This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making any trading decisions.

Trading on decentralized exchanges has become a key part of the crypto experience. But with multiple DEXs on Radix offering different prices for the same tokens, how do you know you're getting the best deal? That's where DEX aggregators come in. Smart tools that do the shopping around for you.

What Is a DEX Aggregator?

A DEX aggregator is a tool that automatically searches multiple decentralized exchanges to find you the best price for your token swap. Instead of manually checking prices on Ociswap, CaviarNine, DefiPlaza, and other DEXs, the aggregator does this instantly and executes your trade at the optimal rate.

When you want to trade tokens, an aggregator:

• Checks prices across multiple DEXs on Radix simultaneously
• Finds the best rate for your trade, including splitting a trade across multiple venues
• Handles everything through one simple interface

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This eliminates the need to jump between different platforms or wonder if you could have gotten a better price elsewhere.

Understanding Routing: The Path Your Trade Takes

Before diving deeper, it is important to understand "routing", a core concept in how aggregators work.

Routing is the path your trade takes to get from one token to another. There are several types of routes:

Direct route: Swapping directly from Token A to Token B when a pool exists

Indirect route: Going through an intermediate token (Token A → Intermediary Token → Token B) when no direct pool exists or when it offers better rates

Split route: Dividing your trade across multiple DEXs (50% through DEX 1, 50% through DEX 2) to minimize price impact

Smart routing algorithms calculate all supported paths to find the most efficient route for your swap, ensuring you receive the maximum output for your input.

How Aggregators Work Behind the Scenes

Aggregators quickly perform complex calculations to optimize your trades.

Every few minutes, aggregators:

• Scan the ecosystem – Check all liquidity pools on supported DEXs
• Filter quality – Remove pools with too little liquidity
• Map connections – Save which tokens each pool supports

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When you request a quote:

• Real-time check – The system checks current liquidity in all relevant pools
• Runs simulations – Tests possible routes to find the best outcome
• Considers all options, e.g:
  
  • 100% through Pool A
  • A mix of Pools A, B, and C
• Returns the best – Shows you the route that gives you the most tokens

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The Technical Magic

Aggregators implement each DEX's pricing functions directly in their backend systems. This is why open-source code from DEXs is crucial as it allows aggregators to accurately calculate prices without making actual transactions first. For complex protocols, they also use Radix's transaction preview function to ensure accuracy.

Main Aggregators on Radix

CaviarNine Aggregator

CaviarNine's aggregator automatically discovers new liquidity sources as they appear on Radix. It connects to:

• All major DEXs
• Token bridges
• Validator services
• Even finds liquidity in new protocols before they have their own interfaces

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Key Features:

• Zero routing fees for CaviarNine's own liquidity
• Automatic discovery of new liquidity sources
• Token safety features with verified token badges

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Astrolescent

Astrolescent focuses on finding optimal trading routes through sophisticated simulation technology. It offers:

• Advanced multi-pool routing algorithms
• Trade splitting for large orders
• Limit orders (set your price and wait)
• Bridge aggregation for cross-chain swaps
• Weekly airdrops for users

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Example: How Route Optimization Works

When you swap 1000 hUSDC for hETH:

• One DEX might offer 0.31 hETH
• Another DEX might offer 0.30 hETH
• No direct pool exists on other DEXs

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Without an aggregator, you'd choose the first DEX. But the aggregator might find:

• Splitting 600 hUSDC through the first and 400 hUSDC through the second gets you 0.315 hETH
• Or routing through hWBTC (hUSDC → hWBTC → hETH) gets you 0.32 hETH

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The system tests all possibilities and picks the best one.

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Step-by-Step: Using an Aggregator

Here's how to use an aggregator on Radix (using Astrolescent as an example):

Step 1: Connect Your Wallet

• Go to the aggregator website (astrolescent.com or caviarnine.com)
• Click "Connect Wallet" in the top corner
• Approve the connection in your Radix Wallet

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Step 2: Select Your Trade

• Choose the token you want to sell from the dropdown
• Choose the token you want to buy
• Enter the amount you want to trade

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Step 3: Review the Route

• Check the expected output amount
• Look at the price impact (especially for large trades)

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Step 4: Execute

• Click "Swap" or "Trade"
• Review the transaction in your Radix Wallet
• Confirm the transaction
• Wait for confirmation

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The Bottom Line

DEX aggregators are essential tools for smart trading on Radix. They automatically find the best prices, split large trades optimally, and save you time and money. By running thousands of simulations in seconds, they find trading routes you'd never discover manually, whether that's splitting across multiple pools or hopping through intermediate tokens.

Whether you're making a quick swap or executing a large trade, aggregators ensure you're getting the best deal available across the entire ecosystem.

Ready to try it yourself? Visit Astrolescent or CaviarNine to start trading with the power of aggregation.

Remember: This guide is for educational purposes only. Always verify token addresses, understand the risks, and never trade more than you can afford to lose.

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