Nighthawk Apps Launches Global Zcash Light Client Infrastructure

Nighthawk Apps, a leading developer of privacy-focused cryptocurrency wallets, has announced the release of the geographically distributed setup of Zcash light client infrastructure. This development will make wallet services faster and more available to Zcash users located around the globe.

Zcash is a cryptocurrency that offers strong privacy protection for its users, using advanced cryptographic techniques such as zero-knowledge proofs. However, to use Zcash, users need to connect to a node that validates transactions and provides blockchain data. Running a full node can be resource-intensive and impractical for many users, especially on mobile devices.

That’s why Nighthawk Apps has created a network of light client nodes that can serve Zcash users with minimal bandwidth and storage requirements. The light client nodes use the Zcash Light Client Protocol (ZLCP), which allows users to verify transactions without downloading the entire blockchain. The ZLCP also supports shielded transactions, which hide the sender, receiver, and amount of ZEC transferred.

The new setup of Nighthawk Apps’ light client infrastructure consists of four node clusters located in different regions of the world: Toronto for North America, São Paulo for South America, Frankfurt for Europe & Africa, and Singapore for Asia & Oceania. These locations were chosen to optimize latency and availability for Zcash users across continents. The node clusters are automated with Kubernetes, an open-source container orchestration system for automating software deployment, scaling, and management. The Kubernetes scripts written by Nighthawk Apps are audited by Taylor Hornby, a well-known Zcash community auditor, and security researcher.

Click here to find the closest cluster to your region.

By launching this global Zcash light client infrastructure, Nighthawk Apps aims to provide a reliable and convenient way for Zcash users to access the network and enjoy its privacy features. Nighthawk Apps also invites other developers and projects to use its infrastructure to build their own Zcash applications and services.

Nighthawk Apps is a proud recipient of a one-year grant from the Zcash Community Grants program, which funds independent teams to develop and maintain public good in the Zcash ecosystem. The grant was awarded in February 2023, following a proposal submission and positive feedback from the Zcash community. Nighthawk Apps appreciates the support and trust of the Zcash Community Grants program.