Backing up and storing user data on the cloud platform is now becoming a popular trend not only for businesses but also for individual users. Cloud computing technology gives us a quick and convenient way to preserve data, with just a few simple touches on the devices we use every day.
However, as technology continues to advance and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into everyday internet experiences, large corporations are facing challenges in scaling their operations. Furthermore, traditional infrastructure often creates certain weaknesses that put users’ data at risk.
What is Gradient Network ?
Gradient Network is a decentralized protocol built on Solana that aims to solve both problems by introducing edge computing. This computing architecture brings client data processing closer to its source via IoT devices or local edge servers. By bridging the gap between data and source, the framework can produce faster results and better bandwidth utilization.
Gradient chose edge computing as the ideal solution because it offers low latency, low cost, and high scalability. Instead of storing all data in one location – like the cloud – Gradient uses multiple computers called nodes to share computing power. By spreading the network across multiple devices around the world, the technology eliminates the need to rely on a single company while creating a more secure and efficient system.
The protocol aims to facilitate efficient deployment, management, and coordination between users and computing resources. With a strong belief in edge computing, Gradient believes it has the potential to be adopted by billions of people and will reshape DePIN along with Web3 .
The team led by protocol co-founder Yuan Gao has been driving Gradient Network’s efforts. He was previously Head of Growth at the Helium Foundation as well as Head of Marketing for NEO16. Gradient Network has received support from notable investors and venture capital firms including Multicoin Capital, Pantera Capital, and Sequoia Capital.
Gradient Descent
Gradient is inspired by the concept of Gradient Descent in machine learning and will have three phases to accomplish its mission. The first phase – Pervasive Connectivity – will build a peer-to-peer (P2P) edge computing network to provide essential infrastructure and real-time analytical insights.
Gradient will then aggregate, abstract, and monetize heterogeneous computing resources with different attributes into a unified homogeneous computing layer that will support multiple applications and innovations. Finally, the Adaptive Orchestration stage will enable the network to support a variety of needs, from content distribution to AI Inference. At this stage, resources will be allocated efficiently to maximize performance and cost-effectiveness.
Phase 1: Pervasive Connectivity
Gradient is implementing edge computing by building on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks instead of server-based relay networks. In such a setup, devices communicate directly without intermediaries and can enable faster data transfer, cost savings, and geographic optimization.
In Phase 1: Pervasive Connectivity, the protocol will introduce Sentry Nodes – browser extensions that users can install on their personal devices. The extensions are privacy-preserving, use less than 1MB per month, and work efficiently even with intermittent connections.
Interested users can now earn points by installing and maintaining active Gradient extensions. Since joining is simple and requires no financial capital, this is the perfect time to get acquainted with Gradient Network!
Step 1: Register an account
First, access https://gradient.network/to “Join” Phase 1 of Gradient. Enter the promo code:RUYBD7to get an additional 10% points. You will need to provide an email address to register your account. Alternatively, you can also choose to register with Google. In this guide, we will register with an email address.
You can then enter your referral code to receive 3,000 EXP and a 2% bonus. This is an optional step, but given the chance of getting an additional bonus, it’s worth looking for a referral code even if you don’t have any connections on Gradient yet. Note that this is your only chance to enter your referral code. If you skip this page, you won’t be able to go back and enter the code.
Promotional code:RUYBD7
You will then need to create and confirm a password for your account and check the “Agree” box to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
A verification code will be sent to the email address for the user to officially verify his account.
Once verified, you can access the Gradient dashboard!
Step 2: Set up nodes
On the dashboard, you can see the overall rewards for Season 0 and the rewards earned in a day. The reward figures are reset daily at UTC+0.
Below the reward metrics, you can see your “Node Status” where you can select “Download Extension”.
This will redirect to the Gradient Sentry Node browser extension. Please note that this browser extension may read your location information including region, IP address, GPS coordinates, or information about things near your device.
You can then “Add to Chrome” and allow the extension to be added.
The process is simple as the account will be logged in as soon as the extension is added to the browser. There is no need to set up any additional information.
Back in the dashboard, you can double check that your Node is up and running.
Step 3: Earn Rewards
Back on the dashboard, in the left menu, go to “Rewards” or the ribbon icon.
Here you will see various tasks that you can complete to earn extra rewards. These include referring others, signing up with a referral code, connecting your X account, etc. You should do as many tasks as possible as they are quite simple.
Step 4: Introduce others
Finally, refer others by going to the “Referrals” page in the left menu. Here you can find the points earned from referrals as well as your referral code and link.
Successfully inviting others using your referral code will earn you 20 points. Additionally, you will earn a permanent 10% bonus on all their rewards without limits.
Conclude
Gradient Network is a protocol built on Solana that aims to introduce edge computing as a solution to the challenges of scalability and centralization in cloud computing. Distributing the network to devices across the globe enables faster data transfer, cost savings, and performance optimization. Users can participate in Phase 1 now by installing the Gradient browser extension and setting up a Sentry Node.
As mentioned earlier, there is no guarantee that following the above instructions will result in an airdrop, so you should do your own due diligence before deciding to interact with any protocol.
