> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://encryptum.gitbook.io/encryptum/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://encryptum.gitbook.io/encryptum/storage-and-retrieval-process/data-upload.md).

# Data Upload

Once the data is encrypted, it is uploaded to the **IPFS network**, where it is stored across multiple nodes. Each file uploaded to the network is assigned a unique **Content Identifier (CID)**, which acts as a pointer to the file’s location on the IPFS network.

Key points in the upload process include:

* **Redundancy**: Files are stored across multiple nodes, ensuring that even if one node goes offline, the data remains accessible.
* **Immutability**: Once a file is uploaded, it cannot be altered or deleted. The CID remains the same, ensuring that the data’s integrity is guaranteed.
* **Payment**: The user pays **ENCT tokens** to incentivize validators to store the file. The tokens are used to reward validators who provide reliable storage services.


---

# 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://encryptum.gitbook.io/encryptum/storage-and-retrieval-process/data-upload.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.