---
title: "Nym Network Reference"
description: "Technical specifications and protocol details for the Nym Network: addressing format, epoch timing, and the hop-by-hop acknowledgement system."
schemaType: "TechArticle"
section: "Network"
lastUpdated: "2026-03-15"
---

# Reference

Technical specifications and protocol details that apply across the Nym Network regardless of mode.

## In this section

- [Addressing](/network/reference/addressing): the `identity.encryption@gateway` address format and how routing works
- [Epochs](/network/reference/epochs): time divisions in the network, reward distribution, and topology reshuffling
- [Acknowledgements](/network/reference/acks): the hop-by-hop packet delivery confirmation system