Blockchain Bridges: All you want to know!
Blockchain Bridges: All you want to know!
What
Are Bridges?
Blockchain bridges function the same way
as the bridges we have in the real world. Similar to how a bridge links two
physical sites, blockchain bridges two different blockchain systems developed
by Best Software Developers. Bridges enable exchange between blockchains via the transfer of data and assets.
Let's look at an example:
It's your home in the USA, and you're
considering an excursion to Europe. You've got USD; however, you'll need EUR to
purchase. To change your USD to EUR, you can utilize the currency exchange
facility at the cost of a small amount.
What do you do to perform a similar
transaction using a different cryptocurrency? Suppose you want to exchange Ethereum via the Ethereum Mainnet for
ETH on Arbitrum developed by Best Software Developers. Similar to the exchange we used for
EUR and EUR, we require an instrument to transfer your ETH out of Ethereum into
Arbitrum. Bridges allow for this to be feasible. In this scenario, Arbitrum has
a native bridge that can transfer ETH from Mainnet to Arbitrum.
Why do we need bridges?
Each blockchain has its limitations defined by top custom software development
companies. It
requires rollups to allow Ethereum to grow and keep pace with the demand.
Additionally, L1s like Solana or Avalanche are constructed differently to
facilitate higher efficiency but at the expense of decentralization.
However, all blockchains are developed
in isolation and are governed by distinct rules and consensus mechanisms. They cannot communicate directly, and
tokens cannot transfer freely across blockchains.
Bridges connect blockchains, which allow
the transfer of data or tokens.
Bridges enable:
·
the transfer of assets across chains, as well as information
·
Dapp's tap into the advantages of different blockchains, thereby
enhancing their capabilities (as protocols now have the greater design
flexibility to allow for new ideas).
·
Users can use new platforms and benefit from the benefits of
multiple chains.
·
Blockchain developers from various blockchain ecosystems
collaborate to create new platforms for users.
Bridge use
cases
Here are a few scenarios in that you
could use bridges:
Lower transaction costs
Suppose you own Ethereum on the Ethereum
Mainnet but want cheaper transaction costs to test various applications
developed by top custom software development
companies. You
can enjoy reduced transaction fees by connecting the ETH via the Mainnet into
an Ethereum L2 rollup.
Dapps for another cryptocurrency
If you've used Aave to Ethereum Mainnet
to lend USDT, the interest rate for lending USDT with Aave for Polygon is more expensive.
Explore the blockchain ecosystem
Suppose you have ETH stored on Ethereum
Mainnet and want to look into an alt L1 for a chance to play with the native
apps developed by top software development firms. You can use bridges that allow you to
move the ETH to Ethereum Mainnet to the alt L1.
Crypto assets owned by the native
currency
Suppose you wish to own your native
Bitcoin (BTC); however, you only have funds available on Ethereum Mainnet. To
increase the exposure of BTC on Ethereum, you can purchase Wrapped Bitcoin
(WBTC). But, WBTC is an ERC-20 token that is native to the Ethereum network
developed by top software development firms and is, therefore, the Ethereum
alternative to Bitcoin and is not the original asset that is on Bitcoin.
Bitcoin blockchain. To acquire native
BTC, you need to connect the assets you have between Ethereum and Bitcoin via
the bridge. This would bridge the gap between your WBTC to transform it into a
native BTC. Or, you may be BTC's owner and wish to use it through the Ethereum
DeFi protocol. This will require you to bridge the alternative route from BTC
to WBTC, which could be used as an asset in Ethereum.
It is also possible to do all this using
a central exchange developed by top software development companies in
the world. If
your funds are already in an exchange, it will take multiple steps, and you'll
likely prefer the bridge.
Bridge
types
Bridges are made of a variety of designs
and intricate. In general, bridges are classified into two types: trust bridges
as well as trustless bridges.
Trusted
Bridges:
·
Trusted bridges rely on a central system or entity to run their
business.
·
They are based on trust regarding the security of funds and that
security for the bridge. Most bridge users rely on the credibility of the
bridge's operator.
·
Users are required to surrender control of their cryptocurrency assets.
Trustless
Bridges:
·
Trustless bridges work through algorithmic contracts as well as
smart contracts.
·
They are not dependable, i.e., the bridge's security is exactly
the same as the blockchain used to create it.
·
With smart contracts and trustless bridges, they allow users to
keep the charge of their funds.
In a nutshell, you can say that
trustworthy bridges are based on trust assumptions, and trustless bridges have
no trust assumptions and don't have any new trust assumptions other than the
ones of the domains they are based on. These terms are explained:
·
Trustless: having the same security as the domains that are
used.
·
Trust assumptions: separating towards the protection of original
domains by introducing external verifiers to the system, making it less secure
in crypto-economic terms defined by top software development companies in the world.
To gain a better understanding of the
main difference between the two approaches, Let's consider an example:
Imagine that you're at a security
checkpoint at the airport. There are two kinds of checkpoints:
·
Manual Checkpoints are run by employees who manually check all
the details of your ticket and your identification before handing over your
ticket to the board.
·
Self Check-In is operated by a device that lets you enter your
flight information and get your ticket to board If everything is in order.
The manual checkpoint is similar to a
trust model in that it relies on the third entity, i.e., the officials who
oversee its operations. As an individual user, you trust officials to make the
best decisions and utilize your personal information safely.
Self-check-in is akin to a trustless
system developed by top software development company in that it eliminates the operator's
role and uses technology to perform its activities. The users are always in
control of their information and don't need to trust a third party with their private
data.
Many bridge solutions fall between these
two extremes, with different degrees of trustlessness.
Risk using bridges
Bridges are at the beginning phases of
construction. It is possible that the ideal bridge design hasn't yet been
found. Any interaction with a bridge is risky:
·
Smart Contract Risk -- the possibility of a glitch in the code,
which could cause the funds of the user to be lost
·
Technology Risk -- Software glitches, buggy code errors by
humans, and malicious attacks could affect user activities
Furthermore, bridges that are trusted
include trust assumptions and carry risk factors, including:
·
Censorship Risk Bridge operators could, in theory, stop users
from transferring their assets via the bridge
·
Custodial Risk Bridge operators can collaborate to extort users'
money
The user's money is at risk the
following scenarios occur:
·
There is a flaw in the smart contract.
·
The user commits an error
·
The blockchain itself is hacked
·
The bridge operators are malicious in a bridge that is regarded
as a trustworthy one.
·
The bridge is attacked.
One of the most recent hacks was the
Solana Wormhole bridge developed by top software development company, in which 120k WETH (325 million
dollars) was stolen in the hack. The majority of the most infamous blockchain
hacks involved bridges.
Bridges are
vital for allowing users to join Ethereum L2s and those who wish to try out
various ecosystems. However, because of the risks of using bridges, users
should be aware of the compromises bridges make. These are some methods for
cross-chain security.


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