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User Instance Architecture

Overview​

Every SELF user gets their own private instance that includes a blockchain node, private AI, and sovereign storage. This document describes the technical architecture of these user instances.

Key Principle: SELF automatically provisions and manages all infrastructure when users sign up through the Super-App. Developers build applications that interact with these user instances through APIs.

Architecture Details​

User Instance Components​

Each user's cloud instance includes:

User's Private Cloud Instance (Private Cloud)
├── SELF Chain Node (Blockchain participation)
├── Private LLM (AI assistant via OpenLLM)
├── Local Database (SQLite/RocksDB - sovereign storage)
├── Optional Backup System (User-controlled replication)
└── API Gateway (Secure access point)

Security Boundaries​

┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│   User A's Instance (Isolated)  │
│  ┌─────────────┐ ┌────────────┐ │
│  │ Private LLM │ │   Storage  │ │
│  └─────────────┘ └────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────┘
         ⚡ No Connection ⚡
┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│   User B's Instance (Isolated)  │
│  ┌─────────────┐ ┌────────────┐ │
│  │ Private LLM │ │   Storage  │ │
│  └─────────────┘ └────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────┘

Developer Access Model​

Your App → SELF SDK → User Authorization → User's Instance API
                           ↓
                    Permission Granted
                           ↓
                    Scoped Access Only

Summary​

SELF Chain provides a unique architecture where every user has their own private instance with dedicated resources. This approach ensures complete data sovereignty while enabling developers to build powerful applications that respect user privacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Each user instance is completely isolated
  • All components work together to provide a sovereign digital experience
  • Security boundaries prevent any cross-user data access
  • Developers interact only through permission-based APIs

For information on building applications that interact with user instances, see the SELF Studio guide.