Blockchain Network Analysis: Tools & Techniques

On-chain data refers to all data stored directly in a blockchain network, including transaction history, token balances, and smart contract codes. It encompasses intricate details, such as sender and receiver addresses, transferred funds, wallet addresses involved, transaction fees, and the circulating funds associated with a specific address.

On-chain Data: A Comprehensive Overview

On-chain data refers to all data stored directly in a blockchain network, including transaction history, token balances, and smart contract codes. It encompasses intricate details, such as sender and receiver addresses, transferred funds, wallet addresses involved, transaction fees, and the circulating funds associated with a specific address.  


Immutability stands out as one of the key advantages of on-chain data. Once recorded on the blockchain, data becomes immutable and cannot be modified or erased. This inherent characteristic of blockchain technology ensures that on-chain data serves as a reliable and trustworthy source of information for individuals seeking to understand the behaviour of cryptocurrencies and make well-informed investment decisions.

The insights derived from on-chain data can prove invaluable in understanding various aspects of cryptocurrencies. By analysing this data, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of market trends, adoption rates, and the overall health of a cryptocurrency network. Transaction volumes, network activity, and token distribution are just a few examples of valuable information that can be extracted from on-chain data analysis.

On-chain Analysis: Exploring Blockchain Data

On-chain analysis aims to explore and understand cryptocurrency behaviour by examining various aspects of blockchain activity, such as transaction volumes, network activity, and token distribution. This analysis relies on tools like data visualization, statistical analysis, and machine learning algorithms to interpret relevant information. It provides insights into market trends, adoption rates, and network health essential to investors and individuals interested in the crypto market. On-chain analysis also offers a comprehensive approach to assess the security and reliability of a blockchain network.

By combining indicators with technical and fundamental analysis, on-chain analysis provides a comprehensive approach to developing trading strategies. It is as a valuable tool for individuals interested in investing in cryptocurrencies or seeking a deeper comprehension of the market landscape.

Key Metrics in On-chain Data Analysis

On-chain data analysis employs various metrics to evaluate various aspects of a blockchain network and its associated cryptocurrency.  

Below are several common metrics employed in on-chain analysis:

  1. Network Value to Transactions (NVT): This ratio compares a cryptocurrency's market capitalization to its daily transaction volume.  
  1. Realized Cap: This metric represents the current value of all coins based on their last transaction price, enabling an evaluation of the market's expectation of future price movements.  
  1. HODL Waves: This metric tracks the number of dormant coins for a specific period, offering insight into long-term investment activity within a cryptocurrency.
  1. Coin Age Consumed: It measures the duration for which a coin has been held before being spent, serving as a gauge of demand for a particular cryptocurrency.
  1. Active Addresses: The total unique addresses used in transactions over a designated period, helping measure network adoption and usage.
  1. Transactions per Day: This metric quantifies the number of transactions processed daily, offering insights into the level of adoption and usage for a cryptocurrency.
  1. Hash Rate: It signifies the computational power dedicated to a network, providing insights into the security and stability of a cryptocurrency.  
  1. Difficulty: A measure of the complexity of mining new blocks, it offers an assessment of a cryptocurrency's security and stability.
  1. Block Time: The time required for a new block to be added to the blockchain, showing the speed and efficiency of the network.
  1. TVL (Total Value Locked): Relevant in decentralized finance (DeFi), this metric represents the total value of assets locked in DeFi protocols, encompassing cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and other deposited assets. TVL offers insights into the activity and growth of the DeFi ecosystem, serving as a benchmark for assessing the success and popularity of DeFi protocols. However, it's important to consider that TVL can be influenced by factors such as cryptocurrency prices, market sentiment, and protocol incentives, and may not fully reflect long-term viability.

By analysing and combining these metrics, traders and investors gain a comprehensive understanding of a cryptocurrency network's health and performance. This information enables informed decision-making regarding investments and the assessment of potential risks and rewards associated with specific cryptocurrencies.

On-Chain Analysis: Tools and Techniques

Various tools and techniques are utilized in on-chain analysis to monitor transactions, track the movement of funds, and identify patterns within blockchain activity. These tools include:

Block Explorers: Unlocking the Blockchain's Secrets

Block explorers are invaluable web-based tools that allow users to search and explore the blockchain. By providing a user-friendly interface, they facilitate the viewing of transactions, addresses, and blocks. Additionally, block explorers offer a wealth of information about the blockchain network, including transaction volumes, fees, and other key metrics. This accessibility empowers analysts to gain insights and a deeper understanding of the blockchain's behaviour.

Transaction Monitoring: Unveiling the Movement of Funds

Transaction monitoring tools play a vital role in tracking the movement of funds on the blockchain. Analysts leverage these tools to identify patterns in transaction behaviour and meticulously monitor the flow of funds between addresses. With transaction monitoring, the detection of fraudulent or suspicious activities such as money laundering or terrorism financing becomes possible. By scrutinizing transactions, analysts contribute to the integrity and security of blockchain networks.

Address Clustering: Connecting the Dots

Address clustering is a powerful technique employed to group together addresses believed to be controlled by the same entity. This technique aids in identifying the movement of funds between different addresses and effectively tracking the behaviour of specific entities on the blockchain. By clustering related addresses, analysts can establish connections and understand the intricate web of relationships within the blockchain network.

Network Analysis: Unravelling the Blockchain's Interconnections

Network analysis is a technique utilized to identify the connections between various addresses within the blockchain. Network analysis tools facilitate the identification of clusters of addresses associated with specific entities or groups. This technique proves invaluable in discerning the behaviour of specific entities and meticulously tracking the movement of funds between different addresses. Network analysis adds a layer of insight and transparency to blockchain networks.

Token Analysis: Tracking the Path of Tokens

Token analysis is a technique employed to track the behaviour of specific tokens within the blockchain. By carefully checking token movement between addresses and watching token behaviour over time, analysts can find trends and patterns. Token analysis is instrumental in monitoring the performance of specific tokens and shedding light on noteworthy token-related activities. With this technique, analysts gain a comprehensive understanding of token behaviour within the blockchain ecosystem.

Best Crypto On-Chain Analysis Tools in 2023

1. Dune: Unveiling Ethereum's Insights

Dune provides valuable insights into the Ethereum blockchain, offering a convenient way to visualize and share information. With pre-made databases and SQL queries, users can access a vast amount of blockchain data without the need for complex scripting. The platform features both queries and dashboards, allowing users to explore various aspects of the Ethereum blockchain and create custom analyses.

2. Glassnode: Unleashing Market Insights

Glassnode is a powerful tool for on-chain analysis and market indicators. With a focus on deep analysis of market indicators and tracking market changes, Glassnode provides comprehensive insights into the cryptocurrency market. The platform offers a wide range of on-chain market indicators, customizable dashboards, and access to historical data for over 200 metrics.

3. Etherscan: Analysing Ethereum's Transactions

Etherscan provides insights and analytics for the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to access current transaction data, check wallet addresses, smart contracts, and other on-chain data. Etherscan also offers analytical tools for assessing tokens, blocks, wallets, and transactions. The platform provides technical reports, personalized alerts, and portfolio management features.

4. Nansen: In-Depth Blockchain Analytics

Nansen is a comprehensive blockchain analytics software that integrates on-chain data with wallet labels. With user-friendly dashboards, SQL queries, and APIs, Nansen offers a wealth of data and insights for various cryptocurrencies. The platform allows users to track the flow of money, explore wallet labels, stay updated on emerging trends, and receive personalized alerts. Nansen provides valuable insights into crypto assets, DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs.

5. CryptoQuant: Harnessing On-Chain Data

CryptoQuant is a platform that specializes in analysing blockchain assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, through on-chain data and market insights. It offers a suite of analytical indicators that reveal information about the performance of crypto markets. CryptoQuant supplies real-time transaction information, network displays, and customizable alerts. The platform also detects potential scams and provides access to various charts and metrics.

6. Token Terminal: Aggregating Monetary Data

Token Terminal is a platform that aggregates monetary data from leading blockchains and dApps. It offers market insights and historical data for a wide range of DeFi projects, helping users check industry developments and make informed investment evaluations. Token Terminal supplies financial metrics, visual representations of data, sorting options, and comprehensive project performance analysis.

Note: Each platform may have different pricing plans and limitations, so it is recommended to visit their respective websites for detailed information.

On-chain analysis tools and techniques are indispensable when it comes to understanding the behaviour and performance of blockchain networks. These tools enable analysts to check transactions, track the movement of funds, and find patterns within blockchain activity. Block explorers, transaction monitoring, address clustering, network analysis, and token analysis are among the most popular and effective tools and techniques available. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, on-chain analysis tools and techniques will play an increasingly significant role in understanding and analysing blockchain activity. With a deeper understanding of blockchain networks, we can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.

**At NeoNomad, we do not provide any advice or recommendations regarding cryptocurrency investments. All content on our website and articles is purely opinion and should not be taken as investment advice. We strongly advise all users to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any investment decisions.

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