Heterogeneous Blockchain Harmonics
By Vakindu Philliam on The Capital
Blockchain interoperability is the ability to share information across different blockchain networks in perfect harmony regardless of the differences in each chain’s consensus algorithms and protocols.
A truly borderless chain network means heterogeneous blockchains are unified and able to communicate with one another. Currently, blockchain networks are standalone behemoths — each blockchain for itself. Smart contract assets created on the LISK SDK for example, have no value on AVA’s blockchain network. The differences in their consensus protocols make it impossible to perform cross-chain asset transfers.
A good analogy to demonstrate interoperability is the ReactJS library for building mobile apps. Before ReactJS, app developers had to build the same app separately for both the Android and iOS ecosystems. But thanks to ReactJS, developers only have to create one app that can run on both Android and iOS phones.
Block Collider:
One technology trying to resolve the interoperability paradox is Block collider, a small startup created by Arjun Raj and Patrick McConlogue.
The team behind the Block Collider believes using a heterogeneous blockchain protocol called the ‘Proof of Edit Distance’ (PoED) mining algorithm, should enable live swaps between blockchains, speeding up and expanding multichain-interoperability.
A multi-chain lets a series of blockchains come together, so if you have a blockchain app written in Ethereum’s solidity, for example, you can use a multi-chain to blend them or to ‘collide’ it so that it can run on another completely different blockchain like AVA’s P-Chain.
Block Collider uses a technology called Emblems, meta-tokens which will initially represent a basket of other uniquely-marked tokens. Emblems are used as keys to the different functionalities between chains.
In other words, Block Collider consumes other blockchains with a ‘propriety unique algorithm’ thus creating an entirely new meta-chain.
This should enable transfers, trades, and transactions between blockchains of all types regardless of the consensus algorithm these use.
Cosmos:
Cosmos is another promising project trying to crack blockchain interoperability. Cosmos’ architecture consists of several independent blockchains called “Zones” attached to a central blockchain called “Hub.”
According to the Cosmos white paper: “The zones are powered by Tendermint Core, which provides a high-performance, consistent, secure PBFT-like consensus engine, where strict fork-accountability guarantees hold over the behavior of malicious actors.”
Having a system which is fork accountable makes sure that hackers don’t cause a split in the system through their actions. This reduces the chances of a double-spend attack over heterogeneous blockchains. In theory, making for a more secure and seamless transfer of smart contracts from one chain system to another.
Cosmos is supported by the Interchain Foundation (ICF).
Polkadot:
Perhaps the most general purpose of these blockchain interoperability endeavors is a project funded by the Web3 Foundation to the tune of $145 million. Polkadot is a network protocol that allows arbitrary data — not just tokens — to be transferable across blockchains.
This means Polkadot is a true multi-chain application environment which could power DApps as diverse as cross-chain registries, IoTs, and computation devices.
Polkadot unifies a network of heterogeneous blockchains called parachains and parathreads. These chains connect to and are secured by the Polkadot Relay Chain. The parachains can also connect with external networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum via bridges.
Polkadot will enable all kinds of assets to be transferable cross-chain to any of the blockchains housed within its network.
While most interoperability projects aim at achieving token asset swapping across heterogeneous chains, Polkadot sets its bar higher. The platform hopes to support cross-chain computation, including DApp smart contract chains, IoTs, file storage systems, data analysis, and Oracle chains.
Conclusion:
The real test for Heterogeneous Blockchain Harmonics (H-B-H) is accommodating all the new consensus protocols published in white papers every week.
How to blend these new consensus algorithms into existing meta-chains without altering Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) rules.
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