A New Era of Cross-Chain Container Layer — Innovation of Meerlink Protocol
The Design of Blockchain Internet
In the long-term exploration of blockchain scalability solutions, it seems that the Web3.0 field has formed an industry consensus.
This consensus suggests addressing the ‘impossible triangle’ in blockchain space, involving the trade-off between high security, decentralization, and scalability, through the adoption of layered or modular architecture.
This architecture involves breaking down the blockchain into distinct components, each dedicated to specific functions and tasks. Unlike trying to incorporate all functions within a single blockchain, each layer in the network focuses on particular tasks and performance aspects.
By separating functions such as transaction execution, consensus mechanism, and data availability at different levels, decentralization and security are ensured while enhancing network processing capabilities.
This design not only holds the promise of advancing blockchain technology but also appears to be the only viable solution in the current context, addressing the trilemma of high security, decentralization, and scalability simultaneously. This overcomes the traditional ‘impossible triangle’challenge.
How to achieve connectivity between blockchain networks of different layers is an urgent challenge. To address this issue, Qitmeer Network adopts a Modularization and pluggable design approach, building a solution with the “Cross-Chain Container Layer” at its core.
Therefore, Qitmeer Network has launched the first EVM-Hub network — QNG Network.
Its concept realizes bidirectional connection between Qitmeer network and other mainstream blockchains through the clever design of MeerEVM and Meerlink protocols. With the increasing number of blockchain connections, a prototype of “blockchain internet” has gradually formed.
The Meerlink Protocol Facilitates Cross-Chain Interoperability
Due to the layered architecture adopted by the Qitmeer Network, the connection between its networks is achieved through the innovative blockchain cross-chain communication protocol called the Meerlink Protocol.
Leveraging the high-speed ‘instant determinism’ of the MeerDAG consensus, the Meerlink Protocol achieves transaction synchronization consensus among different L1/L2 networks. This innovative design strengthens network connections, making cross-chain interactions more efficient and reliable.
What is the Cross-Chain Communication Protocol — Meerlink Protocol?
The Meerlink Protocol not only facilitates cross-chain interactions within the Qitmeer network but also supports the transfer of value (such as tokens) and data between heterogeneous chains. This means that blockchains with different sets of applications and validators can achieve interoperability.
In short, the Meerlink Protocol achieves two key objectives：
Consensus Interoperability
Given that different blockchains exist on independent network layers, this implies potential differences in network data structures, transaction consensus mechanisms, and application layers.
To ensure compatibility with the Meerlink protocol and achieve consensus between different networks, the consensus layer must possess high-speed finality.
Due to MeerDAG’s adoption of asynchronous accounting and a collaborative model, concurrent transactions can rapidly reach consensus in a very short time, inherently facilitating the synchronization of transaction data between networks.
Validation Nodes
Validation nodes maintain the smooth operation of the blockchain by sharing state information, participating in network governance voting, and validating new blocks with incoming transactions.
Each blockchain relies on an efficient set of validation nodes to ensure the validity of transactions and achieve consensus. In the Meer Network, these validators are endowed with the role of miners, contributing to the security and reliability of the network through a proof-of-work mechanism.
What is the working principle of the Meerlink Protocol?
The Meerlink protocol is the cross-chain interoperability protocol of the Qitmeer Network.
Now, let’s decrypt this innovative protocol by using an example of sending 10 Meer Coins (UTXO) in a cross-chain manner from an account on the Meer Network to the QNG Network.
Meer Coin is the native asset of the Qitmeer Network. It possesses secure asset storage and transfer capabilities, and can also be used for purposes such as paying smart contract gas fees. As the core asset of the network, Meer Coin has unlimited potential.
- Synchronization
The QNG Network continuously receives block header information from the Meer Network to ensure uninterrupted transaction synchronization. This enables the tracking of validator sets between chains. Essentially, each chain operates a lightweight client for another chain.
A light client is a type of blockchain client that only requires downloading block header information. Using Merkle Proof technology, it can verify the accuracy of query results. This not only provides users with a lightweight alternative to full nodes but also ensures robust security.
- Locked
When the Meerlink protocol initiates cross-chain asset transfers, Meer Coin (UTXO) will be securely locked on the Meer Network.
- Proof of Relay (PoR)
Next, by utilizing MeerContract, the proof of the contract involving the locking of 10 Meer Coins will be achieved, enabling precise synchronization from Meer Network to QNG Network.
- Verification
By validating the block header transaction contract proof of Meer Network on the QNG Network, consensus across-chain contract transactions on the main chain can be synchronized. Once validated, it will be exchanged in a 1:1 ratio for 10 Meer Coins (EVM) on the QNG Network.
Clear and traceable sources and Open Interfaces
Meer Coin on the QNG Network is not generated out of thin air but through a 1:1 equivalent exchange. This is because Meer Coin is produced solely through the PoW mechanism on the Meer Network.
This innovative equivalent exchange mechanism ensures the clear traceability of Meer Coin’s origin, adding transparency and reliability to the entire system.
Simultaneously, to ensure the Meerlink protocol maintains modularity and pluggability in the future, an open interface needs to be developed in terms of data structure and protocol design.
For instance, Qitmeer’s blocks reserve a field similar to Ethereum’s state root, offering a broader range of possibilities for extending compatibility with different blockchain networks.
