/* --- apart of rebrand --- */ The Vault Guide | ARK Documentation
Documentation v1.0

The Vault Guide

Technical specifications and operational procedures for the ARK archival system.

What is Cold Storage?

Unlike "Hot Storage" (Google Drive, Dropbox) which is designed for files you edit every day, Cold Storage is a high-durability vault for data that needs to be preserved long-term.

ARK is optimized for persistence. We prioritize the safety of the file over the speed of the interface. This makes it the ideal environment for backups, legal documents, and creative masters.

Uploading Data

To ensure maximum integrity, we recommend preparing your files before initiating a transmission to the ARK network.

01
Package Your Payload

For multiple files, we recommend using .zip or .tar containers to maintain folder structures.

02
Verify File Size

Individual payloads cannot exceed 2GB. If your file is larger, utilize a split-archive method.

03
Transmit

Upload through the ARK terminal. Your file will be fragmented and distributed across the node network.

Retrieval Process

Because ARK is a Cold Storage system, retrieval is not instantaneous. When you request a file, our network must reassemble the fragments from the distributed nodes.

Expected Latency: Standard retrieval usually completes within 1-3 minutes depending on payload size and network traffic. High-priority Pro and Creator slots receive bandwidth preference.

Network Limits

To maintain network health and ensure fair access for all users, the following industrial limits are enforced:

Attribute Specification
Max File Size 2,048 MB (2GB)
Daily Bandwidth Tier Dependent
Encryption AES-256 (Server-Side)