Velum documentation

The Velum protocol in plain language: how messages are encrypted and split, how nodes open bridges and prove delivery, how they discover VEL each epoch, how the chain reaches consensus and how to integrate VEL.

  • Introduction: Velum is end-to-end encrypted messaging that doesn't depend on any company to work. Each message is encrypted on your phone, split into fragments and…
  • Architecture: Velum has six layers. Each one knows just enough to do its job and nothing more. The app generates the recovery phrase, derives the keys (identity, wallet…
  • Cryptography: Everything that travels through Velum is end-to-end encrypted with a hybrid scheme: classical (X25519) plus post-quantum (ML-KEM-768). If one of the two…
  • Fragments and receipts: A message never travels whole. It is split into fragments that go through different nodes, and each delivered fragment produces an anonymous receipt: proof…
  • Consensus and blocks: The Velum chain produces blocks in turns among active full nodes, with a target of 2 seconds per slot. The actual pace is measured: the explorer and the…
  • Aliases, links and invitations: Velum has no phone numbers or email. There are three ways for someone to find you: an alias, a link with your card or a QR code. And to message someone who…
  • Resisting blocks: Velum is designed to keep working even if someone tries to shut it down. Here we explain what we do and, just as clearly, what we can't prevent.
  • The VEL coin: VEL is the network's coin. Nodes discover it by opening bridges; it also pays the few fees that exist and is the common side of every pair in the market…
  • Custom tokens: Anyone can create a token on the Velum network: a shop's currency, a community's points or a stablecoin from a regulated issuer. Tokens are sent just like…
  • Market: The Velum chain includes an order book: you can buy and sell VEL against any token on the network with no middlemen. Matching happens inside the state…
  • Run a node: A node opens bridges that other people's encrypted messages travel over and, with that verified work, discovers VEL. It installs with one command, runs in…
  • Wallets and exchanges: This page is for integrators: wallets, exchanges, payment gateways and apps. Velum is not EVM-compatible: it has its own address, transaction and signature…
  • Ecosystem: Anyone can build on Velum: exchanges, wallets, hardware wallets, custodians, staking and explorers. We keep the protocol and a reference implementation…
  • Glossary: Velum terms in alphabetical order, in plain language. Alias, Attestation, Bond, Bridge, Bucket, Cap, Carrier, Continuous service, Courier, Delivery credit…