Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions. We will update these as more requests come in.

What is Arkeo?

Arkeo is a decentralized ecosystem enabling trustless, pay-as-you-go transactions. It combines off-chain authorization (client-signed claims) with on-chain settlement, providing efficient, transparent, and secure payment processing.

How does Arkeo handle payments?

Arkeo uses off-chain authorization with on-chain settlement. Clients authorize usage off-chain through signatures, which providers periodically submit to the blockchain for secure and decentralized payment reconciliation.

What contract types does Arkeo support?

Arkeo supports two contract types:

• Subscription Contracts: Fixed-term, predictable billing.

• Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Contracts: Usage-based billing requiring client signatures per usage event.

How does Arkeo ensure security in key management?

Arkeo provides secure key management options, from simple test setups for automation (password-free signing) to advanced integrations like hardware security modules (HSMs) or external key management services (KMS).

What happens if a provider doesn’t settle within the specified settlement duration?

If a provider fails to submit claims for settlement within the defined settlement duration, those claims expire and the provider forfeits payment for the related usage events.

How are client signatures verified by providers?

Providers verify client signatures using the Arkeo blockchain’s cryptographic functionality. Every claim includes a unique nonce and client signature, ensuring authenticity and preventing replay attacks.

Can a contract be delegated for third-party management?

Yes, Arkeo contracts support optional delegation. Providers or subscribers can assign a delegate by specifying the delegate’s public key when creating a contract, allowing trusted third parties to manage or settle claims.

How do rate limits work within Arkeo contracts?

Arkeo contracts can optionally define a maximum queries-per-minute (QPM) parameter to enforce rate limits. This protects providers from excessive requests, especially valuable for PAYG contracts.

What tools does Arkeo offer to simplify nonce signing?

Arkeo provides the signhere command-line tool for signing nonces and usage data quickly and securely. It enables automated signing processes without manual intervention or password entry when using appropriate key management practices.

What happens if the Sentinel process misses blockchain events?

If Sentinel becomes desynchronized or misses blockchain events (due to downtime or connection issues), it can be re-synced by restarting or reindexing events. Regular Sentinel maintenance is recommended to ensure claims are accurately tracked and settled.

Do I have to be a validator or run my own full node to be a provider?

No. Any funded Arkeo account can bond and run a provider service. For convenience, you only need the CLI binaries, but using an external node may impact your reliability and settlement guarantees.