Cosmos Hub (ATOM)

The Cosmos Hub

The Cosmos Hub is the blockchain protocol underlying an increasingly large number of blockchains built on the Cosmos Network, allowing them to communicate with each other. It functions much like how you use a computer to share files that can be opened on any operating system.

ATOM - the driving force

While Cosmos is designed to support a multitude of tokens, Cosmos' native cryptocurrency is ATOM, which serves as the primary token of the Cosmos Hub. ATOM performs various important functions within the network:

  • Staking through incentivization-based validator nodes
  • Mitigating spam as the medium for paying gas fees
  • Providing a voting mechanism to propose network amendments through Cosmos governance proposals

Interoperable blockchain infrastructure

The Cosmos Hub is designed to generate thousands of interconnecting blockchain systems built on the Cosmos Network, creating an interoperable blockchain infrastructure. It utilizes a proof-of-stake consensus method that allows network participants to "stake" their ATOM coins and earn incentivized rewards. The Cosmos Hub employs various innovations to simplify software development, improve performance, heighten security, and ensure seamless communication between different blockchains.

In summary, the Cosmos Hub is a blockchain protocol that enables the communication and interoperability of multiple blockchains within the Cosmos Network. Powered by the ATOM cryptocurrency, it provides an infrastructure for secure and efficient transactions between interconnected blockchains.

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Where to Buy Cryptocurrency Cosmos Hub

There are several options available for buying the cryptocurrency Cosmos Hub (ATOM). Here are some popular platforms where you can buy Cosmos Hub:

Ledger

Ledger is a crypto exchange where you can buy Cosmos with a credit or debit card. You will need to create a Cosmos wallet and get it approved before making a purchase.

Binance

Binance is a centralized exchange that offers a variety of options for buying cryptocurrencies, including Cosmos Hub. To buy Cosmos on Binance, you need to create a free account, verify your identification, and choose a payment method such as credit card, debit card, or third-party payment.

Coinbase

Coinbase is another popular platform where you can buy Cosmos Hub. Coinbase supports various payment methods such as bank account, debit card, and wire transfer. To buy Cosmos on Coinbase, you need to create an account, add a payment method, and start a trade.

eToro

eToro is a cryptocurrency trading platform that allows you to buy Cosmos Hub and other cryptocurrencies. It offers instant buy options with USD and advanced trading features. However, please note that eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and you should be aware of the risks involved.

Remember to do thorough research and understand the risks associated with buying and trading cryptocurrencies before making any purchases.

The Founders of Cosmos Hub

Cosmos Hub, a decentralized network built to support secure and scalable blockchain systems, was co-founded by Jae Kwon and Ethan Buchman in 2014.

They had the support of the Interchain Foundation (ICF), a Swiss company focused on research and development for decentralized networks.

Jae Kwon's Opposition to Proposed Changes

In recent news, Jae Kwon, the founder of the Cosmos blockchain, has voiced his opposition to proposed changes that would introduce "liquid staking" to the system. Liquid staking would allow holders of Cosmos' ATOM token to use derivative tokens to earn rewards elsewhere.

Kwon believes that these changes are unjustified and would create a dangerous precedent by minting a significant number of new tokens to a treasury controlled by select insiders.

He emphasizes the extreme risks associated with this proposal, especially in the current volatile state of the crypto markets.

Early Days and Meeting

The founders of Cosmos, Ethan Buchman and Jae Kwon, first met during the development of the network. The initial blockchain in the network, known as the Cosmos Hub, was a significant milestone for the project.

The Cosmos Network and Tendermint

Cosmos Hub is part of the larger Cosmos Network, which is made up of many sovereign blockchains.

The network aims to enable communication and interoperability between these blockchains without relying on a centralized server.

One of the key technologies behind Cosmos is Tendermint, a consensus algorithm that ensures the security and reliability of the network. The founders of Tendermint also played a crucial role in the development of Cosmos.

The network utilizes the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol to facilitate transactions and communication between different blockchains within the Cosmos ecosystem.

Creating an Internet of Blockchains

The vision of the Cosmos founders is to create an Internet of Blockchains, where different blockchain systems can seamlessly communicate and interact with each other.

This interoperability is a crucial aspect of the Cosmos platform.

The founders recognized the challenges of interoperability in the blockchain space and aimed to address them through Cosmos. By enabling communication between different blockchain systems, Cosmos aims to streamline transactions and enhance the usability of blockchain technology.

With over $151 billion of digital assets under management, Cosmos has emerged as a leading platform for interoperability, connecting various systems such as Binance Chain, Terra, and Crypto.org.

The Cosmos Hub Roadmap

This Cosmos Hub roadmap serves as a reference for the current planned features of upcoming releases.

For past releases, please see the Previous Releases document. The Cosmos Hub is decentralized, and other teams actively contribute to its development.

The roadmap for the Cosmos Hub includes several upgrades and features:

Delta Upgrade (Completed July 12, 2021)

  • A scalable Automated Market Maker (AMM) model for token swaps
  • Drives liquidity for tokens on the Cosmos Hub
  • Delivers price consistency and order execution

Vega Upgrade (Completed December 14, 2021)

  • Allows paying fees on behalf of another account
  • Provides governance functions to execute transactions on behalf of another account
  • Updates for the Gravity DEX with dependencies
  • IBC packet forward middleware v1.0.1
  • Cosmos Hub as a router
  • External chain launch: Gravity Bridge
  • Enables the transfer of ATOM, ETH, ERC-20, and other Cosmos tokens between Ethereum and the Gravity Bridge Chain, including all IBC connected chains
  • Fee and reward model hosted across Cosmos and Ethereum

v7-Theta Upgrade (Completed March 25, 2022)

  • A minimal update with small fixes
  • Adds a circuit breaker governance proposal type to disable adding new liquidity for migration purposes
  • Allows the creation of accounts on a "Host" blockchain controlled by an authentication module on a "Controller" blockchain
  • Enables the submission of arbitrary messages from the "Controller" blockchain to the "Host" blockchain for execution on behalf of the Interchain Account
  • Uses ordered IBC channels, one per account

v8-Rho Upgrade (expected Q1 2023)

  • A version bump with a number of fixes
  • IBC Packet Forward Middleware v3.1.1
  • IBC Msg Whitelist to skip MinFee in CheckTX
  • Allows governance parameters for denoms and min-fees, enabling gas payment in various denoms

The roadmap of the Cosmos Hub is continuously evolving, with plans to bring lower-cost operations and atomic composability to consumer chains through the development of Atomic IBC in the future.

Introduction to Cosmos Hub

The Cosmos Hub, one will find, is not just another chain in the network. Rather, it's a pivotal blockchain that serves several key functions in the overall Cosmos ecosystem. Think of it as the Grand Central Station for many different blockchains within this ecosystem.

The Cosmos Hub is a vital part of the wider Cosmos Network, a blockchain ecosystem designed to solve some of the most pressing issues in the blockchain industry – scalability and interoperability. The Cosmos Network is composed of independent blockchains, each powered by classical Byzantine Fault Tolerance consensus engines like the widely used Tendermint. But it is at its heart, the Cosmos Hub, where much of the magic happens.

The Function of Cosmos Hub

Unlike other blockchains that function as independent silos, the Cosmos Hub is built to connect and communicate with other chains in the network. This is facilitated via the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, a unique and robust networking protocol developed by the Cosmos team. The IBC protocol allows blockchains to exchange information, such as tokens and data, without the need for a third party or intermediary.

Cosmos Hub Diagram
This diagram illustrates how the Cosmos Hub connects and communicates with other blockchains within the Cosmos Network using the Inter-Blockchain Communication protocol.

The Cosmos Hub as a Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) blockchain

The Cosmos Hub also plays a vital role in maintaining the security of the network. It operates on a Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism, where by token holders in the network can "stake" or lock up their tokens to participate in the network's consensus and governance. This means these token holders, also known as validators, are then responsible for creating new blocks in the blockchain and confirming transactions.

In Cosmos Hub, validators who have a high number of ATOM tokens (the native currency of the Cosmos Hub) staked are more likely to be chosen to validate a block. If a validator behaves maliciously or fails to perform their duties, their staked tokens will be "slashed" as a punishment. This encourages token holders to act honestly to protect the network.

Governance Role of Cosmos Hub

Beyond inter-blockchain communication and security, the Cosmos Hub acts as a governance mechanism for the Cosmos Network. Token holders in the Cosmos Hub get voting rights proportional to the amount of ATOM tokens they hold. They can propose and vote on network changes, such as software upgrades and changes in network parameters, creating a more democratic and decentralized blockchain network.

In essence, the Cosmos Hub forms the backbone of the Cosmos ecosystem. It helps in facilitating secure and seamless transfer of assets and information across the various blockchains in the Cosmos Network, while maintaining network security and enabling a democratic governance system.

History of Cosmos Hub

The Cosmos project launched its Mainnet on March 14, 2019, heralding a new era in the cosmos ecosystem. This was a significant milestone, as it marked the beginning of Cosmos Hub's adventure in achieving its vision of creating an "internet of blockchains."

April 22, 2019: Enabling of Cosmos Hub Transfers

Just over a month after the Mainnet launch, the Cosmos Hub community activated Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) capabilities. This enabled Cosmos blockchain to interoperate with multiple other blockchains, uplifting the significance of the project to the next level in the blockchain industry.

September 24, 2019: Cosmos SDK Version Upgrade

On this day, Cosmos Hub went through an important upgrade on its software development kit (SDK). The upgrade saw the introduction of new features and enhancements aimed at optimizing the overall user experience of Cosmos Hub.

December 11, 2019: Cosmos Governance Proposal

A key attribute of Cosmos Hub is its decentralized nature. In line with this, a notable event took place on December 11 when the Cosmos Governance Proposal known as Prop 23 was passed. This decision was a milestone for decentralized management in blockchain technology.

March 13, 2020: Cosmos Hub's First Upgrade

Exactly a year after its Mainnet launch, Cosmos Hub underwent its first significant upgrade. Named 'Cosmos Hub 3', the upgrade was a result of a governance proposal and successfully demonstrated on-chain governance and network upgrade abilities of the Cosmos ecosystem.

February 18, 2021: Stargate Upgrade

One of the pivotal moments in Cosmos Hub's history was the Stargate Upgrade. This upgrade established important changes in the protocol which included the much-anticipated Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. The IBC allows blockchains to communicate and transfer tokens between one another, fostering a high level of interoperability.

May 29, 2021: Gravity DEX Launch

The most recent significant development was the launch of Gravity DEX, a decentralized exchange built on the Cosmos Hub. The Gravity DEX protocol serves as a marketplace for trading tokens from any connected blockchain, including tokens from the IBC and wrapped Ethereum tokens.

As we trace the chronological development of Cosmos Hub, it becomes clear that the platform's growth can largely be attributed to its adoption of governance proposals, significant upgrades, and the continuous enhancement of its interoperability features.

Cosmos Hub's Unique Features

Cosmos Hub sets itself apart through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, which typically operate within a strict, insulated environment, Cosmos Hub links multiple blockchains, allowing them to communicate with each other seamlessly. This groundbreaking technology effectively connects different blockchains, allowing for the transfer of any type of data or asset across various blockchain ecosystems, something which previously was complicated and time-consuming.

2. Scalability

Cosmos seeks to solve one of the most significant problems faced by traditional blockchain networks, which is scalability. While other cryptocurrencies are struggling to speed up transaction times and increase the number of transactions per second (TPS), Cosmos Hub separates the network into multiple, smaller blockchains, each running in parallel. This reduces the load on each individual chain and dramatically enhances the speed and efficiency of transactions.

3. Byznatine Fault Tolerance Consensus Model

Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, which utilize the Proof-of-Work or Proof-of-Stake consensus models, Cosmos uses the Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) model. In BFT, validators take turns proposing blocks while the others vote on them. This model is known for its high security, low-cost, and fast finality, as it allows for instant transaction confirmations. Consequently, Cosmos Hub offers a more efficient and secure environment for transactions.

4. Tendermint Core

At its heart, Cosmos Hub operates via Tendermint Core, a software solution that packages the networking and consensus layers of a blockchain into a generic engine. This allows developers to focus solely on application development rather than the intricate, technical nuances of the blockchain. As a result, it fosters more quickly and effectively developed applications compared to other cryptocurrency platforms.

5. Customizability

Cosmos privileges developers with the freedom to build and customize their blockchain without any restrictions. Using the Cosmos SDK, developers can develop new blockchain applications entirely from scratch or modify existing ones. This level of freedom is not typically offered by other cryptocurrency networks, thereby distinguishing Cosmos Hub in this aspect.

6. Cross-chain Transactions

Finally, Cosmos also facilitates cross-chain transactions, which is not common among most cryptocurrencies. This means that assets can be transferred and transacted across different blockchains within the Cosmos network. This opens up new avenues for interoperability and collaboration that are not available in many other cryptocurrencies.

How Cosmos Hub Works

Imagine Cosmos Hub as a giant, interstellar post office. It's a place where various 'cryptocurrency planets' like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others can send and exchange messages (transactions) in a universal language.

Imagine Cosmos Hub as a giant, interstellar post office. It's a place where various 'cryptocurrency planets' like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others can send and exchange messages (transactions) in a universal language.

Just like how our universe has numerous galaxies, each with numerous planets, the world of cryptocurrencies has numerous 'blockchains'. Each of these blockchains is like a ledger or a notebook that keeps track of all transactions happening on that 'planet'.

Cosmos blockchain, or the 'Cosmos Hub', is unique. It's not just a typical 'planet' but more like a 'space station', created to communicate and collaborate with all the other cryptocurrency 'planets'.

So, how does it work in plain English?

Cosmos Hub uses a system called a 'consensus algorithm'. Picture a huge conference room where a group of people (called validators) are responsible for agreeing which messages (transactions) are accurate or trustworthy. If most of the people agree on a message, it gets a stamp of approval and is added to the Cosmos ledger.

Role of Validators in approving transactions

These validators in the Cosmos Hub are an integral part of the system. You can imagine them as highly trusted officials in our interstellar post office. Their job is to inspect messages (transactions), make sure they are legitimate, and underline them in the office's ledger.

But how is fairness ensured in this process? Well, to prevent any one validator from becoming too powerful, Cosmos Hub uses a process called 'staking'. It’s like buying a ticket to the validators club. The ticket price here is determined by how much currency (in this case, cosmos tokens) you stake or lock up. The more validators there are, the more secure and fair the system becomes.

All about Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC): The Universal Language

Remember how we mentioned that Cosmos Hub is designed to communicate with other blockchain 'planets'? This is possible because of a protocol known as Inter-Blockchain Communication or IBC. This basically serves as a Universal Translator, allowing different blockchain systems to understand each other and share information smoothly.

So, in essence, Cosmos Hub works by unifying and enabling different blockchain networks to communicate and validate transactions in a secure and democratic way. It's a place where transactions from different networks are examined, approved, and added to a common ledger, making it a central hub in the vast universe of cryptocurrencies.

Investing in Cosmos Hub

Cosmos Hub (ATOM) is an innovative project in the world of cryptocurrency that aims to connect multiple blockchains into a unified network. It acts as an "internet of blockchains," enabling them to communicate and transact with each other in an efficient and scalable manner.

Investing in Cosmos Hub

Like any other cryptocurrency, investing in Cosmos (ATOM) comes with its own set of prospects and risks. Identifying these can assist potential investors in making an informed decision.

Prospects

  • Interoperability: One of Cosmos' unique selling propositions is interoperability. It allows different blockchains to interact with each other, enhancing connectivity and efficiency. This functionality might fuel demand, potentially leading to an appreciation in ATOM's value.
  • Scalability: Cosmos solves the scalability problem that plagues many blockchains. It can process many transactions simultaneously, a vital feature for mass adoption. As blockchain technology becomes more mainstream, the value of scalable networks like Cosmos could escalate.
  • Staking: Cosmos allows users to stake their ATOM tokens, securing the network while earning rewards. This steady income stream might attract investors looking for a consistent return.

Risks

  • Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate wildly, and ATOM is no exception. The value of your investment could decrease significantly in a short span of time.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal status of cryptocurrencies is still uncertain in many jurisdictions. If regulations become more restrictive, it could impact the value of ATOM.
  • Technical Challenges: While Cosmos' vision is impressive, the technical challenge of connecting various blockchains is considerable. If Cosmos cannot overcome these, it might not realise its potential, reflecting negatively on its value.

How to Invest in Cosmos Hub

If you've evaluated the prospects and risks and decided to invest in Cosmos, follow these steps:

  1. Find a Reliable Cryptocurrency Exchange: Choose a platform that lists ATOM. Some popular options include Binance, CoinBase, and Kraken.
  2. Create an Account: You'll need to register an account on your chosen exchange. This process usually involves verifying an email address and setting up two-factor authentication for added security.
  3. Deposit Funds: Find the deposit option on the exchange, choose your preferred currency, and follow the instructions.
  4. Buy Cosmos (ATOM): Once funds are available, you can order ATOM. It’s advised to start with a small amount if you're new to investing in cryptocurrency.

Monitor Your Investment

After purchasing ATOM, be diligent about tracking its performance. Stay informed about developments concerning Cosmos and the wider cryptocurrency environment as this could affect the value of your investment.

Remember, investing in any cryptocurrency, including Cosmos Hub, should be based on thorough research and consideration of the individual's financial situation and risk appetite.


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Impact of Cosmos Hub in the Cryptocurrency Space

The evolution of the cryptocurrency industry has been significantly impacted by the advent and development of Cosmos Hub. Specifically looking at the field of decentralized finance, or DeFi, it's clear that Cosmos has played a major role in catalyzing its growth. At its core, Cosmos is an ecosystem of blockchains that can scale and interoperate with each other. The advent of Cosmos Hub, a public Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain in this ecosystem, is a beacon of progress for decentralized finance, essentially allowing distinct blockchains to communicate and transact with each other.

Fueling the Growth of Decentralized Finance

Decentralized Finance aims to establish an open-source, permissionless, and transparent financial service ecosystem, void of central authorities. Cosmos Hub has contributed to the growth of DeFi by providing a platform where new financial products and services can be launched and operate interchain. Cosmos, with its revolutionary inter-blockchain communication (IBC) protocol, effectively allows the DeFi applications that exist on separate blockchains to interoperate. In simpler terms, the applications can talk to each other, transaction barriers between blockchains are broken down, and operations are streamlined.

Powering Blockchain Technology

Cosmos Hub has also made strides in the overall improvement of blockchain technology. The hub utilizes a consensus protocol known as tendermint, which provides a high degree of security, scalability, and speed - three key components that have often been issues in the blockchain world. Its uniquely democratic governance model also involves token holders in decision-making processes. This allows for upgradable blockchains, promoting constant evolution and improvement in the blockchain technology. This highlights the unique role Cosmos Hub has played in the growth and development of the crypto industry. Not only does it put a new spin on the concept of interoperability in crypto, but it also provides an extensively democratic and evolutionary model for the blockchain. The contributions of Cosmos Hub to the field of DeFi are truly noteworthy and have set the stage for major advancements in the revolutionary world of cryptocurrency.