> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.switchboard.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.switchboard.xyz/how-it-works/switchboard-protocol.md).

# Switchboard Protocol

The Switchboard Protocol is a decentralised oracle network that enables blockchain applications to access real-world data securely and reliably. At its core, the protocol coordinates a network of independent oracle operators who fetch, verify, and deliver data on-chain.

## How It Works

1. **Data Requests**: Applications request data through Switchboard's on-chain contracts
2. **Oracle Execution**: Oracle nodes running in Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) fetch and process the requested data
3. **Verification**: The protocol verifies oracle signatures and ensures data integrity before making it available on-chain
4. **Delivery**: Verified data is delivered to your smart contracts for use

## Key Components

* **Oracle Operators**: Independent node operators who run Switchboard oracles and earn rewards for providing accurate data
* **Staking & Slashing**: Economic security through restaking mechanisms that incentivise honest behaviour and penalise malicious actors
* **TEE Protection**: Hardware-level security ensures oracle code cannot be tampered with or inspected, even by the operators themselves

## Protocol Security

The protocol's security model combines cryptographic verification with economic incentives:

* Oracles must run verified code within TEEs, preventing manipulation
* Operators stake assets that can be slashed for misbehaviour
* Multiple oracles can be required to reach consensus on data values
* On-chain verification ensures only properly signed data is accepted

## Get Involved

* [Run your own oracle](/how-it-works/switchboard-protocol/running-a-switchboard-oracle.md) and earn rewards
* [Provide stake](/how-it-works/switchboard-protocol/providing-stake-to-switchboard.md) to secure the network
* [Learn about restaking](/how-it-works/switchboard-protocol/re-staking.md) and the Switchboard NCN


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.switchboard.xyz/how-it-works/switchboard-protocol.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.