ZKsync Developer’s New ‘Elastic Chain’ Could Compete With Polygon’s AggLayer

The heart of ZKsync’s “3.0” version lies in the v24 upgrade, unveiled on June 7. According to Matter Labs’ blog post disclosed to CoinDesk, this update transforms ZKsync from a solitary ZK chain into an Elastic Chain.

In the ZKsync ecosystem, this Elastic Chain is constructed from several interconnected chains. However, end-users will experience it as if they’re interacting with just one unified chain.

In the previous year, Matter Labs introduced their ZK Stack – an innovative toolkit enabling developers to create their personal blockchains using ZKsync’s technology. Notably, all these custom-built chains would be interconnected via the Elastic Chain.

“Matter Labs described The Elastic Chain as a limitless network of ZK chains (rollups, validiums, and volitions), all mathematically fortified and harmoniously interconnected via a unified, user-friendly experience.”

As a crypto investor, I’m excited about the latest trend in blockchain technology that focuses on improving interoperability between various ecosystems. Matter Labs’ innovation, which I assume is referred to as “Loop,” is part of this new wave. Notably, Polygon, a significant competitor in the space, introduced a similar concept named “AggLayer” back in January. In simpler terms, both Loop and AggLayer aim to make it easier for users to navigate between different blockchain networks.

The new Elastic Chain will be composed of three core components, according to Matter Labs.

At the heart of the network lies the initial part, comprised of the “Native Token Depository” and “Communal Router.”

In simple terms, the team explained that these components were designed as Ethereum smart contracts, which are in charge of overseeing the network’s status and processing chain registrations.

As an analyst, I would describe it this way: The second element is ZKsync’s ZK Gateway, which functions as a middleware bridge between the Ethereum blockchain and ZKsync’s ZK chains. This connection facilitates seamless interaction between the various chains within the ZKsync ecosystem.

In unison, these fundamental elements enable ZK chains to effectively communicate and conduct transactions with one another, retaining the security of Ethereum, and constructing a network capable of expanding horizontally without jeopardizing the essential traits that make public blockchains so potent. (Matter Labs)