Polygon PoS Considering Merger with AggLayer, Here’s Implication

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As a researcher with a background in blockchain technology and experience in studying consensus mechanisms, I am excited about the potential merger between Polygon PoS and AggLayer. The benefits of Polygon PoS’s connection to AggLayer are significant, especially considering the growing popularity and usage of PoS consensus algorithms in the blockchain ecosystem.

Polygon indicated a potential merger with AggLayer could include its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system. This marks the beginning of Polygon’s zkPoS development in phase 1. If this plan is approved by the community, the combined liquidity pool for chains linked to AggLayer may increase by approximately $2 billion.

Polygon Foundation Lauds PoS Capabilities

In the realm of blockchain technology, two primary methods for validating transactions and creating new blocks are widely accepted: Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and Proof-of-Work (PoW). A number of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), initially adopted PoW. However, Ethereum (ETH) switched to the PoS consensus algorithm in 2022 with the implementation of The Merge.

The Polygon Foundation is convinced that Proof of Stake (PoS) is among the most widely used blockchain systems globally. This belief is supported by over 400 million distinct addresses and a vast array of thousands of applications. Notably, the PoS chain managed by Polygon handles more transactions than all Ethereum Layer 2 protocols combined. These accomplishments underscore the significant impact that the merger with AggLayer could have.

As a researcher studying the Polygon blockchain, I’m excited to share that today, there has been an initiation of conversations within the Polygon community regarding a proposed connection between Polygon Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and AggLayer. This potential integration could bring about significant improvements to the Polygon ecosystem.

In the initial stage of zkPoS, if approved, the combined liquidity reserve for chains linked to AggLayer will expand by approximately $2 billion.

— Polygon Foundation (@0xPolygonFdn) June 12, 2024

The merger will incorporate Succinct Labs, a decentralized proof protocol, to facilitate the application of SP1 zkVM. This specific zkVM allows AggLayer to verify the execution of Rust code while enjoying the efficiency gains offered by Polygon Plonky3’s proving system.

The connection between Polygon’s Proof of Stake (PoS) and AggLayer will be set up using Plonky3, a novel zero-knowledge proof with pessimistic security written in Rust. It’s worth mentioning that this pessimistic proof can support both zk-SNARKs and regular chains. The preference for this proof lies in its suspicious nature towards all chains involved.

Polygon PoS to Utilize AggLayer Pessimistic Proof

Normally, the AggLayer brings liquidity together across all linked chains through a sole bridge. Being the only bridge contract for chains linked to the AggLayer, this unified bridge enables users to transfer native tokens without wrapping them. Yet, having just one bridge creates vulnerability for all tokens on the bridge, attracting potential malicious actors.

As an analyst, I would explain it this way: When a setback occurs, the pessimistic proof comes into play with two guarantees. The first guarantee ensures that every chain has accurately updated its state. The second guarantee prevents any chain from withdrawing more tokens than it has received. Failure to comply with these conditions means the proof cannot be authenticated and the Ethereum network cannot reach a consensus.

At a top level, achieving consensus through proof would verify Polygon Proof of Stake (PoS) and ensure a smooth transition to its new state. Furthermore, this proven consensus would enable Polygon PoS to confirm finality for the AggLayer. Pessimistic proofs will guarantee that withdrawals from PoS do not surpass deposited amounts.

This enhancement is significant and doesn’t necessitate the involvement of a validator, consensus mechanism adjustments, or changes to network clients. Over time, with the community’s support, this update will integrate Polygon with Ethereum’s final scalability solution.

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2024-06-13 14:56