Sharding

How sharding is implemented and used to scale in Quai Network.

What is Sharding?

Database Sharding (Traditional): Imagine a library that gets too big for one building:

• Solution: Split books across multiple buildings (shards)

• Benefit: More librarians can help visitors simultaneously

• Challenge: Need a system to know which building has which book

Blockchain Sharding: The same concept, but for decentralized networks:

• Traditional approach: Split both data AND security (dangerous)

• Quai’s approach: Split only data, keep security unified (safe)

​How Quai Implements Sharding

Key Benefits:

1. Parallel Processing

   • Each shard processes transactions independently

   • Like having multiple checkout lines instead of one

   • Result: 50,000+ TPS capacity

2. Lower Node Requirements

   • Nodes can choose to track only specific shards

   • Reduces hardware requirements for participation

   • More accessible = more decentralized

3. Geographic Optimization

   • Shards naturally organize by region

   • Minimizes latency within each shard

   • Better performance worldwide

​Smart Address System

The Problem: How do you know which shard handles which transaction? Quai’s Solution: Addresses contain built-in routing information - like ZIP codes for blockchain.How It Works: Every Quai Network address has a 9-bit prefix that acts like a postal code:

• First 4 bits: Region identifier (like country)

• Next 4 bits: Zone within region (like city)

• Last bit: Currency type (Quai or Qi)