Chainlink, the Blockchain Oracle

• Chainlink is a platform that communicates information to and from the blockchain with a decentralized network of oracles ("chainlinks'') that provide real-world data to smart contracts.

• LINK is Chainlink's native token and is used to pay for oracle services on the network.

Anyone that keeps a keen eye on crypto markets has probably noticed Chainlink sitting comfortably in the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. But what is Chainlink, and what makes it so popular? For starters, Chainlink is unlike other cryptocurrencies because it is a platform that seeks to advance blockchain technology using unique communication protocols. 

What is Chainlink?

One of the biggest challenges the blockchain and DeFi sectors face has not just been recording transactions but figuring out how to communicate information to and from the blockchain. Chainlink solves this problem with a decentralized network of oracles ("chainlinks'') that provide real-world data to smart contracts on the blockchain.

Chainlink's digital asset token, LINK, is used to pay for services on the network by creating smart contracts that can interact with real-world events and information that exists off-blockchain.

To understand how Chainlink works and its benefits, you must understand the concept behind smart contracts and oracles.

What is a Smart Contract? 

Smart contracts are agreements on the blockchain that evaluate information and act when certain conditions are met. Because smart contracts live on the blockchain, they are immutable or cannot be changed. They are verifiable in that everyone can see them. This transparency guarantees a high level of trust among all parties. The smart contract accurately reflects the agreement's statement parameters and will execute as long as those parameters are met.  

For more information on smart contracts, check out Cryptocurrency Explained: Ethereum.

Some smart contracts require data that does not live on the blockchain. Some examples of this are when Bitcoin reaches a certain price, when an account receives a deposit if there is a flood/earthquake then payout on an insurance policy, etc...

It can be challenging to integrate real-world information into the blockchain so that smart contracts can understand. This is where oracles come into play. They help put off-chain data on-chain. 

What is an Oracle?

An oracle is a blockchain software that acts as an intermediary, translating off-chain (or real-world) data to smart contracts on the blockchain and back again. In other words, oracles provide reliable, tamper-proof inputs and outputs for complex smart contracts. Oracles can be set up to monitor almost anything. Some oracles monitor weather, sports results, account balances, stocks' value, and so much more. 

However, existing oracles are centralized, meaning they could potentially be faulty or compromised. This risk detracts from the benefits of the decentralization of smart contracts on the blockchain.  

Chainlink solves this problem by introducing a decentralized network of computers that provide data and information from off-blockchain sources like the real world to on-blockchain smart contracts via oracles. This network is powered by regular people across the globe, not by a central authority.

How does Chainlink Work?

The process starts with a blockchain smart contract. When that contract needs real-world data, it sends out a request for information. The Chainlink protocol registers this request and generates a corresponding smart contract called Chainlink Service Level Agreement Contract (SLA) on the blockchain. This contract is called a Chainlink Level Agreement Contract. 

The Chainlink SLA produces three subcontracts, Chainlink Reputation Contract, Chainlink Order-Matching Contract, Chainlink Aggregating Contract, that perform the following tasks:

1. Chainlink Reputation Contract - verifies oracle providers' performance history and authenticity and assesses and rejects any unreliable providers. 

2. Chainlink Order-Matching Contract - delivers the request to Chainlink oracles, takes their bids on the request, and selects the right number and type of oracles to fulfill the request. 

3. Chainlink Aggregating Contract - handles all the data from the chosen oracles and verifies/ adjusts it for an accurate result. 

Oracles on Chainlink take the request for data and use Chainlink Core software to translate the request from an on-blockchain programming language to a language that a real-world data source can understand.

After being translated, the request is then sent to an external application programming interface (API) that collects the requested data. When the data has been collected, it is translated back to the blockchain language using Chainlink Core. It is then sent back to the Chainlink Aggregating Contract. In this part of the process, the Chainlink Aggregating Contract can validate data from a single source and multiple sources. It can reconcile data from numerous sources. 

So, suppose five oracles deliver one answer from a weather sensor, and two oracles provide different information. In that case, the Chainlink Aggregating Contract will know those two with the other responses are wrong and remove their answers. If an oracle fails to provide accurate data, the system automatically replaces it with a higher ranking alternative.

Through this process, Chainlink provides a way to reliably and efficiently provide accurate data to smart contracts.

LINK Tokens

Those creating Requesting Contracts use Chainlink's token LINK to pay Chainlink oracles for their work. The oracles set prices based on demand for the data they can provide and the current market for that data. 

Chainlink oracle operators also use LINK to stake in the network. Staking means they deposit LINK to Chainlink to show their commitment to the network and encourage good service. However, it is essential to note that staking in Chainlink is different from other cryptocurrencies that use staking processes. By its nature, there is more work involved for the oracle node operator than simply placing tokens into a wallet. To stake in Chainlink, you must run a node on the network, which requires technical knowledge and specialized hardware. 

One of the components considered by the Chainlink Reputation Contract is the size of the oracle node's stake. Oracles that have deposited more LINK are more likely to be chosen to fulfill requests and earn additional LINK for their services. The Chainlink network also punishes defective oracles for poor service by taking LINK from their stake pool through the staking process.

Buy Chainlink with Wire Transfer or ACH

Wire transfers and Automated Clearing House (ACH) make buying Chainlink easy and safe. CoinFlip Preferred is our premium over-the-counter service for large exchanges and white-glove assistance.

To perform a wire or ACH transfer, you need a checking account and a crypto wallet. A CoinFlip Preferred account manager can walk you through the process if you call 877-339-6432.

How to Buy with Wire

1. Create your free CoinFlip Preferred account

2. Complete your account setup by answering a few simple security questions

3. Choose the amount of Litecoin (or other preferred crypto) you'd like to buy, then select your payment option.

How to Perform an ACH Transfer

1. Register with CoinFlip Preferred

2. Select the Link Account option and fill out the required information

3. Complete the order. The ACH transfer should clear in three to five business days.

Buy Chainlink with Cash at a CoinFlip ATM

Use cash to purchase Chainlink though CoinFlip’s global network of 5,000+ ATMs. Find your nearest ATM with our locator.

To buy LINK you will need cash, a smartphone, and a crypto wallet - we suggest you use the CoinFlip Wallet. You also need to choose your purchasing amount. If transacting less than $960 will need to provide your phone number, name, and date of birth. For more than $960 you will need other identification, which you can learn about here.  

For a complete guide to purchasing LINK, check out our explainer.

More on Chainlink

Chainlink first entered the market under the name SmartContract.com. After its launch by founders Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis in 2017, the name was changed to Chainlink to represent its role in the market better. In 2017, Chainlink hosted one of the most extensive Initial Coin Offerings in history. In total, they were able to crowdfund $32 million in one to launch the project.