Architecture

ARIO Contract Architecture

The $ARIO token operates through a smart contract built on AO Computer. The system is composed of several interconnected components that work together to provide a comprehensive network infrastructure.

Core Components

Balances

The Balances component manages the fundamental token accounting for the ARIO ecosystem:

• Token Holdings: Tracks ARIO token balances for all network participants
• Transfer Logic: Handles secure token transfers between addresses
• Paginated Queries: Provides efficient balance lookups with cursor-based pagination
• Integration Layer: Connects with all other components for balance updates

Gateway Registry

The Gateway Registry manages the network's infrastructure providers and all delegation relationships:

• Gateway Management: Handles gateway registration, settings updates, and network participation
• Operator Stakes: Manages gateway operator stakes and minimum staking requirements
• Delegated Stakes: Coordinates delegated stake from token holders to gateway operators
• Performance Tracking: Monitors gateway performance metrics and eligibility for rewards

ArNS Registry

The ArNS (Arweave Name System) Registry provides decentralized domain name services:

• Name Registration: Manages the purchase and registration of friendly names
• Lease Management: Handles name renewals and lease extensions
• Primary Names: Allows users to set primary names for their addresses
• ANT Integration: Links registered names to their corresponding ANT processes

Vaults

The Vaults component implements token time-locking mechanisms for various ecosystem purposes:

• Multi-Purpose Locking: Locks tokens for RFPs, bug bounties, investors, and core team members
• Flexible Terms: Supports various lock periods and amounts based on purpose and requirements
• Extension Options: Allows participants to extend vault lock periods when needed
• Withdrawal Logic: Manages secure token release after lock expiration or completion of terms

System Processes

ANT Registry Process

A utility process that facilitates ANT discovery and management:

• Discovery Service: Makes it easy to find ANTs owned by specific wallet addresses
• Ownership Tracking: Provides efficient lookup of ANT ownership relationships
• Integration Support: Connects with wallets and dApps for seamless ANT management
• Query Interface: Enables paginated queries for ANT discovery

ArNS Name Tokens (ANTs)

Transferable token processes that represent ownership and control of ArNS names:

• Name Ownership: Each ANT process controls a specific ArNS name
• Record Management: ANT holders manage DNS-like records for their names
• Undername Control: Support for creating and managing subdomains (undernames)
• Transferable Rights: ANTs can be bought, sold, and transferred as independent tokens
• Process-Based: Each ANT is its own AO process with autonomous functionality

Security Model

The architecture implements multiple layers of security:

Economic Security

• Stake Requirements: Minimum stakes ensure operator commitment and skin in the game
• Performance-Based Removal: Gateways that fail observation for 30 consecutive epochs are removed from the network
• Complete Stake Slashing: 100% of stake is returned to the protocol balance when gateways are removed for poor performance
• Observation Consensus: Peer-to-peer monitoring ensures no single point of failure in performance evaluation

Technical Security

• AO Computer: Leverages Arweave's permanent and decentralized compute layer
• Process Isolation: Separate processes for different system functions
• Cryptographic Verification: All transactions and state changes are cryptographically secured

Governance Security

• Current Ownership: Currently owned by a multisig with intentions to make ownership immutable
• Path to Immutability: Plans to transition to fully immutable protocol without governance control
• Transparent Operations: All system state is publicly verifiable on Arweave
• Consensus-Based Evaluation: Gateway performance determined by peer consensus rather than centralized authority