LayerZero is an omnichain platform designed to enable seamless data exchange between blockchains without bridges.
Unlike multi-chain solutions, omnichain platforms like LayerZero establish a unified infrastructure for different blockchains without imposing specific requirements, such as compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
With LayerZero, users can effortlessly exchange data and transfer tokens between decentralized applications (DApps) on different blockchains in a single transaction, eliminating the need for bridges.
How LayerZero Differs From Bridges
In the crypto industry, bridging serves as a solution to the communication barrier between two blockchains.
Due to their different rules and structures, two blockchains cannot communicate directly, and each is limited to the knowledge of its network.
Bridges act as intermediaries, facilitating communication between the two blockchains. However, they have several drawbacks:
- Security: Bridges are vulnerable to hacking, posing a significant security risk.
- Token wrapping: Transferring assets between blockchains often involves token wrapping, such as converting ETH from the Ethereum network to Wrapped Ethereum (WETH), depending on the bridge used.
The project streamlines and improves this process while prioritizing security. This is achieved through the Ultra Light Node (ULN) feature, similar to an On-chain Light Node.
On-chain Light Nodes, used by bridges for blockchain communication, provide high security but are costly. Conversely, mid-chains provide a cheaper alternative but compromise on security.
LayerZero’s Ultra Light Node balances these methods, aiming to optimize cost effectiveness and security within the bridging process.
How Does Protocol Work?
LayerZero operates through several key solutions aimed at facilitating communication between blockchains.
Ultra Light Node (ULN)
ULNs serve as the foundational concept in LayerZero’s architecture. These nodes expedite transaction verification by not requiring storing all transaction data on the chain.
ULNs are designed for swift transaction processing, hence the “Ultra Light” designatio
Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs)
Similar to ULNs, DVNs are pivotal components in LayerZero’s framework. They consist of groups of verifiers tasked with validating data from two distinct blockchains.
An example of how Ultra Light Nodes and Decentralized Verifier Networks work. Source: LayerZero
DVNs possess the flexibility to employ various verification methods, enabling compatibility with most blockchains and ensuring rapid processing.
MessageLib
LayerZero utilizes MessageLib, which is closely associated with ULNs. This component can generate up to 250 DVNs. MessageLib serves as a repository or library of messages, responsible for verifying the security of data transferred from one blockchain to another.
It achieves this by scrutinizing the payload hash, thereby mitigating risks associated with inter-chain communication.
LayerZero Endpoint
Endpoints serve as crucial components for facilitating message transmission between two blockchains. Essentially, they serve as the origin and destination points for messages.
An example of how blockchains send messages to each other. Source: LayerZero
To establish this communication, the network must establish a connection with LayerZero and configure its endpoint. Once this setup is complete, direct messaging between blockchains becomes feasible.
Final thoughts
The project positions itself as the “first omnichain messaging protocol” (OMP). The crypto community has been actively discussing the concept of multi-blockchain communication for the past two weeks.
Despite being relatively new to the scene and having debuted not long ago, the project is experiencing rapid growth in its metrics.
According to data from Dune, as of May 13, the platform boasts 4.8 million unique users, with the cumulative transaction count steadily increasing. At the time of writing, this figure has reached 95.1 million transactions.
Cumulative transactions count on protocol. Source: Dune
Earlier, we reported on LayerZero’s completion of its initial snapshot, hinting at the imminent announcement of the token launch. However, it’s important to note that while the project shows promising growth, it is still in its early stages and has yet to gain widespread adoption in the market.
