zkLink, a trading-focused multi-chain L2 network with unified liquidity secured by ZK-Rollups.
Introduction
The current Layer2 solutions are basically of the following types: • Sidechain • Plasma and State Channels • Validium • Optimistic Rollups • Zero-knowledge Rollup
zkLink innovatively applies zero-knowledge technology to multi-chain interoperability with a trustless and decentralized separation of powers design that safeguards the security of assets and trades as well as multi-chain data transits. Moreover, zkLink eliminates the disparity among stablecoins from different blockchains and of different types, achieving multi-chain liquidity aggregation to form a massive stablecoin liquidity pool via a unique protocol-controlled-debt (PCD) mechanism, delivering a capital efficient, cost-friendly, and easy-to-access infrastructure. Zero-knowledge Proofs with Zero Security Compromise Zero-knowledge validity proofs are mathematically certified to guarantee only valid transactions are executed and cannot be manipulated or falsified, and hence ensure security of funds.
• In virtue of ZK-Rollup's on-chain data availability, account states can always be rolled back in case of attacks, even when all the data on zkLink Layer2 Engine is lost.
• Zero knowledge guarantees that nobody, including the platform itself, can upload fake zk_proof to the main chain. A Rigorous Consensus Mechanism with Checks and Balances A light oracle network independently ensures the consistency of multi-chain states. Such separation of powers in the verification and judgment process ensures no single party controls asset security or is capable of malicious behavior.
• The checks and balances design guards zkLink protocol against economic attack from both external hackers and internal stakeholders by assuring that no single branch has too much power. Native Asset Aggregation From Multiple Chains dApps built on zkLink’s L2 network leverage seamless multi-chain liquidity, with rapid deployment solutions for decentralized and non-custodial order book, AMM, derivatives, and NFT exchanges.
• A unified currency for all purposes on the zkLink L2 ecosystem.
• No need of multiple wallets for separate chains.
• Minimum friction and finality time.
There are generally three stages in a classic ZK-Rollup solution: commit, prove, and execute. zkLink takes a step further and utilizes ZK-Rollup technology in chain interoperability by introducing a ‘consensus’ stage
Commit: Multiple transactions happening on Layer2, including single-chain and cross-chain transactions, are batched into one bundle and would be uploaded to the smart contract on Layer1 together with a ZK-SNARK. The on-chain data fulfills data availability so that account states can be retrieved when anything goes wrong on the Layer2 network.
Prove: ZK proofs are submitted to Layer1 and verified by the smart contract. Once approved, it will emit an event and write a log for the respective blockchain, containing that current final_root (a hash value).
Consensus: The oracle network processes this stage, which will accomplish the interchange of the final_root with each chain, and compare if the final_root from the two chains are consistent with each other.
Execute: zk_verify guarantees that the new final_root is correctly computed with the old final_root and new transactions info, while the oracle network ensures the final_root is correctly passed to the other chain. Requests for funds flow will be executed once these two steps are confirmed.
As you might have noticed, zkLink prepares two cross-chain modules for you: CROSS CHAIN SWAP, and L2 SWAP. What are the differences and how should you choose between them? This guide should help you out. To put it simply - • If you are a trader and are seeking a fast & safe cross-chain experience with fewer clicks, Cross Chain Swap is your perfect choice. It takes only a few minutes before you receive your target tokens on Layer1 wallet. • As a frequent user of zkLink, our liquidity providers, and zkLink brokers, you may find our Layer2 Swap more efficient, especially when you do not rush withdrawing tokens from Layer2 to Layer1 wallet, since it saves you much time and transaction fees.
zkLink has prepared at least two active servers for each chain for L2-state storage and has implemented a highly available data synchronization system based on relational databases. The front-end is hosted in AWS's container service with high-availability, while the API services are deployed based on LBS (load balance service) provided by a cloud service provider. In addition, at least 3 access servers ensure the high availability of service. zkLink has also prepared an independent internal control system which independently audits whether the data submitted to Layer 1 is correct, to avoid temporary service shutdown caused by computational errors.
Nodes Operation
Just like Loopring, zkSync, zkSwap, and other successful ZK-Rollup scaling solutions, nodes of zkLink are also operated by the team. It does not mean that zkLink is a centralized project. As a matter of fact, zkLink system is COMPLETELY decentralized from the perspective of security that eliminates the risk of malicious behavior from operators or validators mathematically- not because they don't want to, but because they are not able to - zero knowledge technology guarantees this point. Security Design In most multi-chain interoperability protocols, asset security relies on a group of nodes within a POS network, of which the security assumption is based on token values of the POS network. The security assumption of zkLink is based on mathematical verification instead of economic assumption. We use zk-SNARK that mathematically verifies cross-chain transactions with circuits and an oracle network (a group of juries) that judges the accuracy of the roots generated from the verification process.
Roadmap
• A multi-chain ZK-Rollup network • Connect EVM-compatible chains • A multi-chain AMM demo • A multi-chain order book demo • Support atomic swaps • Strengthen atomic swaps to support more complex use cases • Support decentralized zero knowledge proofs • Integrate oracles on zkLink L2 • Support more chains
website:
Docs:
Blog:
https://zklinkdefi.medium.com/
Reddit:
https://reddit.com/user/zkLink_
Discord: https://discord.gg/BtSU7GBm
Telegram: https://t.me/zkLinkorg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zkLinkorg