Cross-chain technology plays a crucial role in enabling interoperability between different blockchain networks and is essential for the advancement of Web3. Rather than simply covering well-known cross-chain bridges, this article takes a deep dive into the leading cross-chain solutions in the industry today. It explores major interoperability protocols such as LayerZero, Wormhole, and Axelar, along with emerging trends like chain abstraction, intent-based systems, and chain aggregation (Agglayer). The analysis focuses on the core principles, use cases, and market impact of these solutions. By examining cross-chain technology from a technical perspective, this article highlights its potential to enhance blockchain ecosystem interoperability and asset liquidity while offering valuable insights and forward-looking perspectives for industry professionals.
Abstract
Cross-chain solutions can be categorized into three major types based on the method of message verification: native verification, external verification, and local verification. Among them, external verification verifies cross-chain messages by introducing a group of external verifiers (witnesses) that are independent of both the source chain and the destination chain. Representative protocols include LayerZero, Wormhole, and Axelar, which are currently the mainstream choices.
Mainstream cross-chain standard protocols such as LayerZero, Wormhole, and Axelar provide essential infrastructure for the cross-chain market. LayerZero is complex yet flexible, Wormhole is minimalist yet powerful, supporting efficient and secure cross-chain message transmission, while Axelar focuses on expanding cross-chain interoperability. These protocols each have advantages in terms of security, flexibility, and connection design.
Chain abstraction simplifies the cross-chain transaction process for users by establishing a “cross-chain relay station,” improving the user experience. Projects such as Particle Network and UniversalX are working in this area. A similar concept, intent-based transactions, can be seen as a personalized “on-demand pickup assistant.” It is more user-centric, enabling cross-chain execution of user intentions through declarative constraints and solver networks. Projects like dappOS and Anoma have demonstrated significant potential in this regard.
Integrating AI and cross-chain technology brings new opportunities to the cross-chain sector. For example, Wormhole’s standardized API and low-latency features support AI agents in obtaining multi-chain data in real time and triggering cross-chain operations. This can potentially drive new models such as cross-chain liquidity mining and multi-chain AI strategy subscriptions, forming a full-chain economic network centered around AI Agents.
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Gate Research Gate Research is a comprehensive blockchain and crypto research platform that provides readers with in-depth content, including technical analysis, hot insights, market reviews, industry research, trend forecasts, and macroeconomic policy analysis.
* The information is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice or any other recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by Gate.io.
* This article may not be reproduced, transmitted or copied without referencing Gate.io. Contravention is an infringement of Copyright Act and may be subject to legal action.
Decentralized Science (DeSci) is becoming a crucial aspect of Web3 development, as it solves fundamental problems such as unequal research funding, intellectual property monopolies, and lack of transparency in scientific research. By leveraging DAO, IP-NFTs, and token economies, DeSci empowers scientific innovation, drives the real-world adoption of Web3, and accelerates progress toward fairer and more open research.
Pioneered by EigenLayer, Actively Validated Services (AVS) represent an innovative approach to blockchain security, leveraging the economic security of Ethereum's PoS consensus through restaking. This article delves into the operational mechanisms of EigenLayer AVS, examining its implications within the broader context of omnichain restaking. In this omnichain landscape, the AVS ecosystem is characterized by increasing diversification and competition. While challenges such as technical maturity and security risks persist, AVS promises to become a cornerstone of secure and trusted blockchain infrastructure, driving the growth of the crypto market. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of the AVS ecosystem.
With the similar backgrounds of Sui and Aptos, the debate over which will emerge as the leader in the Move-based blockchain space continues to heat up. This report takes a data-driven approach to explore the overall performance of the Sui and Aptos ecosystems in 2024. It covers key aspects such as network performance, user growth, capital inflows, ecosystem development, and token performance, providing a comprehensive analysis of their progress.
3/10/2025, 4:36:12 AM
Gate Research: A Comprehensive Look at Web3 Cross-Chain Services - Leading Protocols, Innovations, and Challenges
Cross-chain technology plays a crucial role in enabling interoperability between different blockchain networks and is essential for the advancement of Web3. Rather than simply covering well-known cross-chain bridges, this article takes a deep dive into the leading cross-chain solutions in the industry today. It explores major interoperability protocols such as LayerZero, Wormhole, and Axelar, along with emerging trends like chain abstraction, intent-based systems, and chain aggregation (Agglayer). The analysis focuses on the core principles, use cases, and market impact of these solutions. By examining cross-chain technology from a technical perspective, this article highlights its potential to enhance blockchain ecosystem interoperability and asset liquidity while offering valuable insights and forward-looking perspectives for industry professionals.
Cross-chain solutions can be categorized into three major types based on the method of message verification: native verification, external verification, and local verification. Among them, external verification verifies cross-chain messages by introducing a group of external verifiers (witnesses) that are independent of both the source chain and the destination chain. Representative protocols include LayerZero, Wormhole, and Axelar, which are currently the mainstream choices.
Mainstream cross-chain standard protocols such as LayerZero, Wormhole, and Axelar provide essential infrastructure for the cross-chain market. LayerZero is complex yet flexible, Wormhole is minimalist yet powerful, supporting efficient and secure cross-chain message transmission, while Axelar focuses on expanding cross-chain interoperability. These protocols each have advantages in terms of security, flexibility, and connection design.
Chain abstraction simplifies the cross-chain transaction process for users by establishing a “cross-chain relay station,” improving the user experience. Projects such as Particle Network and UniversalX are working in this area. A similar concept, intent-based transactions, can be seen as a personalized “on-demand pickup assistant.” It is more user-centric, enabling cross-chain execution of user intentions through declarative constraints and solver networks. Projects like dappOS and Anoma have demonstrated significant potential in this regard.
Integrating AI and cross-chain technology brings new opportunities to the cross-chain sector. For example, Wormhole’s standardized API and low-latency features support AI agents in obtaining multi-chain data in real time and triggering cross-chain operations. This can potentially drive new models such as cross-chain liquidity mining and multi-chain AI strategy subscriptions, forming a full-chain economic network centered around AI Agents.
(Click below to access the full report)
Gate Research Gate Research is a comprehensive blockchain and crypto research platform that provides readers with in-depth content, including technical analysis, hot insights, market reviews, industry research, trend forecasts, and macroeconomic policy analysis.
* The information is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice or any other recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by Gate.io.
* This article may not be reproduced, transmitted or copied without referencing Gate.io. Contravention is an infringement of Copyright Act and may be subject to legal action.
Decentralized Science (DeSci) is becoming a crucial aspect of Web3 development, as it solves fundamental problems such as unequal research funding, intellectual property monopolies, and lack of transparency in scientific research. By leveraging DAO, IP-NFTs, and token economies, DeSci empowers scientific innovation, drives the real-world adoption of Web3, and accelerates progress toward fairer and more open research.
Pioneered by EigenLayer, Actively Validated Services (AVS) represent an innovative approach to blockchain security, leveraging the economic security of Ethereum's PoS consensus through restaking. This article delves into the operational mechanisms of EigenLayer AVS, examining its implications within the broader context of omnichain restaking. In this omnichain landscape, the AVS ecosystem is characterized by increasing diversification and competition. While challenges such as technical maturity and security risks persist, AVS promises to become a cornerstone of secure and trusted blockchain infrastructure, driving the growth of the crypto market. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of the AVS ecosystem.
With the similar backgrounds of Sui and Aptos, the debate over which will emerge as the leader in the Move-based blockchain space continues to heat up. This report takes a data-driven approach to explore the overall performance of the Sui and Aptos ecosystems in 2024. It covers key aspects such as network performance, user growth, capital inflows, ecosystem development, and token performance, providing a comprehensive analysis of their progress.