> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.everstake.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.everstake.com/staking-docs/procotols/chainlink-link.md).
# Chainlink (LINK)
### What is Chainlink?
> Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that delivers real-world data—like market prices or weather info—to blockchains so smart contracts can function properly. It supports tools like price feeds, cross-chain messaging, and verifiable randomness, and its LINK token powers and secures these services across the network.
### Why Everstake?
* Everstake is the №1 staking infrastructure platform, trusted by over 1.6M users and institutional clients worldwide. Committed to the highest standards of compliance with certifications such as SOC 2 Type II, CCPA/CRPA, ISO 27001, and GDPR, we deliver secure and reliable staking solutions across 130+ supported chains with a reliability rate of 99.98%
* Our skilled team manages reliable infrastructure, prioritizing the safety of your funds. Delegating through Everstake offers opportunities to boost your yields while ensuring peace of mind about your token's security.
### Everstake Participation
> Chainlink node operators are the backbone of the Chainlink Network. Chainlink node operators participate within decentralized oracle networks, allowing engineers to fetch external data in a secure and reliable manner. They operate the crucial oracle infrastructure that is responsible for ensuring smart contracts across every blockchain have access to the real-world data they need to execute properly.
>
> Everstake is thrilled to work with the Chainlink team and support the entire ecosystem. Our team of experienced developers, DevOps engineers, and cybersecurity experts ensures the highest quality of our services. Thus, Everstake contributes to developing the Chainlink ecosystem and, together with the team, creates a secure environment for financial transactions on the blockchain.
>
> Everstake will continue to support and help Chainlink’s infrastructure to improve.
>
> Find out more about [Everstake’s Contribution to Chainlink](https://everstake.one/blog/745k-transactions-and-107-price-feeds-how-everstake-contributes-to-chainlink).
### FAQ
What is LINK?
LINK is the native cryptocurrency of the Chainlink network, used to pay oracle nodes for delivering data and to incentivize them to provide accurate, reliable information to smart contracts. It plays a key role in securing the network economically—nodes can earn LINK for good performance and may lose it for dishonest behavior—making LINK essential to Chainlink’s functionality and trust model.
Chainlink Tokenomics
LINK has a **fixed maximum supply of 1 billion tokens**, with allocations made to node operators, ecosystem incentives, and the Chainlink team and advisors to support long-term development. LINK is used to **pay for oracle services**, and it acts as an **economic security mechanism**—node operators stake or lock LINK to prove reliability and may be penalized for malicious behavior. Demand for LINK grows as more smart contracts consume Chainlink data and services like price feeds, automation, and CCIP. As Chainlink expands into large-scale enterprise and cross-chain systems, LINK’s utility is tied directly to network usage and the need for secure, trustworthy data in Web3.
How Everstake deduces validator fee?
“Validator fee” refers to the rewards received by Validator for participating in the Blockchain network Validation process. Everstake determines the validator fee through a process involving analysis and consideration of various factors, such as network requirements, operational costs, and market dynamics.
Control over User's Funds
Validators don't have control over users' funds in blockchain networks. Instead, they validate transactions and participate in the consensus process based on the rules defined by the network protocol. Users retain control over their funds through private keys, which are used to sign transactions and authorize transfers. Validators' roles involve confirming the validity of transactions and blocks, but they don't have the authority to access or manipulate users' funds.
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