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Ren (REN) cryptocurrency: How it works and where to buy it
Learn more about what Ren does, why the REN token is useful and where to buy it.
The REN token is the native token of the Ren project.
The Ren project is an open protocol for blockchain interoperability. It aims to facilitate cross-chain decentralised finance applications. For example, you can use REN to migrate Bitcoin to the Ethereum blockchain for use in DeFi apps.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific
provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.
| Cryptocurrency | REN |
|---|---|
| Total supply | 1 billion |
| Inflation | None |
| Network | ERC20 |
| Purpose | To guarantee behaviour of Ren nodes |
What is DeFi? Read the beginner’s guide
How does the Ren project work?
The Ren network is built around the Ren virtual machine, RenVM. The RenVM is a network of computers called Darknodes, which contribute network bandwidth, computational power and storage capacity to the network as a whole.
This network is what brings private, permissionless cross-chain functionality to DeFi applications.
For example, it lets people migrate Bitcoin and Zcash to the Ethereum network, for use in Ethereum-based applications. These migrated cryptocurrencies would then be known as RenBTC and RenZEC respectively.
Like other self-sufficient blockchains, the RenVM network is intended to be trustless, decentralised and immutable. It accomplishes this through the use of a modified version of the Tendermint consensus algorithm.
Additionally, it has a strong focus on privacy, which is achieved through a unique secure multiparty computation algorithm, which Ren designed specifically for use on its network.
What does the REN cryptocurrency do?
The REN cryptocurrency is the native token of the Ren project. It secures the RenVM.
Darknode operators are required to hold 100,000 REN as a good behaviour bond for as long as they operate a Darknode, similar to how other blockchains use proof of stake tokens to help ensure good behaviour by nodes and a reliable network.
Because there is no issuance schedule for REN tokens, there can never be more than 10,000 Darknodes.
The sole purpose of the REN token is to be held by Darknodes to guarantee their behaviour.
Their incentive for running a Darknode is to be paid by the network’s users. Payment is made in the cryptocurrencies being deployed on the network. For example, when someone uses Ren to turn BTC into RenBTC, they would pay for the service with BTC, which is distributed among the nodes.
How to buy REN
Here’s a step-by-step guide to one way of buying REN. Note that there might be other options available, so you may want to compare cryptocurrency exchanges to find the one that’s right for you.
Where to buy REN
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly
volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of
future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information.
You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory
requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may
have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
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