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

# Introduction to HashSpheres

HashSpheres are enterprise-grade, private, permissioned instances of Hedera networks. They are designed for organizations that require the advanced capabilities of Hedera's technology but are unable to use the public mainnet due to specific regulatory, operational, or governance constraints.

### What is a HashSphere?

HashSpheres provide a dedicated ledger environment, enabling organizations to meet requirements such as:

* **Data privacy**: restrict network access and visibility.
* **Permissioned access**: control who can submit transactions and run nodes.
* **Custom governance**: align policies, operations, and approvals to your model.
* **Data residency**: keep infrastructure in a required region.

### Technology foundation

A HashSphere is a private instance of the same open-source Hiero codebase that powers the Hedera public mainnet. [This code](https://github.com/hiero-ledger), managed by the Linux Foundation's Decentralized Trust (LFDT), ensures that HashSpheres benefit from the same core features and developer tools available on the public network.

Applications built on a HashSphere can leverage Hedera's full suite of network services:

* [Hedera Smart Contract Service (HSCS)](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/core-concepts/smart-contracts): Fully EVM-compatible layer with bridging capability between EVM smart contracts and Hedera's native services.
* [Hedera Token Service (HTS)](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/core-concepts/tokens): Offers fast, affordable token creation and transfers without complex smart contracts.
* [Hedera Account Service (HAS)](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/core-concepts/accounts): Transfer private network tokens between accounts.
* [Hedera Consensus Service (HCS)](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/core-concepts/hashgraph-consensus-algorithms): High-throughput event ordering and messaging to support auditable workflows.
* [Hedera File Service (HFS)](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/sdks-and-apis/sdks/file-service): Store small files on the ledger (\~1024 KB).

{% hint style="info" %}
For SDK usage and protocol behavior, use the [Hedera documentation](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/sdks-and-apis) as the source of truth.
{% endhint %}

### HashSphere Managed Service

HashSpheres are offered as a fully managed service, operated by the operations team at Hashgraph. Customers receive a private Hedera network configured to their unique requirements and backed by enterprise-grade support. HashSpheres are deployed on either Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) within a segregated and secure cloud account. A typical deployment includes:

* Four [Consensus nodes](https://github.com/hiero-ledger/hiero-consensus-node) across multiple AZs.
* One [Mirror node](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/core-concepts/mirror-nodes) for optimized read access and history.
* One [JSON-RPC relay](https://docs.hedera.com/hedera/core-concepts/smart-contracts/json-rpc-relay) that enables submission of EVM transactions to the network.
* A private [network explorer](https://hashscan.io/) for viewing accounts, transactions, and on-ledger activity.
* A [HashSphere Console](/operations/hashsphere-console.md) monitoring tool for observing the overall health and performance of the network and its components.

Depending on your requirements, it may also include:

* Upgrade and maintenance processes.
* Backup and restore capabilities.
* Monitoring integrations.
* Enhanced support workflows.

### Learn more

Contact the HashSphere Business Development team via the [contact page](https://www.hashgraph.com/contact/) on the Hashgraph website.


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