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Architecture Overview

VIA Labs provides a robust cross-chain messaging infrastructure that enables seamless communication between different blockchain networks without traditional bridges. This document explains the architecture and process flow of the VIA Labs cross-chain messaging system.

Process Flow#

The cross-chain messaging process follows these key steps:

  1. Origin Smart Contract Sends a Message:

    • The process begins when the origin smart contract on the origin blockchain calls the _sendMessage() function.
    • This function sends a message to the VIA Gateway Contract on the origin chain.

  2. Message Detection:

    • Validators "listen" to the gateway contracts to ensure a message is relayed.

  3. Multi-Layer Security Stack:

    • The message passes through multiple layers of security. Each layer must pass for the message to proceed.
    • See Security Model below for more information.

  4. Message Reception:

    • The VIA Gateway Contract on the recipient blockchain receives the relayed message from the Validation Cloud.
    • It forwards the message to the destination smart contract.

  5. Destination Code Execution:

    • The _processMessage() function in the destination smart contract processes the message received from the gateway contract.
    • This final step completes the communication, enabling the destination contract to take appropriate actions based on the message content.

Key Components#

Gateway Contracts#

Gateway contracts are essential components that enable different blockchains to communicate with each other:

  • Purpose: Handle the secure and efficient transfer of data and messages between networks.
  • Automated Setup: These contracts are pre-deployed by the system, so developers don't need to set them up manually.
  • Seamless Communication: They ensure that messages and data are correctly routed and processed between different blockchains.
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📘 Developers building cross-chain contracts do NOT need to interface with Gateway contracts directly. This is fully abstracted by the MessageClient.

Validation Cloud#

The Validation Cloud facilitates cross-chain communication by relaying messages from the source chain to the destination chain:

  • Purpose: Off-chain relayers in the validation cloud ensure seamless and reliable execution of cross-chain transactions within the VIA Labs ecosystem.
  • Execution Handling: Triggers the _processMessage() on the destination contract, ensuring correct operation execution.
  • Gas Reimbursement: An on-chain component pays initial gas fees for transactions. Destination contracts reimburse for these fees.
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📘 Developers building cross-chain contracts do NOT need to interface with the relayers/validation system. This is fully abstracted by the MessageClient.

Security Model#

VIA Labs' cross-chain network uses a multi-layered validation process to ensure the security and integrity of transactions:

VIA Layer#

  • Operated by: VIA Labs
  • Function: Validates transactions within the VIA Labs ecosystem
  • Consensus: Proof of Authority (no stake required, no validation rewards)

Chain Layer#

  • Managed by: Blockchain Foundations
  • Function: Each blockchain involved manages its own validation layer
  • Purpose: Ensures that messages exiting the blockchain are verified
  • Consensus: Proof of Authority (no stake required, no validation rewards)

Project Layer#

  • Operated by: Integrating dApps
  • Function: Projects can operate their own private validation layer
  • Purpose: Provides additional security tailored to the specific needs of the project
  • Consensus: Proof of Authority (no stake required, no validation rewards)

PoL Layer (Coming Soon)#

  • Operated by: Community (individuals, dApps, and foundations)
  • Requirement: Participants must stake $VIA tokens
  • Consensus: Proof of Liquidity (stake required, validators earn rewards)
  • Validation: 51% consensus mechanism

For a transaction to be processed, it must pass through all four layers. This multi-layered approach provides robust security for cross-chain messaging.

Use Cases#

VIA Labs' cross-chain messaging infrastructure enables a wide range of applications:

  • Cross-Chain Tokens and NFTs: Enable the creation and management of both cross-chain tokens and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
  • Rebroadcast Oracle Data: Oracle data can be broadcasted across many EVM chains.
  • Multi-Chain ICOs: For projects looking to raise capital through Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).
  • Lending: Cross-chain lending platforms can be built to allow users to lend and borrow assets across different blockchains.
  • Arbitrage Bots: Arbitrage opportunities across multiple chains can be identified and capitalized upon using bots built with cross-chain messaging.
  • Unified Metaverses: Build metaverses that span across multiple chains, creating a truly interconnected virtual world.
  • Social Media Notifications: Create social media notifications that are triggered by cross-chain events.