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description: A general introduction to the HOPR ecosystem.
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These docs are currently being updated to reflect major changes to our software since our last release. In the meantime, you can visit our [github](www.github.com/hoprnet/hoprnet) for basic instructions on how to install and run a node.
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# Overview

HOPR is a two-layer network with communication and incentivization mechanisms.

**HOPR** is a privacy-networking protocol able to communicate and transfer messages securely. This is defined by a **payment layer**, which is a distributed ledger technology \(DLT\) or blockchain infrastructure able to open payment channels on behalf of **HOPR nodes** running the **HOPR network**.

### Ethereum Blockchain

In its first implementation, HOPR relies on the **Ethereum blockchain** as its payment layer. Using **Ethereum smart contracts**, we open **payment channels** on behalf of **HOPR nodes** that forward messages. Message senders attach **HOPR** **tokens** in their messages, which upon successful delivery are paid to the **HOPR nodes** that relayed the message.

To achieve this, a **HOPR node** implements a connector interface that communicates to the Ethereum Blockchain using its popular web library, _web3js_**.** These interfaces allow **HOPR nodes** to monitor, approve, sign and verify when a message is transferred, and thus close a state channel and receive their earned HOPR Tokens. Each **HOPR node** verifies each other, avoiding foul play and rewarding only honest relayers.

![HOPR Protocol Ethereum Blockchain connector architecture](../images/image.png)

Although the first instantiation of the **HOPR network** is on the Ethereum blockchain, HOPR is _chain agnostic_**,** which means that **HOPR nodes** can eventually implement different payment channels in different blockchains.

At the time of writing, HOPR is also able to implement a [Polkadot-enabled payment gateway.](https://github.com/hoprnet/hopr-polkadot)
