zkBridge
In Way Network, we introduce zkBridge, an efficient cross-chain bridge that guarantees strong security without external trust assumptions. With succinct proofs, zkBridge not only guarantees correctness but also significantly reduces on-chain verification costs. We propose novel compact-proof protocols that are orders of magnitude faster than existing workload solutions in zkBridge. With a modular design, zkBridge enables a broad spectrum of use cases and capabilities, including message passing, token transferring, and other computational logic operating on state changes from different chains.
A wide range of blockchains have been proposed and deployed, ranging from blockchains utilizing computation to economic incentives, various other resources, and even time. While it is not clear that one blockchain is superior to the other in all respects, these protocols employ different technologies and implement different security guarantees and performance. It is therefore foreseeable that the ecosystem will develop into a multi-chain future, where various protocols coexist, and developers and users can choose the best blockchain based on their preferences, costs, and amenities provided.
The problem
Relaying messages faster between chains.
Additional trust assumptions in committees mean bridged assets are less secure than native assets, complicating security analysis for downstream applications.
Relying on a small committee leads to a single point of failure.
Our approach
We present zkBridge to enable an efficient cross-chain bridge without trusting a centralized committee. The soundness of zk-FOAKs ensures the safety of bridges. Therefore, we do not need additional security requirements beyond the security of the underlying blockchain. By separating the bridge from application-specific logic, zkBridge makes it easy to enable other applications on the bridge. Last but not least, with a purpose-built zk-SNARK (Succinct Non-interactive ARgument of Knowledge), the Receiver can verify a state transition of the Sender far more efficiently, we reduce the proof verification even further.
The figure below shows the workflow of zkBridge:
The advantages of zkBridge in Way
Trustless and Secure
Permissionless and Decentralized
Extensible
Universal
Efficient
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