Discussion on User Demand for Cross-Chain Services and Cross-Chain Communication Models

In the Web3 multi-chain ecosystem, users want to achieve seamless asset and data interaction with mainstream public chains through a single application, without frequently switching wallets and networks. In the current public chain landscape, users need a more secure, universal, and user-friendly cross-chain communication protocol.

Common Cross-Chain Communication Patterns

Native Verification Mode

This model runs lightweight clients in the virtual machines of the source chain and the target chain, enabling inter-chain communication through relayers. It does not require an intermediary chain, and the use of zero-knowledge proofs can avoid trust assumptions.

external verification mode

Rely on one or more validators to monitor specific addresses on the source chain. After the assets are locked, the validators reach a consensus and generate the corresponding assets on the target chain. There is a "trust assumption" which can easily lead to asset theft due to single points of failure or local faults.

Local Verification Mode

A peer-to-peer liquidity network where each node acts as a "router" providing native assets of the target chain. Limited to asset cross-chain transfers, making it difficult to achieve inter-chain transmission of general information and data.

upstream chain model

Require dApps to deploy smart contracts on their chain, copy messages and send them to other Layer 1 public chains to achieve state updates. Compete with Layer 1 chains in the deployment of dApps at the commercial level.

zkRelayer: The Key to Cross-Chain Communication

An excellent cross-chain communication solution should possess characteristics such as trustlessness, decentralization, universality, scalability, and high efficiency at low cost. However, existing solutions struggle to meet these requirements simultaneously, particularly in terms of trustless security.

zkRelayer, as a zero-knowledge proof relay for cross-chain communication, does not rely on external third parties or the protocol itself. As long as the mathematical and cryptographic proof processes are complete and correct, the system can gain public recognition. Throughout the communication link, zkRelayer's position surpasses that of light clients, becoming a core component.

The core of zkRelayer includes the ZK Prover and Message Aggregator. It uses the ZK-FOAKS zero-knowledge proof method, featuring fast, recursive, and trustless characteristics, achieving the theoretical lower bound of time complexity. This ensures trustless, efficient, and low-cost inter-chain communication.

In summary, zkRelayer provides new possibilities for inter-chain communication and is expected to propel cross-chain technology into a new phase.