Wormhole Introduces Support for Ethereum L2 Network X Layer

Introduction to X Layer

Wormhole has announced the integration of X Layer, an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) network, into its cross-chain interoperability platform. X Layer is designed to provide a secure and user-friendly blockchain experience by leveraging advanced cryptographic zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to ensure the validity and near-instant finality of off-chain transaction computations, according to Wormhole.

How X Layer Operates

X Layer functions as a validity rollup, processing transactions off-chain and posting data to Ethereum Layer 1 (L1). It verifies state by submitting Zero Knowledge Proofs to L1, confirmed through a smart contract. The zkEVM architecture of X Layer is divided into two main components:

• Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs): This technology validates batches of transactions through succinct proofs, ensuring computational trustworthiness and enabling scalability.
• Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): The EVM is the smart contract execution environment within the Ethereum ecosystem, enabling the execution of smart contracts and functioning as a global computing network. EVM computation is ZK-proven and verified on-chain.

Benefits of X Layer

Developers and users looking for the benefits of Ethereum and the EVM with lower costs and higher scalability will find X Layer appealing. Its zkEVM architecture supports thousands of transactions per second (TPS) while maintaining shared security with Ethereum L1. Key advantages include:

• Scalability and Flexibility: As an EVM Validium, X Layer offers scalability and flexibility concerning data availability.
• Lower Fees: X Layer reduces costs by avoiding high gas fees for storing transactions on the L1.
• ZK-Powered Scalability: The network isn't limited by the amount of transaction data that can be published to Ethereum, thanks to ZK-validity proofs.
• Ethereum Security: X Layer inherits Ethereum's security, ensuring user funds are protected with the highest security guarantees.
• Unified Liquidity: Seamless asset transfers and ZK-powered interoperability across CDK-based chains within the Polygon ecosystem.
• Near-Instant Finality: Cryptographically ensured transaction integrity, achieving near-instant finality and robust security.
• Powered by OKX: Integrates smoothly with OKX products, offering an all-in-one Web3 gateway and access to 50 million users in the OKX ecosystem.
• Gateway to Web3: Users can enter the Web3 world via OKX Wallet, built with compact infrastructure modules to support innovative dApps.

Asset Transfers with X Layer

Users with assets on any of Wormhole’s 30+ connected blockchains can transfer to or from X Layer using the Portal Bridge. The steps to do so include:

1. Visit Portal Bridge.
2. Connect your wallet.
3. Select X Layer as the source or target chain for your transaction.
4. Complete the transfer process.

Application Integration

Developers interested in enabling token transfers to and from X Layer can do so with just three lines of code via Wormhole Connect. This tool allows developers to integrate wrapped and native token transfers directly into their application UIs, enabling seamless bridging across Wormhole’s 30+ connected blockchains, secured by the Wormhole Guardians. To get started, developers can check out the NPM package.

About Wormhole

Wormhole is a leading interoperability platform that powers multichain applications and bridges at scale. It provides developers access to liquidity and users on over 30 major blockchain networks, enabling a wide range of use cases, including DeFi, NFTs, and governance. The platform is trusted by notable teams like Circle and Uniswap and has facilitated over $40 billion in transfers through more than 1 billion cross-chain messages.