Billing & Compute Tokens

1. The Token Model

ArkNet operates entirely on a prepaid token model. Instead of attaching a credit card for post-paid monthly invoices based on uptime, you purchase Token Packages (Starter, Builder, or Scale). These tokens act as your compute balance.

Tokens are tied directly to your workspace. As you execute workloads on the distributed network, tokens are deducted from your balance based on the exact computational work performed.

2. Kernel-Metered Deduction

Unlike legacy cloud providers that bill you per minute simply for keeping a virtual machine turned on, ArkNet deducts tokens per execution using kernel metering.

• You submit a workload to the ArkNet API.
• The network routes the workload to available spot GPUs.
• The node measures the specific mathematical work units (kernels) executed by the hardware.
• A cryptographic receipt is generated, and the corresponding tokens are deducted from your balance.

This means you never pay for network latency, boot times, or idle GPU states. You only pay for actual computation.

3. Max Token Burn (Pre-authorization)

To prevent runaway code or infinite loops from draining your entire balance, ArkNet requires a hard cap on every execution. This is controlled via the ARKNET_MAX_TOKEN_BURN parameter.

{
  "model": "arknet-distributed-v1",
  "workload": "...",
  "constraints": {
    "arknet_max_token_burn": 2500
  }
}

How Pre-authorization Works:

1. Reservation: When the API receives your request, it immediately checks if your balance has at least 2,500 tokens. If so, it temporarily "reserves" or pre-authorizes them.
2. Execution: The workload runs across the distributed network. The network is mathematically guaranteed to halt execution if it reaches the 2,500 token limit.
3. Settlement: If your workload finishes early and only consumes 1,200 tokens, the exact 1,200 tokens are permanently deducted, and the remaining 1,300 tokens are instantly released back to your available balance.

4. Zero Balance & Overages

ArkNet is strictly pre-paid. There are zero overage fees on ArkNet.

If your workspace balance drops to zero (or drops below the max_token_burn required for your next request), the API will immediately return an HTTP 402 Payment Required error.

To resume execution, simply purchase another Token Package from your dashboard. Tokens are applied to your balance instantly upon successful payment.