AirSwap

AirSwap (AST): A Comprehensive Guide to the Decentralized Exchange Token

What is AirSwap (AST)?

AirSwap (AST) is the native utility token of the AirSwap protocol, a decentralized peer-to-peer trading network built on the Ethereum blockchain. Launched in 2017, AirSwap was designed to facilitate trustless token swaps without relying on traditional order books. Instead, AirSwap implements a peer-to-peer trading model where traders connect directly and execute trades through smart contracts, enhancing privacy and reducing front-running risks commonly found in traditional exchanges.

How Does AirSwap (AST) Work?

The AirSwap (AST) ecosystem operates through several key components:

Peer-to-Peer Trading Model

AirSwap utilizes a unique peer-to-peer trading architecture that connects buyers and sellers directly. Unlike centralized exchanges or even some decentralized exchanges that use order books, AirSwap employs an "intent to trade" system where parties signal their interest in trading specific tokens. This approach eliminates front-running, as trade details are only visible to the involved parties until execution.

Smart Contract Settlement

When a trade is agreed upon, the transaction is settled through Ethereum smart contracts. The AirSwap Swap Contract verifies the trade parameters and ensures that tokens are exchanged atomically, meaning either the entire trade executes successfully or it fails completely, protecting users from partial trade execution risks.

Indexer Network

AirSwap uses an indexer network to help match trading counterparties. Indexers maintain databases of trader intents, facilitating connections between users who wish to trade compatible tokens.

Does AirSwap (AST) Offer Staking and Mining?

Staking in AirSwap

Yes, AirSwap (AST) does offer staking opportunities. AST token holders can stake their tokens to participate in the network's governance and gain certain privileges. By staking AST, users can operate as market makers on the platform and access enhanced trading capabilities. The staking mechanism helps ensure that participants have skin in the game and contributes to the overall security and efficiency of the network.

Mining in AirSwap

Traditional mining does not exist in the AirSwap ecosystem. As an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, AST is not mined through proof-of-work or similar consensus mechanisms. Instead, the total supply of AST was created at launch, with no additional tokens being minted through mining processes.

What is AirSwap (AST) Used For?

AirSwap (AST) serves multiple purposes within its ecosystem:

Governance

AST holders can participate in protocol governance, voting on proposals that affect the future direction of the AirSwap platform. This includes decisions about protocol upgrades, fee structures, and other significant changes.

Market Making

Token holders can stake AST to become market makers on the platform, providing liquidity and facilitating trades. The amount of AST staked can determine a market maker's ranking and visibility within the network.

Fee Discounts

In some implementations of the AirSwap protocol, holding AST may provide users with reduced trading fees, incentivizing token ownership and platform usage.

Network Access

Some advanced features of the AirSwap platform may require AST tokens, ensuring that only committed participants can access certain premium functionalities.

AirSwap (AST) Token Distribution

The initial distribution of AirSwap (AST) occurred during its token sale in October 2017. The token distribution was structured as follows:

Token Sale

Approximately 150 million AST (or 60% of the total supply) was sold during the public token sale, raising about $20 million.

Team and Advisors

A portion of AST tokens was allocated to the founding team and advisors, with vesting periods to ensure long-term commitment to the project.

AirSwap DAO

Some tokens were reserved for the AirSwap decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to fund future development, marketing initiatives, and ecosystem growth.

Partnerships and Ecosystem Development

A percentage of tokens was allocated for strategic partnerships and ecosystem development efforts to promote adoption of the AirSwap protocol.

Additional Information About AirSwap (AST)

Consensus Protocol

As an ERC-20 token, AST relies on Ethereum's consensus mechanism, which has transitioned from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake with the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade.

Liquidity Pools

In addition to its peer-to-peer trading model, AirSwap has implemented liquidity pools to enhance trading capabilities and provide more options for users seeking to swap tokens efficiently.

Cross-Chain Compatibility

While originally built on Ethereum, AirSwap has been exploring cross-chain compatibility to expand its reach and utility across multiple blockchain networks.

Trading AirSwap (AST) with Cryptohopper

Anyone interested in trading AirSwap (AST) can do so on various exchanges using Cryptohopper's automated trading bot. Cryptohopper allows users to implement sophisticated trading strategies for AST and other cryptocurrencies without requiring constant manual monitoring. The platform's automated nature makes it easier for both beginners and experienced traders to participate in the AirSwap market with predefined trading parameters and risk management tools.