> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ike.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ike.xyz/the-ike-protocol/architecture.md).

# Architecture

## Protocol Architecture

The Ike Protocol operates as a series of interconnected Smart Contracts deployed on the blockchain. Each of these contracts serves a specific function of the protocol.

## Core Protocol Smart Contracts

The core smart contracts that make up the Ike protocol are the [`Vault Contract`](/the-ike-protocol/architecture/core-smart-contracts.md#the-vault-contract) and the [`Registry Contract`](/the-ike-protocol/architecture/core-smart-contracts.md#the-registry-contract). The function of each of these are detailed in the following page:

{% content-ref url="/pages/q5mo56VdNtqsxdVxJ6Fb" %}
[Core Smart Contracts](/the-ike-protocol/architecture/core-smart-contracts.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## **Staking and Un-staking**

These are the mechanisms behind the core actions available to protocol users. In addition, the protocol itself executes certain processes behind the scenes in order to fulfill the desired functionality.

{% content-ref url="/pages/aEoP22K7X91V8gtxh7HI" %}
[Staking and Un-staking Mechanisms](/the-ike-protocol/architecture/staking-and-un-staking-mechanisms.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## **Community Actions**

These are actions that are necessary for the protocol to function as designed, and any community member can execute them. They may offer incentives to community members to assist in running the protocol. They do not require staking or un-staking of individual tokens. 

{% content-ref url="/pages/0abwSlOZlFU6RYxNGLn1" %}
[Community Actions](/the-ike-protocol/architecture/community-actions.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}