The Graph's Hidden Network: How Human Operators Power Web3's Data Layer
The Graph's Hidden Network: How Human Operators Power Web3's Data Layer
🔍 The Graph's Secret
The Graph reveals its true nature - not just software, but a human-powered network of operators working together daily.
- Indexers coordinate through Discord, forums, and on-chain interactions
- These operators keep apps running and AI agents fed with reliable data
- Infrastructure work isn't glamorous, but it's what enables web3 to scale
Nick's early experience at The Graph gave him front-row access to understanding indexing. The key insight most people miss: The Graph succeeds because of its community, not just its technology.
While infrastructure may lack romance, it provides the predictable data layer that web3 desperately needs to grow beyond experimental use cases.
Nick described his early days at The Graph as “a front row seat to understand what indexing was.” Here’s the part most people miss: The Graph isn’t just software. It’s a network of operators who coordinate, optimize, and troubleshoot together, every day in Discord, on forums,
The Graph Expands to 80+ Blockchain Networks as Unified Data Layer
**The Graph now indexes over 80 blockchain networks**, establishing itself as a comprehensive data layer for the multichain ecosystem. **Key networks supported include:** - Ethereum, Solana, Base, Avalanche - Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Optimism, Polygon - Unichain and dozens more **The protocol enables developers to access blockchain data across all these networks through a single, unified interface** - eliminating the need to build separate integrations for each chain. This expansion represents significant growth from the 70+ chains supported in late 2024, reinforcing The Graph's position as essential infrastructure for multichain development.
Substreams Routes Clean Blockchain Data to Any Destination
Substreams focuses on the final mile of blockchain data delivery. The protocol takes cleaned and sorted onchain information and routes it directly to its destination - whether that's a database, trading terminal, or mobile dashboard. **Key capabilities:** - Parallel execution for speed - Modular and composable architecture - Real-time streaming - High-throughput raw data access The system serves various use cases including AI agents, analytics platforms, and frontend applications.
Custom Logic Modules Filter Blockchain Data for Developers
**Custom Logic** enables developers to create specific modules that filter and transform raw blockchain data into precisely what their applications need. **Key features:** - Developers write custom modules to process onchain events - Filters out unnecessary information, delivering only relevant data - Eliminates clutter and noise from blockchain data streams - Provides actionable information tailored to specific app requirements This approach acts like a personal assistant for blockchain data, ensuring applications receive only the information they need to function effectively.
Substreams Processes Blockchain Data in Real-Time Through Firehose Integration
**Substreams** connects directly to **Firehose** to capture every transaction across multiple blockchain networks including Ethereum, Solana, Arbitrum, and BSC. **Key capabilities:** - Processes data through parallel execution instead of sequential block checking - Syncs years of blockchain history in minutes - Handles high-throughput, low-latency workloads in real-time The system addresses infrastructure challenges as chains reduce block times, creating more time-sensitive calls and potential forks. While faster blocks pressure traditional indexing solutions, Substreams maintains performance through its streaming architecture. Learn more at [substreams.dev](https://substreams.dev/)
🚀 Graph Protocol's Horizon Upgrade Achieves Near-Complete Adoption
The Graph's Horizon upgrade is now live with Indexers actively operating on the new system. **Key Changes:** - Long-lived allocations introduced - Mandatory 28-day cycles removed - Foundation laid for multi-service participation **Adoption Metrics:** - 100% of active Indexers now using Horizon - 99.39% of queries served via new system - 90.33% of Indexer stake migrated - 668M queries served in 10 days - 684M GRT total staked The upgrade, which launched December 9th, opens The Graph's infrastructure to any data service beyond subgraphs.