As a @DAO Labs #socialminer I am constantly learning, and this is a #beginnersguide on how advanced #CrossChainInteroperability messaging protocols work, specifically in the case of EQUITO Network
Equito is designed to enable interoperability between various blockchains. Its goal is to break down the barriers of isolation and allow these independent blockchains to communicate effectively. Here’s how Equito achieves this:
The Equito App Contract acts as the bridge between different blockchains. It resides on each participating blockchain (let’s call them Blockchain A and Blockchain B).
Step 1 Sending a Message: A user sends a message or initiates a transaction on Blockchain A. The Equito App Contract captures this event.
Step 2 Origin Chain Router: The Equito App Contract on Blockchain A forwards the message to the Origin Chain Router. The Origin Chain Router emits an event indicating the message transfer.
Step 3 Validators Observe and Confirm: Validators (decentralized nodes) monitor the event emitted by the Origin Chain Router. They verify the message’s authenticity and validity using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs). Once confirmed, validators proceed to the next step.
Step 4 :Achieving Consensus: Equito employs a Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus mechanism to ensure agreement among validators. Validators reach consensus on the validity of the message. This consensus guarantees security and prevents malicious actors from disrupting the process.
Let us look at this a little bit closer:
Peers and Nodes: Imagine a group of people sitting around a campfire. Each person has equal say in deciding where to explore next. These individuals represent nodes in a blockchain network. No one has more authority than the others—they all follow the same rules.
Consensus: To agree on the next adventure, they need consensus. If most of them say, “Let’s explore the forest,” they reach an agreement. BFT ensures that even if a few people are mischievous or unreliable, the group can still make decisions.
Trust Without Trust: In a decentralized system (like blockchain), trust isn’t about believing everyone is honest. Instead, it’s about trusting that most participants follow the rules. BFT allows the network to function even when some nodes act weirdly or fail.
So, BFT is like a resilient campfire circle where everyone cooperates, even if a few campers are secretly wolves in sheep’s clothing!
Now that we have a firmer grasp og BFT, on to the next step.
Step 5 Sending to the Destination Chain: The validated message is relayed to the Equito App Contract on Blockchain B. The Equito App Contract on Blockchain B processes the message.
Step 6 Receiving the Message: The Equito App Contract on Blockchain B delivers the message to the intended recipient. The recipient’s smart contract executes the necessary actions (e.g., updating balances, triggering events, etc.).
Thus, by enabling seamless, secure, and efficient communication, Equito helps developers to extend decentralized applications (#Dapps ) beyond the confines of individual blockchains. With over 26 institutional node operators, demonstrating its growing adoption, the protocol has successfully integrated with 16+ blockchains, and received the #ALGORAND Developer Award in 2022 for its contributions to blockchain interoperability.
If you are at the beginning of your blockchain and #SocialMining journey like me, hope this helped you understand the process! #cryptoineverypocket