Glossary

Decentralized GPU

Moderate

Decentralized GPU infrastructure refers to a distributed network of graphical processing units (GPUs) that offers on-demand access to GPU computing power.

What Is Decentralized GPU Infrastructure?

Decentralized GPU infrastructure refers to a distributed network of graphical processing units (GPUs) that offers on-demand access to GPU computing power. It emerged as an alternative to the traditional centralized model of provisioning GPUs for compute-intensive tasks, where resources are concentrated in hyper scale cloud data centers controlled by a handful of providers like AWS and Google Cloud.

In contrast, a decentralized model sources GPUs from a globally distributed pool - including underutilized capacity from edge devices and smaller providers - and makes them accessible via a decentralized network built on blockchain protocols and smart contracts

Users can discover and lease these decentralized GPU resources to augment or replace centralized cloud capacity for everything from AI inferencing to graphics rendering. This decentralized approach helps improve scalability, reduce costs, and prevent single points of failure associated with centralized provisioning.

Decentralized GPU infrastructure is an emergent focus area of DePIN (Decentralized physical infrastructure networks), a category of web3 technology that positions blockchain infrastructure as a powerful solution to the closed-source technologies that power all [online/internet] systems. 

Decentralized GPU technology offers a novel solution to the world’s increasingly urgent compute shortage, leveraging new incentive systems and the security of decentralized networks to create an environment for GPU providers to share and monetize GPU capacity in a trustless, always-on ecosystem. DePIN provides the building blocks for transparent GPU markets by enabling peer-to-peer leasing agreements executed smart contracts and crypto-economic incentives, where infrastructure contributors can monetize idle GPUs and node operators can earn tokens for their participation in validating the network. 

Why Do We Need It?

The need for decentralized GPU infrastructure stems from the exponential growth in computationally demanding workloads. AI algorithms, especially deep learning models, require immense parallel processing capabilities for tasks like data training and inference - capabilities that GPUs are uniquely suited for. Similarly, advanced video game graphics and metaverse environments demand specialized GPUs to render complex 3D scenes in real-time.

As these next-generation workloads continue to grow, our existing centralized infrastructure will struggle to keep up with the accelerating demand for GPU computing power. A decentralized network where anyone can contribute and access GPU capacity addresses these scalability and availability bottlenecks.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

The emergence of AI as a ubiquitous technology across industries is a key driver behind the surging appetite for GPU resources. From self-driving vehicles to personalized medicine and content moderation, AI applications need immense computational muscle.

Modern AI algorithms utilize neural networks - sophisticated mathematical models - that demand parallel processing capabilities at scale. GPUs, with their thousands of processing cores, can handle these parallel workloads much more efficiently than alternatives. As AI continues its rapid adoption, mounting pressure on GPU supplies will create a strong case for decentralized infrastructure.

Web2 Struggles To Cope With Demand

The existing centralized infrastructure powering cloud computing today relies on hyperscalers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure operating large, capital-intensive data centers. However, concentrating resources in these data centers creates bottlenecks in matching supply to the explosive demand growth for GPUs. Companies like NVIDIA are seeing their revenue rocket upwards due to the ever-increasing demands of AI.
What's more, outages at single cloud providers can disrupt services across numerous industries — as exemplified by recent AWS failures. Whereas a distributed architecture can remove those single points of failure. Enterprises relying on specific cloud vendors also risk vendor lock-in, where service users are unable to switch providers without incurring substantial costs. 

A decentralized model addresses these concerns by radically altering resource distribution and availability. By tapping into a wider, globally dispersed pool of GPU inventory, it can scale dynamically based on usage needs. 

Applications in Gaming

The world of gaming is growing more complex as virtual environments expand and new releases demand more and more computing power. Games now regularly incorporate stunning 3D graphics, simulated physics, (and soon) intelligent AI. Traditionally, centralized cloud infrastructure can struggle to deliver these cutting-edge gaming capabilities while maintaining low latency. This is where decentralized GPU ecosystems come in handy.

By aggregating graphical processing capabilities from edge devices and smaller providers worldwide, decentralized GPU clouds enable gaming engines to tap into dispersed processing capacity closer to end-users. Instead of roundtrips to distant hyperscale data centers, graphics rendering and physics calculations happen locally. The outcome? Dramatically reduced lag and jitter, upholding seamless immersion even in fast-paced titles. What’s more, the fluidity and readiness of decentralized resources allow studios to push boundaries with procedural environments, advanced in-game analytics, and responsive machine learning-powered bots. 

About the Author: Mark Rydon, CEO of Aethir

Mark is Co-Founder and CEO of Aethir, a Decentralized Cloud Infrastructure (DCI) network built to scale complex cloud infrastructure services globally, bringing scalable, high-performance GPU computing to gaming, AI, and other industries.  

Mark is laser-focused on solving the cloud compute challenge to expand access to immersive digital experiences like gaming, AI, and other streaming content in the world's highest-growth (but hardware-constrained) markets. By decentralizing cloud infrastructure resources, Aethir is building for a world where hardware doesn’t limit experience, unlocking access to digital content for billions of users worldwide.

Alongside Aethir, Mark is also a partner at VC fund Flux Capital and Gaas Global where he advises innovative projects across blockchain technology, mining, and investments. Mark has a deep understanding of blockchain infrastructure, Web3 technology, game experiences, and the GPU mining ecosystem.