As cryptocurrencies grow in popularity, the concept of interoperability between chains takes on particular importance in the context of blockchain technology.
Interoperability in the world of cryptocurrencies refers to the ability of different blockchains to collaborate and communicate with each other to create a more integrated and efficient infrastructure for the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
In today’s lesson, we will discuss what interoperability between chains is, its impact on blockchain technology, and how it works. Get to it!
Cross-chain interoperability – definition
Interoperability in the context of blockchains refers to the ability of a given chain to freely exchange information with other blockchains. This allows smart contracts in different chains to communicate with each other without sending actual tokens between them.
For example, assets, services, and transactions are registered on the blockchain as documentation. Any activity that takes place on one blockchain can be mirrored on another through appropriate interoperability solutions. This means that applications can interact with any resource or service regardless of which blockchain they are on.
The lack of interoperability and connectivity poses a significant challenge to the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, as it impedes the free flow of data and value between different networks. From a developer’s point of view, each implementation is a self-contained and isolated environment, resulting in backend contracts being isolated and unaware of each other. For example, a decentralized application (DEX) on Ethereum or Polygon would require a separate implementation, resulting in the isolation of different versions of the same application.
For the user, this multi-implementation approach creates a number of challenges, preventing the seamless transfer of tokens between different blockchains. Often the process requires destroying assets on the original blockchain and re-creating them on the target using a third-party bridge. This complex process can be time-consuming and confusing, leading to data fragmentation and a poor user experience. In addition, there are significant security risks when assets are stored on multiple blockchains, opening the door to potential hacking and loss of funds.
What are the benefits of cross-chain interoperability?
The benefits and limitations of interoperability in the context of blockchain are apparent. It allows users to freely transact across different blockchain networks without the need to involve centralized intermediaries.
Additionally, this reduces fragmentation, improves interoperability within the wider blockchain ecosystem, and opens up new business opportunities and operating models.
Nevertheless, there are some limitations to these solutions. Different blockchains may use different security solutions, consensus algorithms, and programming languages, which is potentially more technically complex. Such divergences may also increase the risk of attacks and pose new challenges in managing different blockchain networks.
Examples of protocols that address the problem of cross-chain interoperability
There are many approaches to improving cross-chain interoperability, and below are some examples, demonstrating the wide range of solutions available.
Chainlink
The Chainlink protocol develops the Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), which is an open protocol that enables communication between different blockchain networks. It includes messaging and token transfer.
The goal of CCIP is to enable universal connectivity between hundreds of blockchain networks using a standardized interface. This will potentially reduce the complexities of creating interchain applications and services.
Wormhole
The Wormhole protocol is a generic interoperability system that enables the transfer of tokens and messages between different blockchain networks. Messages on the source chain are monitored by a network of custodians who verify and facilitate transfers to the destination chains. Developers using Wormhole can create decentralized interchain applications called xDapps.
Avalanche Warp Messaging
Avalanche Warp Messaging (AWM) was created with flexibility in mind, allowing developers to customize messaging specifications according to their own communication needs.
The AWM format itself requires a specification in the form of a byte array, a participant index in the BLS Multi-Signature, and the BLS Multi-Signature itself. With AWM, developers are facilitated to create powerful decentralized applications (DApps) on the Avalanche network.
Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC)
Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) is a standard protocol for communication between blockchains in the Cosmos network. It was created with the intention of facilitating interoperability between different blockchains. IBC defines a minimum set of functions defined in the Interchain Standards (ICS), which specify how different blockchains can communicate and exchange data with each other.
An example of the use of IBC is Osmosis, a dextral exchange (DEX) that allows users to exchange tokens between different blockchains. Osmosis uses the IBC protocol to enable the seamless exchange of tokens from different blockchains, allowing token holders to benefit directly from the interoperability capabilities offered by IBCs.
Summary
Solutions for interchain interoperability have the potential to significantly increase the efficiency and functionality of blockchain networks, enabling seamless communication, data, and value transfer between different networks.
Future advances in interchain interoperability are expected to bring greater innovation between different blockchain networks and open up new perspectives for blockchain applications. Such development could lead to a more decentralized and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem.
However, for interchain interoperability solutions to be widely adopted, they need to achieve greater stability and provide security. It is still unclear which solution will provide the most effective, stable, and secure tools in this area.
