Next-generation directed acyclic graph (DAG) technology offers nearly unlimited scalability and portability for decentralized applications (DApps), with very low system requirements.

Article author: Emre Günen

Source: CoinTelegraph

Article compiled by: Echo, MetaEra

Waterfall Network is a highly scalable and decentralized Layer 1 protocol supported by directed acyclic graph (DAG) technology, recently achieving nearly 13,000 TPS on its mainnet.

Despite the acclaim blockchain receives for its secure, transparent, and intermediary-free transactions, a significant challenge hinders its practical application in the global economy: scalability.

Regardless of the number of online users, maintaining consistent transaction speed and quality is crucial for Web3 technology to become a cornerstone of the global economy. Without this capability, achieving widespread application and adoption remains very challenging.

The core of this challenge lies in the blockchain trilemma—achieving scalability, security, and decentralization simultaneously is inherently difficult. Since security is non-negotiable, developers often have no choice but to deprioritize decentralization.

However, in the Web3 era, decentralization is not just a technical feature; it is a fundamental principle that distinguishes Web3 from the traditional centralized framework of Web2.

Thus, a solution capable of simultaneously validating and adding multiple transactions has emerged as an effective way to overcome the limitations of blockchain. The design philosophy of this innovative architecture is to build a directed acyclic graph (DAG) that possesses high scalability while maintaining decentralization from the very beginning, rather than adding scalability later.

Potential infinite scalability

Waterfall Network is a Layer 1 decentralized scalable ledger that addresses the blockchain industry's most pressing challenges of scalability, decentralization, and cost-effectiveness. The network is EVM-compatible, allowing users to run validator nodes on low-cost devices while enabling seamless migration of decentralized applications (DApps).

Waterfall recently set a new benchmark for blockchain performance, achieving 12,778 transactions per second (TPS) on its mainnet—1,000 TPS higher than its testnet record. This is a rare example of mainnet performance surpassing testnet performance.

Recent results indicate that Waterfall outperforms Solana and Aptos in effective scalability. Source: Chainspect

The core of Waterfall's scalability achievements lies in its unique directed acyclic graph (DAG) architecture. Unlike traditional blockchain structures, DAG supports parallel block creation and later stage parallel transaction processing, allowing multiple transactions to be validated and added simultaneously. This design significantly increases transaction throughput while providing DApps with infinite scalability and portability.

As more validators join Waterfall, funding and rewards will be distributed to researchers and developers contributing to community-driven security audits and bug bounty programs. Additionally, the DAG architecture supports running validator nodes on almost any device, including low-cost laptops and smartphones, further enhancing decentralization.

1.5 million validators driving decentralization

Waterfall is advancing a future where scalability and decentralization coexist seamlessly, supported by the Google Cloud Web3 Starter Program. This collaboration provides developers with access to cloud resources, enabling them to test and optimize infrastructure across platforms. Additionally, Waterfall has joined Decentralized Trust Labs as a member of the Linux Foundation, further solidifying its commitment to innovation and decentralization.

Waterfall has EVM compatibility, which helps in the seamless migration of applications built on Ethereum code and ecosystem. The network also integrates with Ethereum-supported wallets and communities, enhancing accessibility and user engagement.

On this basis, Waterfall Network has made significant progress. On June 19, 2024, Waterfall announced it became the first proof-of-stake (PoS) platform tested by 1.5 million validators.

Source: Waterfall

After its public launch on July 17, 2024, the platform experienced rapid growth, with a total locked value (TVL) increase of 339% within the first month. As of August 17, 2024, Waterfall reported having 8,391 active validators, securing its position as the third largest decentralized PoS network in the world in terms of validator numbers.

Waterfall's research director, Sergii Grybniak, stated that they have joined a select few networks that have surpassed testnet performance standards on their mainnet, adding that with the ability to run on almost any type of node, Waterfall Network is poised to become one of the most scalable and decentralized Layer 1 solutions.

Combining the efficiency and user-centric qualities of Web2 with the decentralized spirit of Web3 remains a primary goal for innovators like Waterfall. Achieving this integration will enhance scalability and unlock new levels of trust, inclusivity, and innovation.

About Waterfall

Waterfall is a leading Layer 1 blockchain architecture dedicated to providing secure, scalable, and decentralized solutions to empower decentralized application (dAPP) developers to change the world. The directed acyclic graph (DAG) technology adopted by Waterfall enables this and allows validator nodes to run from any device, including future low-cost laptops and smartphones. Waterfall is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing for the portability of decentralized applications, and has very low hardware requirements for participants to become validators, making it easier for more people to engage in the network's validation process.

For more information about the Waterfall network and to run your own node, please visit the official website, or connect with us through Telegram, Twitter, or Discord.