> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.digitalnations.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.digitalnations.xyz/web3-overview/the-web3-ecosystem/nfts/nft-infrastructure.md).

# NFT Infrastructure

In addition to the digital assets themselves, the NFT ecosystem is empowered by several key pieces of infrastructure including:

* &#x20;**Smart Contract Platforms**:  Decentralized computers, such as Ethereum, that create, store, and facilitate the exchange of NFTs<br>
* **Rollups:**  Protocols that are designed to increase the efficiency and affordability of smart contract platforms<br>
* **Storage Providers**:  Decentralized protocols such as Arweave and Filecoin that host the artwork, audio files, video files, etc… that constitute NFTs<br>
* **Marketplaces**:  Platforms such as OpenSea that allow users to buy and sell NFTs<br>
* **Wallets**:  Hot wallets such as Metamask that store NFTs and allow access to marketplaces and other dApps

Next, we’ll take a look at each category and provide some detail on the market leaders :point\_right:.