Hash(key) → position on ring. Walks clockwise to next node (and its replicas).

What you're seeing

Cassandra hashes partition keys (Murmur3) to a 64-bit token, placed on a ring. Each node owns ranges of tokens. With virtual nodes (vnodes), each node owns many small ranges — more even distribution.

Adding a new node: it claims new vnodes; only those ranges stream from neighbors. No global rebalance.

★ KEY TAKEAWAY
Cassandra hashes partition keys onto a ring; nodes own ranges. Vnodes spread load evenly.
▶ WHAT TO TRY
  • Type a key and click Route key — see which node owns it.
  • Increase vnodes/node — more even distribution.
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