The Open Network, abbreviated as TON, is a Layer-1 blockchain originating from the Telegram messenger.
Its main focuses are security and usability, so the chain is seamlessly integrated with Telegram, and users can send and receive its tokens from other users.
TON developers can publish their apps in the Telegram App Center, with support from the messenger. Whether you need a mainnet or testnet TON node, let’s look at the network closer.
The Open Network: How it began
This blockchain started with Telegram, a popular messaging platform, and remains intertwined with it.
Its founders, brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, sought to create a blockchain that could support their application’s vast user traffic, improve user safety, and empower the community.
It began in 2017, culminating in the development of the Telegram Open Network in 2018, with the associated cryptocurrency known as Gram.
However, regulatory challenges arose when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) halted Telegram’s plans to make the network live in May 2020.
This led to the abandonment of the original project, but the initiative was still alive. It arose as an open-source solution, managed by a community of developers.
The blockchain’s name was changed to The Open Network, still abbreviated as TON, and Gram was rebranded as Toncoin.
In 2023, the network experienced rapid growth, and in 2024 it entered the top-10 of the most actively used blockchains.
Integration with Telegram
The integration of the TON network with Telegram is one of its most compelling features, allowing users to leverage the blockchain directly within the messaging app.
Sending and receiving to Telegram contacts
One of the standout functionalities is the ability to send and receive Toncoin seamlessly through Telegram.
Users can transact directly with their contacts using the @wallet bot, enabling commission-free transfers.
This integration simplifies cryptocurrency transactions for millions of users who are already familiar with the Telegram interface, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users.
Mini-app center
In addition to direct transactions, TON features a mini-app center that allows developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) that can be accessed within Telegram.
This ecosystem promotes innovations by enabling developers to build applications that interact with users directly through Telegram.
The mini-app center not only enhances user engagement but also provides developers with a unique opportunity to tap into Telegram’s vast user base. Developers need a TON node for that, so we’ll see how to get it further.
Low fees and other benefits
TON is designed with low transaction fees in mind, making it an attractive option for users looking to engage in cryptocurrency transactions without incurring significant costs.
The blockchain’s architecture supports high-speed transactions comparable to traditional payment systems like Visa and Mastercard.
This efficiency is achieved through dynamic sharding technology, which allows the network to process millions of transactions per second while maintaining security and scalability.
Moreover, TON’s robust consensus mechanism ensures reliability and security for users, fostering trust in the network.
By utilizing Toncoin for various functions—such as staking, tipping content creators, and facilitating payments—users can engage in a wide range of activities within the ecosystem while enjoying minimum fees.
TON RPC nodes
For developers looking to build on TON, understanding the role of TON RPC nodes is crucial.
These nodes serve as gateways for interacting with the blockchain, enabling developers to deploy smart contracts and manage dApps effectively.
The decentralized nature of these nodes contributes to the overall security and resilience of the network.
For development, users need the TON RPC URL, which can be used to send and receive blockchain requests and trigger its methods where necessary. The URL can be obtained from an RPC node provider, such as GetBlock.
Developers can utilize open-source tools provided by TON Labs, such as SDKs and compilers, which simplify the development process.
The TON Virtual Machine (TVM) allows for executing smart contracts efficiently, further enhancing the capabilities available for dApp creation on this platform.
Conclusion
The Open Network represents a significant advancement in integrating blockchain technology with everyday communication tools through its connection with Telegram.
By offering seamless transactions between users, a mini-app center for dApp development, low fees, and robust infrastructure supported by TON full nodes, it stands out as a versatile platform for both users and developers alike.
As TON continues to evolve under community stewardship, it holds great potential for revolutionizing how we interact with digital services in a decentralized manner.
Developers need to use the TON network RPC URL to connect their applications with the blockchain and integrate its methods into it.
