Everything You Need to Know About Swell Network

rswETH is Swell Network's liquid restaking token. When you restake ETH through Swell Network, you receive rswETH at a 1:1 ratio based on the current exchange rate. The token automatically accrues value as restaking rewards accumulate — currently 1 rswETH equals approximately 1.0686 ETH in value. rswETH is an ERC-20 token that works throughout DeFi: use it as collateral, provide liquidity on DEXes, or simply hold it to earn passive restaking yield. It combines the best of Ethereum staking and EigenLayer AVS rewards.

Both tokens are issued by Swell Network and represent staked ETH, but they differ in their yield sources. swETH is the standard liquid staking token — you stake ETH and earn Ethereum consensus layer and execution layer rewards, typically around 3–4% APY. rswETH is the liquid restaking token — it layers EigenLayer on top, securing additional Actively Validated Services (AVS) and earning extra rewards on top of standard ETH staking returns. rswETH generally offers higher total APR but involves additional smart contract complexity from EigenLayer.

EigenLayer is a restaking protocol that allows ETH stakers to opt-in to securing additional decentralized services called Actively Validated Services (AVS). When you restake via Swell Network, your ETH is deposited into EigenLayer smart contracts, where it is delegated to operator nodes that validate these AVS networks. In return, restakers earn additional rewards beyond standard Ethereum staking yields. Swell Network manages this entire process automatically — you simply deposit ETH and receive rswETH, while Swell Network's infrastructure handles operator selection, delegation, and reward distribution.

Swell Network is fully non-custodial — your assets are secured by audited smart contracts, never held by a centralized party. The rswETH contract (0xFAe103DC9cf190eD75350761e95403b7b8aFa6c0) and deposit manager contract (0x5e6342D8090665bE14eeB8154c8a87B7249a4889) have undergone multiple security audits by leading blockchain security firms. That said, all DeFi protocols carry inherent smart contract risk. Swell Network recommends users understand these risks before depositing. Always verify contract addresses on Etherscan before interacting with the protocol.

The current base APR for rswETH on Swell Network is approximately 2.45%, derived from Ethereum staking consensus and execution layer rewards. On top of this, EigenLayer restaking rewards add additional yield from AVS validation. The total APR varies based on network conditions, EigenLayer AVS activity, and the number of active restakers. Swell Network also runs periodic reward campaigns that can boost yields further. Check the live Swell Network app dashboard for the most up-to-date APR figures, as rates update in real time.

Swell Network L2 is a restaking-native Layer 2 network built by the Swell Network team. It leverages EigenLayer's shared security model and Swell Network's liquid restaking tokens (rswETH and swETH) as native gas tokens and collateral assets. The L2 offers high-throughput, low-cost transaction execution while inheriting the security guarantees of Ethereum Layer 1. Swell Network L2 is designed to host next-generation DeFi applications that deeply integrate restaking mechanics, creating a unique ecosystem where yield-bearing assets power the entire network economy.

Getting started with Swell Network is straightforward. Visit app.swellnetwork.io and click the golden "Connect wallet" button in the top navigation. Swell Network supports MetaMask, WalletConnect, Coinbase Wallet, Ledger, and dozens of other popular Ethereum wallets. Once connected, navigate to the Stake or Restake tab, enter the amount of ETH you wish to deposit, review the exchange rate and transaction fee, then confirm the transaction. You'll receive rswETH or swETH tokens in your wallet shortly after the transaction confirms on Ethereum.

Swell Network charges a 10% commission on staking and restaking rewards — this is not a fee on your principal deposit, only on the rewards you earn. This commission is split between node operators who run the validator infrastructure and the Swell Network DAO treasury, which funds ongoing protocol development, security audits, and ecosystem expansion. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees on the principal. You will also pay standard Ethereum network gas fees when transacting, which are currently approximately $0.04 USD per transaction.

Yes — rswETH is a standard ERC-20 token freely usable across the Ethereum DeFi ecosystem. You can supply rswETH as collateral in lending protocols like Aave or Compound to borrow other assets, provide rswETH liquidity on DEXes like Curve or Uniswap to earn trading fees on top of restaking rewards, or use it in yield aggregators to maximize returns. Swell Network is actively partnering with major DeFi protocols to expand rswETH integrations. The "Earn" section on the Swell Network app showcases all currently supported DeFi opportunities for rswETH holders.

Fee Flow is a transparency feature built into the Swell Network app that provides a real-time visualization of how protocol fees are collected and distributed. It shows the complete revenue path from staking and restaking activity through to node operator payments, DAO treasury contributions, and ecosystem fund allocations. Fee Flow reflects Swell Network's commitment to transparency and open governance — any Swell Network user or community member can view exactly how protocol economics work and how value flows through the system. It is accessible directly from the Swell Network app navigation.

To unstake on Swell Network, navigate to the Restake widget and click the downward arrow icon to switch to unstake mode. Enter the amount of rswETH you wish to redeem and confirm the transaction. Because rswETH is liquid, you also have the option of swapping it for ETH directly on DEXes like Curve or Uniswap, often with lower waiting times. Native protocol withdrawals go through EigenLayer's unbonding process, which may take several days depending on current queue conditions. Swell Network displays estimated withdrawal times in the app UI before you confirm any unstaking transaction.