What Is SubQuery Network?

1. What Is SubQuery Network?

SubQuery Network is a decentralized data indexing protocol designed specifically for Web3 and blockchain applications. It empowers developers to efficiently extract, transform, and serve data from Layer-1 blockchains like Polkadot, Cosmos, Algorand, NEAR, and Avalanche. Rather than developers building custom backends or relying on centralized APIs, SubQuery provides a powerful, decentralized infrastructure that makes blockchain data easily accessible and queryable—fueling dApps, analytics tools, and more. SubQuery uses blockchain technology to ensure transparency, uptime, and censorship resistance in data delivery.

2. Why SubQuery Network Was Created

Accessing and managing blockchain data is notoriously complex. Traditional blockchain systems store data in a linear, immutable ledger, making it difficult and slow to extract specific insights. Developers often face high infrastructure costs, long development times, and scalability issues when building Web3 apps. SubQuery Network was created to solve this bottleneck by offering a decentralized data indexing and querying solution that simplifies blockchain data processing. By removing the need for custom indexing servers, it accelerates time to market for decentralized applications and improves reliability by distributing data services across a global network.

3. How SubQuery Network Works

1. Developers create SubQuery projects defining which data to extract using GraphQL and mapping logic.
2. Projects are deployed to the decentralized SubQuery Network where they're hosted by network participants.
3. Indexers sync blockchain data and store it in optimized databases based on project requirements.
4. Consumers access this data through GraphQL APIs for use in dApps, dashboards, and analytics.
5. Payments are made in $SQT tokens to Indexers and RPC providers for data services.
6. $SQT holders participate in governance, helping shape protocol upgrades and network economics.

4. Key Features of SubQuery Network

• Multi-chain indexing support including Polkadot, Cosmos, NEAR, and Avalanche
• Decentralized infrastructure with no central points of failure
• Flexible GraphQL interface for powerful data querying
• Token-incentivized open marketplace for indexing services
• Delegation mechanism for passive $SQT earning
• Developer-controlled custom data schemas

5. Who Can Use SubQuery Network?

• Web3 developers building dApps, DeFi, NFT platforms, and DAOs
• Analysts and researchers tracking on-chain activity
• Enterprises needing scalable, decentralized data infrastructure
• Technical Indexers and Node Operators seeking token rewards
• $SQT holders looking to delegate and earn rewards

6. What Is the $SQT Token?

$SQT is the native utility and governance token of the SubQuery Network. It serves several critical roles in maintaining the decentralized data ecosystem:

• Service Payments: Used to pay for indexing and querying services.
• Staking: Required for Indexers and RPC providers to participate and earn.
• Delegation: Token holders can delegate $SQT to Indexers for a share of rewards.
• Governance: Enables community participation in protocol decisions.
• Incentives: Drives network growth through rewards and ecosystem grants.