I first heard about Across when Uniswap announced the permissionless multi-bridge that allows you to make cross-chain transactions directly from its interface and wallet using Across Protocol back in October. To be honest, I didn't bother looking up Across back then until the recent Binance listing announcement.
What does Across really solve or attempts to?
After all these booms and crashes, one of my biggest concern when buying any coin is what purpose does it server and what problem does the technology tries to solve (I'm not a fan of meme coins even though I have made profit trading them). So, let's look at Across! One of the biggest concerns with multi-chain bridges is security when transferring assets.
Across uses a security mechanism based on a modular architecture divided into three layers: the request layer, the relay layer, and the settlement layer. This modular system segments security responsibilities into the three separate layers, which would help reduce the risk of failures or vulnerabilities, and allows for more efficient and scalable management of the protocol. These layers perform specific functions that together form a complete cross-chain interoperability system.
Source: Across
How does the Across three-layer system works
In the request layer, users request for a quote. For example, I may want to transfer USDC from Ethereum to a second layer (L2) network or perform a token swap on the destination network. I deposit assets on the source network and specify what I want to happen on the destination network.
On the other hand, the second layer is designed to ensure that the transactions, which have been recorded and sent by the previous layer, are correct and valid. Relayers layer play a key role here. They compete to fulfill my quote. These competitive relayers advance their own capital to complete transactions and in return receive rewards in Across’ native token, ACX. Due to competition between relayers, I get my orders fulfilled “quickly and at low cost.”
Ultimately, once the relay has fulfilled my quote, the settlement layer ensures that the assets reach their final destination, be it the destination blockchain or my wallet. Settlement is done using UMA’s Optimistic Oracle (OO) data verification protocol, which minimizes on-chain actions and reduce costs.
Not so long ago when Fed rate was zero, a lot of startups surfaced claiming to solve XYZ which later turned out to be air or were attempts to reinvent the bus. Therefore, it's important to look the solution offered is actually of value. Across Protocol is different from other bridges like Synapse and Stargate Finance because of it's modular architecture and focus on efficiency.
Here I won't go into the technical details but here's an oversimplified explanation: Where most protocols bundle everything into a single system, Across divides the process into three layers which minimizes risks by isolating responsibilities, which helps avoid single points of failure. Also, unlike other popular protocols instead of validating everything upfront, the protocol assumes transactions are valid unless challenged, keeping operations fast and cost-effective. This along with non-reliance on liquidity pools makes a strong use case.
Across is solving a real problem with a scalable approach, and I have not find any usual red flags while searching about their team. This utility-driven design makes it worth considering, but just don't trust me blindly and do your own research.
Like and follow for more such articles, updates, and analysis!
