CESS Network: Building the Data Storage Foundation of Web3
CESS Network (CESS) is a Layer1 blockchain focused on decentralized data infrastructure, aiming to address core issues in Web3 data storage: centralized control, high costs, and inefficient retrieval. The project reshapes the data economy through three technological pillars:
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Infinite Storage Scaling: Integrating global idle storage resources to build a virtualized storage pool;
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Millisecond-Level Retrieval: Utilizing a CD²N content distribution network to ensure hot data responds within 50ms;
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Compliant Data Control: Supporting geographic storage preferences in line with regulations such as GDPR.
Targeting scenarios like AI training, DeSci research, and RWA data notarization, CESS aims to be the foundational data layer of the Web3 ecosystem.
This Token Insights article provides an in-depth analysis of how CESS Network utilizes a three-layer architecture to achieve infinite data storage and millisecond-level retrieval, while also examining its tokenomics and DePIN ecosystem value.

Technology Architecture: Three-Layer Coordination for Efficient Data Governance
Blockchain Layer
uses the innovative R²S consensus mechanism: dynamically selects 11 validator nodes based on staking volume, workload, and random factors to ensure decentralization (preventing miner monopolies). All file indices and permission policies are stored on-chain, enabling transparent and verifiable data queries. Compared to traditional centralized clouds like AWS, this design grants users complete data sovereignty, eliminating service provider restrictions.
Storage Layer
ensures secure distributed hosting: files are encrypted and fragmented within a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), then stored across random miner nodes. Dual proof mechanisms ensure reliability: PoIS (Proof of Idle Space) verifies available capacity; PoDR² (Proof of Data Replication & Recovery) monitors redundancy and self-healing. Storage costs are 30–50% lower than AWS, with resource utilization improved by 80%.
CD²N Content Distribution Layer
breaks through performance bottlenecks: edge nodes cache hot data for retrieval in under 50ms. Key applications include DeOSS (Decentralized Object Storage Service) supporting enterprise-level permission management, and the Anon ID protocol for on-chain identity verification. For example, research institutions can store sensitive genetic data on DeOSS, restricting access to specific IP regions to meet GDPR compliance.
CESS Token: The Economic Engine Powering Decentralized Storage
Token Model Balances Incentives and Scarcity:
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Total supply: 10 billion tokens. Genesis release: 3.5 billion; remaining 6.5 billion released via mining (block time: 6 seconds);
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Halving mechanism: emissions halve every 4 years, annual decay rate of 0.841, transitioning to fixed inflation after 31 years;
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Core utilities: paying for storage/retrieval gas fees, staking for consensus or providing storage, voting on governance decisions.
Refined Miner Economy Model
validator nodes stake CESS to join R²S consensus; storage nodes earn rewards by providing space. The incentive structure ensures long-term stability: as storage demand grows, so does token demand, while the halving cycle combats inflation. Over 100,000 nodes have joined during the testnet phase; further expansion is expected post-mainnet.
Ecosystem Development: From Tech Validation to Global Partnerships
Key 2025 Milestones:
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Testnet Upgrade (Venus v0.7.7): fixed CD²N data stream interruptions and patched DeOSS encryption flaws (June 2025);
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Node Expansion: consensus nodes upgraded online; over 100,000 global storage nodes active (June 2025);
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Strategic Partnerships: co-developing ZK+AI verification framework with Zypher Network; supporting Anon ID protocol for decentralized identity systems.
Enterprise Applications:
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TellyWelly Streaming Platform: stores user watch data on CESS to prevent centralized misuse;
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Medical Research Institutions: using DeOSS to host genetic sequences with compliant sharing and privacy protection;
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Washington DC Digital Policy Summit: co-hosting global digital asset infrastructure standardization with GBA (June 2025).
Challenges and Outlook: The DePIN Storage Network’s Strategic Gamble
Technical Risks and Responses:
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Architectural complexity: coordination of PoIS, PoDR², and R²S requires ongoing optimization; mainnet delays may erode first-mover advantage;
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Storage demand volatility: if enterprise adoption lags, miner earnings may not cover hardware costs (dependent on real-world storage demand growth);
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Regulatory adaptation: proxy re-encryption (PReT) may face scrutiny in certain regions, necessitating dynamic compliance strategies.
Success Indicators:
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Commercial Adoption: 5 paid enterprise clients signed by Q4 2025 (currently 2 public cases);
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Performance Metrics: mainnet CD²N retrieval failure rate < 0.1% (testnet: 0.5%);
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Network Scale: on-chain storage to surpass 10PB (currently undisclosed).
If achieved, CESS may become the standard storage layer for AI and DeSci; otherwise, it risks being squeezed by competitors like Filecoin.
Foundational Logic of the Web3 Data Revolution
CESS Network reveals two core industry trends:
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Return of Data Sovereignty: users control permissions and storage location, ending platform data monopolies;
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Capitalization of Idle Resources: global idle storage becomes productive, reducing total social cost.
Key Advice for Developers: focus on DeOSS API integration and cross-chain compatibility; see JuCoin Developer Center for storage solution guides.
The essence of decentralized storage is trust reconstruction. Millisecond-level retrieval and compliance control are CESS’s keys to success.