPS. Many believe that NaaS makes this easier because you can delegate your Checker Node License to an NaaS provider and earn rewards instantly.

If you choose VPS, Aethir recommends:

• AWS

• Tencent Cloud

And if you choose NaaS, Aethir recommends the following:

• Animoca

• Easeflow

• Luganodes

• Infstones

• Nodeops

• DepinX

• SuperNoderz

What's the Aethir token (ATH) used for?

The project's Aethir (ATH) token is multi-talented, serving many purposes on the platform.

First, ATH is the go-to currency for payments within the Aethir network. Users and developers pay for GPU power using ATH, making transactions simpler and services more affordable. ATH isn't just about payments. It also plays a key role in governance. ATH holders can vote on important decisions that guide the platform's direction. This approach allows the community to directly shape the ecosystem, making it more responsive to users' needs.

Then there's staking. With Aethir, users stake ATH to support the network's operations. This means they lock up a certain amount of tokens as collateral, which helps secure the network. In return, they earn more ATH. This incentivizes participation and helps to align users' goals with the network's own goals. ATH has a total supply of 42 billion tokens and a circulating supply of 3.78 billion at the time of writing.

Finally, ATH supports quality assurance for services. In Aethir, tokens incentivize participants to maintain high standards in their services. GPU providers are motivated to keep their systems in top shape for reliable, high-quality performance.

Here's a breakdown of the token's distribution:

Source: docs.aethir.com

Source: docs.aethir.com

What's next for Aethir?

Aethir’s roadmap from the second half of 2024 to mid-2025 focuses on improving the user experience, technology, and decentralization. You can check out the roadmap here for the latest updates.

2024 H2: advancing tech, diversified services

Platform-wide development

• New blockchain integration: Aethir will support multi-chain environments and enhance interoperability. Bridges will be built between different blockchain networks, allowing smoother transactions across platforms.

Aethir Air:

• High-performance GPU support: For gamers and developers, Aethir Air will support high-performance GPUs. This means better graphics and smoother performance for AAA and VR games.

Cloud phone service:

• Global rollout: Aethir's Cloud Phone service is going global. It aims to provide seamless connectivity across regions. This makes international communication smoother and more efficient.

Aethir Earth:

• Retail management optimization: New real-time AI-supported analytics features aim to support retailers with insights into customer behavior and inventory strategy. This means data-driven decisions and potentially more efficient operations for businesses.

2025 H1: leading decentralization and streamlining services

Platform-wide development:

• Smart deployment strategies: Aethir is advancing its smart deployment strategies to optimize resource allocation and reduce latency, improving efficiency for users.

Aethir Air:

• Adaptive user enhancements: Users will gain more control with tools for deeper customization of their cloud and network services. This means users can tailor their experience to better fit their specific needs.

Cloud phone service:

• Service availability features: Aethir is introducing AI-powered suggestions for network routing and contact data. These features aim to enhance service availability and reduce latency, making sure that users experience fewer disruptions and better connectivity.

Aethir Earth:

• Smart expansion: Aethir Earth is launching new global initiatives to help businesses expand rapidly and scale efficiently by automating scalability processes, making it easier for businesses to grow without obstacles.

The final word

Aethir transforms idle GPUs into a global network to help make high-performance computing more affordable and accessible. Startups and small businesses can use the network to get the GPU power they need for AI and gaming without the typical costs. This affordable access has the potential to help growing enterprises innovate and develop at a faster pace. With its unique framework and native Aethir (ATH) token, Aethir delivers scalable solutions for complex tasks, creating decentralized economic opportunities for companies across industries.

If you're interested in learning more about decentralized computing, check out our guide to the decentralized cloud computing protocol Internet Computer.