Akash Network: Decentralized GPU Arithmetic Trading Platform

General Introduction

Akash Network is a decentralized cloud computing platform based on blockchain technology, aiming to break the monopoly of traditional cloud computing giants and provide a more efficient, lower-cost and flexible computing resources trading market. It builds an "Airbnb"-like cloud service ecosystem by connecting users who need computing resources with providers who have idle computing power. Users can rent a variety of cloud resources, including high-performance GPUs such as NVIDIA H100, A100, etc., at a price that is often as low as 85% compared to traditional cloud service providers. Cosmos Built with an SDK that supports inter-chain communication (IBC) and drives the network's security, governance and transactions with AKT tokens, Akash Network's openness and community-driven nature make it ideal for Web3 developers, AI researchers, and decentralized application deployments.

Akash Network Provides Chat Interface for Multiple Open Source Big Model Conversations

Function List

• Decentralized Cloud Resource Rental: Users can rent CPUs, GPUs, storage and other computing resources from global suppliers, supporting flexible scaling.
• Reverse auction system: Users set budgets and suppliers bid for resources, ensuring transparent and competitive pricing.
• Support for complex application deployments: With Stack Definition Language (SDL), users can deploy Docker containerized applications across multiple regions and vendors.
• GPU Rental Market: Offers high-performance GPU (e.g., NVIDIA A100) rentals for AI model training and inference.
• Anonymous deployment and privacy protection: Support for anonymous application deployment to secure user identity and data.
• Blockchain governance: Users holding AKT tokens can participate in voting on online proposals to influence the direction of the platform.
• open source community support: Open source code and rich developer tools such as Akash Console and Provider Console are available.

Using Help

How to get started with Akash Network

Akash Network doesn't require a complicated installation process, users can simply visit the official website (https://akash.network/) through their browser to get started. Below are detailed steps to help you get started quickly:

1. Create and prepare accounts

To use Akash Network's services, you will first need a crypto wallet to hold AKT tokens, as all transactions and rental fees are settled in AKT. The following steps are recommended:

• Download Compatible Wallets: Choose a wallet that supports the Cosmos ecosystem, such as Keplr or Cosmostation.
  • Install the Keplr plugin (https://www.keplr.app/) in your browser or download the Cosmostation mobile app.
• Create Wallet: Open the Wallet app, click on "Create New Wallet", generate a mnemonic and keep it safe (do not disclose it).
• Get AKT Tokens: Buy AKT via crypto exchanges (e.g. Kraken, Osmosis DEX) and transfer it to your wallet address.
• Connecting to the Akash Network: Select the "Akash Network" chain in Keplr and complete the connection.

2. Deploying applications using the Akash Console

Akash Console is the official web tool that simplifies the deployment process:

• Accessing the ConsoleClick on "Console" on the official website (https://console.akash.network/).
• Connecting Wallets: Click "Connect Wallet" in the upper right corner and select Keplr or another wallet to authorize the connection.
• Create Deployment::
  1. Click "Create Deployment".
  2. Upload or prepare deploy.yaml file (SDL format) that specifies the Docker image, CPU, memory, storage, and other requirements. Example:

     version: "2.0"
     services:
     web:
     image: nginx:latest
     expose:
     - port: 80
     as: 80
     to:
     - global: true
     profiles:
     compute:
     web:
     resources:
     cpu:
     units: 0.5
     memory:
     size: 512Mi
     storage:
     size: 512Mi
     placement:
     westcoast:
     pricing:
     web:
     denom: uakt
     amount: 1000
     deployment:
     web:
     westcoast:
     profile: web
     count: 1
     

  3. Set the budget (in uAKT, 1 AKT = 1,000,000 uAKT) and click "Create".
• Acceptance of bids: The system will display the quotes from the suppliers, select the option that has the best price or meets the requirements, and click "Accept Bid".
• Deployment completed: After a few minutes, the deployment completes and the Console provides access to the URL (e.g. http://provider-id.akash.network).

3. Special feature operation: GPU leasing and AI hosting

Akash Network's GPU leasing feature is especially suited for AI developers:

• Preparing SDL files: in deploy.yaml Specify the GPU requirements in. for example:

  services:
  ai-model:
  image: tensorflow/tensorflow:latest-gpu
  args:
  - python
  - train.py
  expose:
  - port: 5000
  as: 5000
  to:
  - global: true
  profiles:
  compute:
  ai-model:
  resources:
  cpu:
  units: 2
  memory:
  size: 16Gi
  storage:
  size: 100Gi
  gpu:
  units: 1
  attributes:
  vendor:
  nvidia:
  model: a100
  placement:
  global:
  pricing:
  ai-model:
  denom: uakt
  amount: 5000
  deployment:
  ai-model:
  global:
  profile: ai-model
  count: 1

• Submit for deployment: Upload the SDL file as described above and wait for the vendor to bid.
• Running AI tasks: After successful deployment, access the service via the provided URL to run model training or inference tasks.
• Monitoring and AdjustmentDeployments can be shut down or updated at any time by viewing their status on the Deployments page of the Console.

4. Becoming a resource provider

If you have an idle server or GPU, you can join the Akash network to earn income:

• Installing the Provider Software::
  1. Run the command on a Linux server:

     wget -q -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/akash-network/provider/main/install.sh | bash
     

  2. configure provider.yaml, set up your server address, AKT wallet, etc.
  3. Start the service:akash-provider startThe
• Acceptance of orders: When a user selects your offer, the system automatically assigns tasks to your server.
• income settlement: AKT is automatically transferred to your wallet after the task is completed.

5. Cautions

• budget management: Ensure that there are enough AKTs in the wallet to avoid deployment interruptions.
• SDL Debugging: For first time use of the SDL you can refer to the official documentation (https://docs.akash.network/) to ensure that the format is correct.
• network state: Real-time network loads and provider counts can be viewed at https://stats.akash.network/.

With the steps above, you can easily leverage Akash Network's decentralized cloud services to enjoy low cost and high flexibility, whether you're deploying a simple website or running complex AI tasks.