What is Polygon Add Layer?

Polygon introduced an infrastructure project where all Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains with zero knowledge proof (ZKP) infrastructure can serve users with a much simpler interface through a single infrastructure.

This infrastructure, which is called Aggregation Layer in its long form, is generally called AggLayer.

What are the Advantages of AggLayer?

Today, many Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, there are valuable applications and services developed on every blockchain. However, since data exchange between blockchains is one of the biggest problems of the blockchain ecosystem, users are forced to interact with different blockchains. The difficulty of use brought by this process makes it difficult for everyone, whether familiar with cryptocurrency systems or not.

With AggLayer, it is aimed to combine blockchains in a single infrastructure and eliminate the need for users to switch between different networks. AggLayer is an infrastructure in which both Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains can be integrated. In this way, various applications and services on all integrated blockchains are collected in one place.

Even if users interact with different blockchains while using applications and services on AggLayer, they will not notice this because AggLayer automatically resolves inter-chain data communication in the background without reflecting it to the user. In this way, Polygon aims to maximize the user experience and create a single infrastructure that everyone can easily use.
How Does AggLayer Work?

Blockchains integrated into AggLayer maintain their independence. In other words, they continue to work in the background according to their own algorithm principles. Each blockchain continues to produce its own blocks and publish hash algorithms for these blocks.

AggLayer creates a single hash code by collecting hash algorithms, which are block proofs produced by the blockchains integrated into it. The created hash code is added to the Ethereum blockchain, creating a security mechanism similar to the operating system of a classic Layer 2 blockchain.

The reason why AggLayer uses the Atomic Swap system is that the hash algorithms of all blockchains can take a long time to be compressed and uploaded to Ethereum as a single hash and approved. In order to accelerate inter-chain asset transfer, AggLayer uses the infrastructure called Optimistic Confirmation.

Optimistic Confirmation assumes that transactions made between chains are correct. It is not expected that a hash algorithm will be created for the desired transaction. After the transaction is confirmed and the transfer is made, it is checked whether the transaction is correct or not. If any negativity is detected, the transactions will be reversed. Additionally, penalties may be imposed on blockchains that are found to be acting in bad faith.

Although Optimistic Confirmation speeds up the process, possible malicious transactions pose the danger of disrupting the synchronization between chains. To eliminate this danger, AggLayer has decided to use the Atomic Swap mechanism.

Atomic Swap does not allow the transfer of assets without the mutual consent of users who want to switch between chains. For Atomic Swap, after both parties approve, it is sufficient for the transaction to take place in the AggLayer block. In this way, it is aimed to prevent synchronization disruption, possible threats and to speed up transactions.

It is intended that all these processes take place in the background and prevent users from struggling with complex processes.
Can Every Blockchain Use AggLayer?

To integrate into the AggLayer infrastructure, blockchains must be able to produce zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP). This is mandatory for different blockchains to speak the same language and to act together. Thanks to Atomic Swap, all chains with ZKP infrastructure can integrate with AggLayer.

When Will AggLayer Arrive?

Polygon announced that the first version of the AggLayer update will be operational in February 2024. The first version represents the infrastructure that will connect different blockchains.

The second version of AggLayer is planned to become operational in the later months of 2024. The second version will activate the Atomic Swap feature, which enables cross-chain asset transfer.