Polyhedra Network collaborates with EigenLayer through zkBridge and a dual-staking mechanism to promote the development of blockchain technology and enhance the security and trustworthiness of cross-chain transactions.

Author: Polyhedra Network / Source

Translation: Plain Blockchain

1. Introduction to Polyhedra Network

At Polyhedra Network, zkBridge signifies a significant advancement in blockchain technology, providing a secure and decentralized solution for message transmission and asset bridging between various Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks. We ensure trustless and reliable verification of state transitions from the source chain to the target chain, eliminating the need for third-party security protocols. The core of our security model integrates zero-knowledge proofs, providing robust security independent of external factors and significantly reducing the complexity and cost associated with on-chain verification. These proofs allow for data verification without revealing the data itself, ensuring privacy and security. zkBridge operates on a dedicated decentralized network to generate proofs, encouraging participation from nodes in the ecosystem. These nodes are crucial for relaying block headers and generating proofs, and they are incentivized for their contributions and successful execution, promoting collaboration and an efficient network.

Previously, Polyhedra Network enhanced Bitcoin interoperability through our zkBridge Bitcoin message protocol. Building on this, we are now collaborating with EigenLayer to introduce dual-staking on various blockchains using our BTC bridging. EigenLayer's dual-staking mechanism leverages native and more reliable tokens to enhance the proof-of-stake network. Traditionally, due to the stability of ETH, Ethereum has been used as the secondary collateral. However, we are innovatively using the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, BTC, for dual-staking. This approach not only benefits BTC holders but also greatly benefits the entire BTC ecosystem. A major challenge is integrating BTC in dual-staking, as Bitcoin has limitations in supporting smart contracts. Fortunately, Polyhedra Network has addressed this issue through the professional design of our BTC bridge, overcoming a key barrier to bridging messages to Bitcoin as the receiving chain. The integration of EigenLayer's dual-staking and AVS will be officially launched after the deployment of EigenLayer AVS mainnet.

Detailed information about the Bitcoin bridge, especially when the Bitcoin network is the receiving chain.

Polyhedra Network's approach of using Bitcoin as the receiving chain in cross-chain transactions addresses a key challenge: the lack of native smart contract functionality in Bitcoin. This limitation hinders Bitcoin from becoming the standard receiving chain in our zkBridge framework. To address this issue, we will use Ethereum as the sending chain and Bitcoin as the receiving chain.

To secure these transactions, we have implemented a mechanism similar to proof of stake (PoS). Validators are required to stake native tokens (Ether if Ethereum is the sending chain, BNB if it is the BNB chain) to write data on the Bitcoin network. These validators use a multi-party computation (MPC) protocol to achieve consensus on the messages being sent. It is important to note that the security of our protocol does not solely rely on the accuracy of the MPC protocol. In the event of a compromise in the MPC protocol, users can initiate a zkBridge request to transfer malicious messages from Bitcoin to Ethereum. Subsequently, there is a penalty contract on Ethereum to assess the validity of the messages, and if necessary, to reduce the stakes of the MPC committee members, with a portion of the stakes used to compensate users.

Our detailed plan includes:

Staking on Ethereum: Validators deposit tokens as stakes.

Fraud detection and reporting: If validators behave maliciously, honest stakeholders or users can report the situation on Ethereum. Bitcoin transactions are relayed to Ethereum through a decentralized block header relay network. This network allows any node to use zero-knowledge proofs to transmit the current block header of Bitcoin to Ethereum.

Smart contract execution: There is a dedicated smart contract on Ethereum to verify messages from Bitcoin. In the event of fraudulent behavior, it will withdraw the deposits of dishonest validators.

This system ensures that as long as there is an honest committee member or user on the Bitcoin network, our staking mechanism is secure, trustless, and decentralized. This staking/restaking mechanism not only enhances the utility of Bitcoin but also strengthens trust and security between PoS blockchains, marking a significant advancement in decentralized finance and digital asset management.

2. Smart Contract Implementation — Penalty Mechanism

The penalty and reward mechanism in our network plays a crucial role in maintaining integrity and trust. When malicious behavior by validators is detected, the penalty protocol is triggered. Here's how it works:

1) Detection of improper behavior by validators: Users continuously monitor the state of the Bitcoin blockchain. If inconsistencies are detected, users initiate a zkBridge cross-chain message transfer from Bitcoin to Ethereum, supported by zkBridge itself. These messages carry necessary information for fraud detection.

2) Penalty process: Once improper behavior is confirmed, the Ethereum contract will execute the penalty protocol. The stakes of dishonest validators will be partially or fully confiscated. This serves as a strong deterrent against fraudulent behavior.

3) Reward distribution: A portion of the penalized stakes will be allocated as rewards to users or honest validators who report fraudulent behavior. This incentivizes continuous monitoring and reporting of any suspicious activity on the network.

4) Loss compensation: Another portion of the penalized stakes will be allocated to compensate for user losses.

Our implementation also includes several advanced features:

1) Dynamic staking requirements: The required stake amount can be adjusted based on network conditions and historical data to optimize the balance between security and accessibility for validators.

2) Time lock and gradual release of stakes: To prevent sudden withdrawals and ensure network stability, the staked tokens will be subject to time constraints. Even after validators exit, their stakes will be gradually released over a period of time.

3) Emergency response protocol: In extreme cases, such as major violations of the MPC protocol, an emergency response mechanism can be activated. This may involve temporarily suspending transactions.

By integrating these mechanisms, Polyhedra Network not only enhances the functionality of Bitcoin in cross-chain transactions but also sets new standards for the security and trust in decentralized finance. Our approach demonstrates the potential of combining the advantages of traditional blockchains with innovative solutions to overcome their inherent limitations.

Through the use of the BTC bridge and EigenLayer, Polyhedra Network's pioneering dual-staking method integrates native tokens and Bitcoin. This mechanism is similar to traditional dual-staking systems using native tokens and ETH, but the unique aspect is the addition of Bitcoin as a secondary staking asset.

Dual Verification Process: The key aspect of this system is the requirement for dual verification. For any transaction to be considered valid on our blockchain, it must receive approval from two distinct groups: the native token operators and the BTC-backed operators. These groups must independently reach their respective quorum. Any transaction that fails to reach the quorum of either group is deemed invalid. This dual verification process ensures a higher level of security and consensus, as it requires consensus from two different and diverse sets of validators.

Role of BTC-Backed Operators: The BTC-backed operators bring a unique dimension to the staking mechanism. Their opinions and validations are securely transmitted through our BTC bridge, serving as a reliable and secure conduit for their input. This integration of Bitcoin not only diversifies the staked assets but also leverages the market stability and reputation of Bitcoin, adding additional trust and robustness to the process.

Enhanced Security and Reliability: By requiring independent quorums from both native and BTC-backed operators, our dual-staking mechanism greatly enhances the security and reliability of transactions. This structure minimizes the risk of unilateral decision-making or manipulation, as it necessitates broader consensus among different asset holders.

Expansion of the Staking Ecosystem: This approach also expands the staking ecosystem, attracting a wider range of participants and assets. Bitcoin holders now have a new avenue to participate and contribute to the security and consensus process of the blockchain, increasing overall network participation and investment.

3. Conclusion

In conclusion, the collaboration between Polyhedra Network and EigenLayer in dual staking, using native tokens and Bitcoin through our BTC bridge, represents an advanced stride in blockchain technology. This innovative strategy not only enhances the security and trustworthiness of our blockchain but also opens new doors for participation and utilization of the staking ecosystem, enriching the entire blockchain community.

Source: Empowering Bitcoin zkBridge with EigenLayer Restaking and Dual Staking

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