The Role of the Aggregator in Data Retrieval and Its WAL Incentives
In Walrus, the aggregator acts as a coordination layer during data retrieval. Instead of users querying many storage nodes individually, the aggregator assembles sufficient data fragments to reconstruct the original blob.
This role is operational rather than custodial. The aggregator does not own the data or the storage commitments; it simply coordinates retrieval efficiently. Its value lies in reducing latency and complexity for users while ensuring enough fragments are collected to satisfy erasure coding thresholds.
Aggregators may be incentivized in WAL for providing reliable and timely retrieval services. However, their compensation is tied to correct execution rather than blind trust. Incentives are structured so that aggregators benefit from honest behavior and gain nothing from serving incorrect or incomplete data.