Polygon Labs recently proposed an architecture for its upcoming project called “Polygon 2.0.” With the aim of establishing “the value layer” of the internet, Polygon 2.0 is designed to provide unlimited scalability and unified liquidity. In a blog post on June 29, the Polygon team outlined a vision for Polygon 2.0, consisting of four different layers that would connect various networks to Ethereum. If approved by validators, Polygon 2.0 would also feature an aggregator that streamlines bridge transactions, making them near-instant and atomic.
Polygon first introduced Polygon 2.0 on June 12, highlighting its goal of becoming the value layer of the internet. However, at that time, detailed information about the project was limited. Co-founder Mihailo Bjelic later proposed upgrading the current Polygon network to utilize zero-knowledge proofs on June 20, as a necessary step to align the old network with the vision of Polygon 2.0.
The recent blog post released on June 30 provided additional insights into the architecture of Polygon 2.0. The foundation of the project will be the existing staking layer, which includes a validator manager contract on Ethereum and a chain manager contract for each individual Polygon chain. In the future, new Polygon chains will be established by launching new chain manager contracts on Ethereum.
To connect with the staking layer, an interoperability layer will be implemented. This layer will feature bridges that connect each Polygon chain to one another through Ethereum. Zero-knowledge proofs will be used to validate all transfers within this layer, ensuring its security and integrity.
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The interoperability layer will also include an aggregator, which consolidates individual zero-knowledge proofs from each bridge into a single proof before sending it to Ethereum. This efficient process enables seamless bridge transactions and significantly reduces Ethereum gas consumption for proof verification.
The third layer of Polygon 2.0 will be the execution layer, relying on the Erigon Ethereum client. Lastly, the fourth layer will be the proving layer, responsible for standardizing the zero-knowledge-proof process across all Polygon chains. The team has promised to provide further details about each layer in the future.
Polygon is not the only network pursuing a multi-chain ecosystem. zkSync Era plans to create a network of “Hyperchains” and aims to launch them on a testnet by the end of the year. Optimism, in cooperation with Coinbase’s Base network, is also working towards creating a “Superchain,” and recently implemented the “Bedrock” upgrade to facilitate this transformation.
In conclusion, Polygon Labs has proposed an architecture for Polygon 2.0, a project aimed at establishing the value layer of the internet. With its four-layered approach and innovative features like the aggregator for bridge transactions, Polygon 2.0 intends to revolutionize the scalability and liquidity of the Polygon network. As other networks also strive to expand into multi-chain ecosystems, the blockchain industry is witnessing significant advancements that promise a more interconnected and efficient future.
