Quai Network is a Layer-1 blockchain utilizing a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism called Proof-of-Entropy-Minima (PoEM). It features a multi-chain architecture with three tiers, Prime, Region, and Zone chains, operating concurrently to process transactions.

The system employs merged mining, where miners secure multiple chains simultaneously, and sharding to distribute workload across sub-chains. This design supports a throughput of up to 50,000 TPS with block times averaging 1.1 seconds. Quai Network is EVM compatible, enabling smart contract deployment and decentralized application development.

It operates a dual-token system: QUAI, the utility token for transactions and governance, and QI, an energy-cost-linked token intended as a decentralized stablecoin.