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Polymer

What is Polymer?

Polymer is an interoperability hub built as a rollup on Ethereum, designed to connect various Ethereum rollups using the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. It combines the Cosmos SDK with the OP Stack to create a unique solution for cross-rollup communication.

Overview

Polymer revolutionizes interoperability for Ethereum rollups by bringing the robust IBC standard to the Ethereum ecosystem. It acts as a specialized rollup focused on providing secure and efficient cross-chain communication.

Key Features

  • Ethereum Security: Shares the same security foundation as other Ethereum rollups.
  • Native IBC Interoperability: Ports the IBC standard into the Ethereum ecosystem.
  • Scalable Connectivity: Specializes in providing low-cost, high-scalability interoperability services.

Technical Architecture

OP Stack Integration

  • Uses the OP Stack as the rollup framework.
  • Leverages the flexibility of the OP Stack to use custom execution engines.

Cosmos SDK as Execution Engine

  • Implements the Cosmos SDK as the execution layer within the OP Stack.
  • Utilizes the Application Blockchain Interface (ABCI) to connect the Cosmos SDK with the OP Stack.

Virtual IBC

  • Implements virtual IBC as the core application-specific component.
  • Enables Ethereum rollups to communicate via IBC without native implementation.

Key Components

Rollup Node

  • Derives L2 blocks from L1 data.
  • Can operate in verifying, participating, or sequencing modes.

Data Availability

  • Initially uses Ethereum L1, with plans to move to EigenDA.

Polymer Appchain

  • Built as a Cosmos SDK ABCI app within the OP Stack.
  • Specializes in interoperability functions.

Benefits

  • Provides a standardized interoperability solution for Ethereum rollups.
  • Enables seamless communication between Ethereum rollups and IBC-enabled chains.
  • Reduces the cost and complexity of cross-chain interactions.

Polymer aims to become the central hub for interoperability in the Ethereum ecosystem, bridging the gap between Ethereum rollups and the broader blockchain landscape through IBC.

Learn more at Polymer Documentation