Ocean Protocol has recently made significant strides in simplifying its core technology stack with the introduction of **Ocean Nodes**. This new solution replaces three major components: **Provider**, **Aquarius**, and **Subgraph**, integrating their functionalities into a unified system. Here's a breakdown of what Ocean Nodes bring to the table and how they are reshaping data operations within the Ocean Protocol ecosystem.
#### A Unified and Simplified Stack
Previously, setting up Ocean's decentralized data marketplace required deploying multiple components. With the introduction of Ocean Nodes, this complexity has been streamlined. The monorepo now enables users to start the entire Ocean stack with just **one simple command**, making it more accessible to developers and data providers alike.
#### Modular, Scalable, and Secure
Ocean Nodes have been designed with flexibility and scalability in mind. Their modular architecture allows users to run various services, from simple data retrieval to **compute-to-data (C2D)** tasks. Leveraging technologies like **libp2p** for secure peer-to-peer communication, Ocean Nodes support robust data operations across a range of use cases. The node's structure includes:
- **Network Layer:** Handles peer-to-peer communication.
- **Components Layer:** Manages core services like the **Indexer** and **Provider**.
#### Replacement of Provider, Aquarius, and Subgraph
Ocean Nodes consolidate the roles of the previous components into a single system:
1. **Provider:** The Ocean Node now serves as the exclusive gateway to access data, encrypting and decrypting metadata, streaming data, and offering compute services.
2. **Aquarius:** The **Indexer** replaces Aquarius’s functionality, caching on-chain metadata off-chain and providing a REST API for easy data access without scanning the blockchain.
3. **Subgraph:** Ocean Nodes now handle real-time data indexing from smart contract events, ensuring efficient query processing through an API.
#### Compute-to-Data (C2D) Capabilities
One of the standout features of Ocean Nodes is the improved integration with **Compute-to-Data** environments. Data providers can monetize their nodes by charging for compute services, and the **Ocean Protocol Foundation (OPF)** offers additional incentives. An upcoming update, **C2D V2**, promises even more flexibility with new computation environments and payment models.
#### Conclusion
Ocean Nodes represent a leap forward in the Ocean Protocol’s mission to democratize data sharing. By unifying and simplifying the tech stack, Ocean Nodes make it easier for developers and data providers to interact with the Ocean network, while offering enhanced scalability, security, and monetization opportunities.
