# 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.
