With a growing list of digital and blockchain-based applications, services, and solutions available, it’s no wonder that the web is seeing an influx of cross-chain and multi-chain networks (MCN). These initiatives aim to make the web more decentralized by enabling various blockchains to communicate with one another.
This post explains what cross-chain and multi-chain are, who’s involved in them, their benefits, examples, risks & challenges, and how you can get involved in this exciting new decentralized world.
What are cross-chain and multi-chain networks?
In simple terms, a cross-chain and multi-chain network is a blockchain that enables communication between multiple blockchains with no central authority required. These networks create a decentralized, distributed, and trustless architecture that’s similar to that of a decentralized peer-to-peer network.
In other words, it uses the trustless and decentralized architecture of the blockchain to provide a decentralized, decentralized, and trustless network. The network’s security is provided by the blockchain’s decentralized architecture.
Cross-Chain
A cross-chain or cross-chain connection is a connection between two or more blockchains without using the mainchain. This connection can be virtual, where two or more blockchains communicate with each other through a special extension or “plugin.” The most common use for a cross-chain connection is to facilitate token swaps.
In a cross-chain connection, you exchange tokens on one blockchain for other tokens on another blockchain. For example, let’s say projects A and B use the Ethereum blockchain to exchange digital assets, but they don’t have the financial capability to manage the entire network. They can instead swap tokens on a cross-chain network, which uses another blockchain to facilitate the exchange.
This type of connection is relatively quick and easy to set up, and it doesn’t require the parties to have deep pockets.
Multi-Chain
A multi-chain network is a collection of multiple cross-chain and/or cross-token networks that operate as one continuous ecosystem. This means that users can seamlessly switch between different networks without losing existing assets or data.
A frequent feature of blockchain networks is the so-called “distributed ledger,” which is a continuously growing list of records that are verified and validated through cryptography. All transactions on the network are verified and logged in this distributed ledger, and the network itself acts as a decentralized database. The distributed ledger is what underpins a multi-chain network.
Benefits of Cross-Chain and Multi-Chain Networks
With the advancement of blockchain technology, decentralized networks have become possible. These networks allow various blockchains to communicate with one another without any central authority required. This, in turn, has led to a new breed of decentralized applications, known as “dApps,” which can run on these networks.
Key Takeaway
The more platforms and technologies involved in a cross-chain or multi-chain network, the more decentralized and distributed the network. A cross-chain or multi-chain network works like a decentralized peer-to-peer network, but instead of using the computers on one blockchain to validate and log transactions on another, it uses the computers on multiple blockchains.
This makes the network more decentralized, distributed, and secure. Additionally, the added benefit of not having to build a blockchain from scratch is welcomed by all parties involved.