Scroll #2: Wormhole Protocol

The Multi-chain Asset Transfer Protocol

Introduction

The blockchain ecosystem is evolving toward a multi-chain paradigm where assets on one chain can be utilized across various networks. We now regularly encounter wrapped versions of BTC, ETH, and SOL on chains beyond their native environments. These asset migrations function as liquidity extensions, allowing tokens with established value to be accessible across multiple blockchains. To facilitate this liquidity fluidity and cross-network interoperability, blockchain bridges have emerged, creating systems where assets can move seamlessly between chains through lock-and-mint and burn-and-unlock processes.

An illustration of a cross-chain bridging process.

Millions of blockchain users currently employ these bridging mechanisms, and as cross-chain transactions become increasingly mainstream, the vision of blockchain as an interconnected multi-chain ecosystem has been firmly established.

Blockchain cross-chain communication has evolved beyond simple token transfers between networks. Other blockchain functionalities—such as NFT transfers and cross-chain contract instructions (where a smart contract on one chain directs another smart contract on a different chain to execute specific computations or transactions)—can benefit from cross-chain interoperability. However, traditional bridges are inadequate for these more complex interactions. To address this limitation, Generic Message Passing (GMP) Protocols were developed. These systems are exemplified by Polkadot's XCM (Cross Consensus Messaging) for communication between its Parachains, Cosmos's IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) for its Zones, and the Wormhole protocol.

Notably, Cosmos and Polkadot aren't conventional blockchain networks but infrastructural platforms known as Layer 0s, upon which fully functional Layer 1 blockchains are built to enable seamless interoperability.

A descriptive Image of how Blockchain Networks are classified.

While XCM and IBC are ecosystem-specific—serving only networks integrated with Polkadot and Cosmos infrastructures respectively—Wormhole emerges as the versatile solution, using its GMP capabilities to connect chains across diverse blockchain ecosystems, establishing itself as a true multi-chain network. In this article, we explain how the Wormhole protocol functions, what capabilities it offers, and how Solana users can leverage it to access liquidity and execute instructions across different blockchain networks.

Wormhole & GMPs

Generic Message Passing differs fundamentally from bridging as it enables blockchains to communicate in more versatile ways beyond simple asset transfers. This approach creates systems that transcend the traditional locking/minting or burning/unlocking mechanisms, functioning more like direct messaging between contracts on different chains. These contracts can recognize and respond to instructions appropriately, whether those instructions involve asset transfers or specific transaction commands.

A simple Illustration of how a GMP Protocol operates.

GMP protocols facilitate cross-blockchain transactions across similar blockchain ecosystems (such as Polkadot's XCM and Cosmos's IBC) and dissimilar blockchain networks (such as those implemented by the Wormhole protocol and the Axelar Network).

Wormhole is a multi-chain GMP protocol that enables communication between both similar and dissimilar blockchains through a message-passing-as-a-service approach. It broadcasts messages to all connected networks without requiring predefined destination chains, allowing participating contracts to recognize their communicating peers.

A simple illustration of how the Wormhole Protocol operates

This system provides secure cross-chain contract communication, where contracts are specifically configured to identify when peers are communicating through the Wormhole protocol, thus embodying a true blockchain messaging system. Currently supporting secure messaging across 39 blockchains, Wormhole has become one of the most widely adopted messaging protocols in the blockchain ecosystem, though it originated as a bridge between Solana and Ethereum (two structurally dissimilar blockchains).

The Wormhole Protocol Components

For Wormhole to operate differently from most bridges and GMPs, several key components enable its distinctive communication approach:

Guardians and the Guardian Network

Guardians function as message validators who verify that communications passing through the Wormhole Protocol adhere to protocol rules. To perform this role effectively, each Guardian maintains full history node access across all blockchains integrated with Wormhole. The protocol employs 19 Guardians to secure its network, requiring a supermajority consensus of at least 13 Guardians to confirm a message before broadcasting it across participating networks. The Guardian Network itself operates as a private blockchain accessible only to these 19 Guardians, serving as the central verification hub where messages from all connected blockchains are validated before transmission to receiving networks.

Smart Contracts: Core Contracts & Emitter Contracts

Wormhole's functionality is primarily enabled through smart contracts that send, receive, process, and execute cross-chain messages—including data updates, event triggers, transactions, and other smart contract invocations. These smart contracts act as helper programs facilitating information transfer across all participating blockchains.

The Wormhole Protocol employs two distinct contract types:

1. Core Contracts: Deployed by Wormhole across all participating blockchains, these contracts manage message transmission between the blockchain and the Guardian Network.

2. Emitter Contracts interface with Core Contracts to send or receive information. They are either developed by third-party developers using Wormhole or are specialized contracts deployed by Wormhole itself.

VAAs, Spies, and Wormhole APIs

For Core Contracts to verify message authenticity, Guardians provide a consensus-based stamp of approval called Verifiable Action Approvals (VAAs). These signed attestations confirm that the Guardian Network has observed and verified cross-chain messages. VAAs are transmitted through Wormhole Core Contracts alongside cross-chain messages as proof of authenticity.

Both bridging and Generic Message Passing require time for verification and execution. To provide users with transaction visibility, Wormhole employs background programs called "Spies" (a type of daemon) that monitor message confirmation progress within the Guardian Network and report status updates to transaction initiators. These daemons communicate VAA and Guardian information to users and developers through the Wormhole Guardian API, enabling tracking of VAA distribution and Guardian attestations.

Relayers

Relayers are entities or programs responsible for transmitting data between blockchains. In Wormhole's architecture, they function as off-chain processes that receive cross-chain messages and VAAs from the Guardian Network and deliver them to Core Contracts across the Wormhole ecosystem. Wormhole utilizes two relayer types:

1. Standard Relayers: A decentralized network of relayers that deliver cross-chain messages on-chain through Core Contracts.

2. Specialized Relayers: Purpose-built relayers that handle VAAs for specific cross-chain applications, enhancing the distribution process for those particular clients and improving scalability.

The Wormhole GMP Process

The full illustration of the Wormhole GMP Protocol.

The entire Generic Message-Passing process in the Wormhole protocol from transaction initiations to finality is described below:

Initiation (Step 1)

An image that illustrates the Transaction Initiation stage of the Wormhole GMP process

1. User connects their wallet to a Wormhole-powered cross-chain application

2. User submits an on-chain transaction to the Emitter Contract, specifying information/asset and destination blockchain

Source Chain Processing (Step 2)

The Source Chain Processing stage of the Wormhole GMP process.

1. Emitter Contract executes instructions and emits transaction information via a smart contract call

2. Wormhole Core Contract formats the message with the emitter address, sequence number, and consistency level

3. Core Contract broadcasts this formatted message to the Guardian Network

Guardian Validation (Step 3)

The Guardian Validation Stage of the Wormhole GMP process.

1. Guardian Network validates the message against protocol rules

2. At least 13 of 19 Guardians must verify and sign the message

3. Upon reaching a consensus, Guardians produce a Verifiable Action Approval (VAA)

4. VAA uses the tschnorr signature system, preventing the identification of specific contributing Guardians

Cross-Network Distribution (Step 4)

The Cross-Network Distribution Stage of the Wormhole GMP process.

1. Guardian Network multicasts the VAA to all chains in the Wormhole ecosystem

2. VAAs follow standard header format (Chain ID, Emitter Address)

3. Spy programs monitor VAA finality, observations, and Guardian activity

Destination Chain Delivery (Step 5)

The Destination Chain Delivery Stage of the Wormhole GMP process.

1. Client application receives the VAA via either:

- Standard Relayer network, or

- Specialized Relayer (for specific cross-chain applications)

2. Relayers transmit the VAA to the Wormhole Core Contract on the destination blockchain

Execution and Completion (Step 6)

The Execution and Completion stage of the Wormhole GMP process.

1. Destination Contract decodes and translates the VAA information

2. Smart Contract processes instructions into appropriate actions (data updates, transactions, contract invocations)

3. User's wallet receives the transferred asset or information

4. Transaction is completed on the destination blockchain

Wormhole Functions

Wormhole as a GMP facilitates several critical cross-chain actions including Token Transfer, NFT Transfer, and Governance Message Passing. Each serves a distinct function within the ecosystem:

Governance Message Passing

This process enables administrative and operational control across blockchains. An Emitter Contract sends a message through the Wormhole Protocol which, when decoded by the receiving Smart Contract, triggers specific actions such as data updates, event executions, or invocations of other Smart Contracts. This capability allows for coordinated governance across multiple blockchain environments.

Token Transfer Message Passing

Wormhole supports two types of token transfers: standard Token Transfers and Token Transfers with payload. The latter includes additional instructions, such as swap directives or contract-specific operations, alongside the basic transfer. During this process, an Emitter sends a message through the Guardian Network, resulting in a VAA that instructs the Recipient Smart Contract to either mint wrapped tokens or unlock native assets on the destination blockchain. The Guardians authenticate the VAA by verifying that the corresponding tokens were locked or burned on the source blockchain.

NFT Transfer Message Passing

This specialized process enables the movement of non-fungible tokens across blockchains. When an Emitter sends an NFT transfer message through the Guardian Network, the resulting VAA instructs the destination Smart Contract to mint a wrapped NFT or unlock a native NFT. The Guardian Network verifies that the original NFT was properly locked or burned on the source blockchain. A distinctive feature of NFT transfers is the inclusion of a `token_id` field in the VAA header, which preserves the NFT's unique identity across chains. Wormhole also supports NFT Collection Migration, where native NFTs are burned on their original chain to mint identical NFTs on a new blockchain. This burn-and-mint mechanism represents an innovative approach pioneered by the Wormhole Protocol.

Why Is Wormhole Important to Solana

Wormhole opens Solana to limitless cross-chain possibilities.

Wormhole important Solana because its used to do the following:

Increased Interoperability: Wormhole enables seamless asset transfer and cross-chain communications between Solana and networks across the EVM, Polkadot, Cosmos, and other blockchain ecosystems. This allows developers and users to interact securely with multiple blockchain environments from a single entry point.

Enhanced Liquidity: On-chain asset transfers through Wormhole enable users to bring liquidity from other blockchains to Solana in the form of established assets like ETH and BTC. This significantly boosts the growth of DeFi applications on Solana by increasing available capital and trading volume.

Expanded Use Cases: With Wormhole, developers can build cross-chain applications that leverage assets on both Solana and other blockchains through a streamlined communication process. This allows other blockchain ecosystems to tap into Solana's high transaction speed and low fees while continuing to use their preferred assets. Examples include cross-chain DeFi protocols, NFT transfers between multiple blockchains, cross-chain gaming applications, and decentralized governance systems spanning multiple networks.

Accessibility: Wormhole significantly simplifies the process of moving assets to and from Solana, making it easier for users from different blockchain ecosystems to access and utilize Solana-based applications and assets. This streamlined cross-chain experience removes technical barriers that previously limited cross-ecosystem participation.

Liquidity Extension: Through Wormhole, Solana native assets like SOL, W Token, and BONK can extend their utility, liquidity pools, and communities beyond the Solana network. This transforms Solana-native tokens into multi-chain assets through two primary methods: Native Token Transfer (NTT), where assets like W Token exist natively across several blockchains, and wrapped asset transfers, where wrapped versions of tokens like SOL and BONK are created on destination chains.

How To Get Started with Wormhole

For users, getting started with Wormhole is remarkably straightforward as its functionality is already embedded in many popular DeFi platforms across Solana's ecosystem, including Jupiter, Orca, Raydium, Drift Protocol, and Mayan Finance. These platforms have integrated Wormhole's cross-chain capabilities directly into their interfaces, eliminating the need for users to interact with Wormhole separately.

Developers and projects building on Solana who wish to implement cross-chain functionality should begin by exploring Wormhole's comprehensive documentation and service offerings. This approach provides the technical guidance necessary to properly integrate Wormhole's Generic Message Passing protocol into their applications, enabling secure and efficient cross-chain operations for their users.

Conclusion

Wormhole serves as an effective cross-blockchain communication infrastructure by establishing secure pathways between multiple blockchain networks, thereby enabling the seamless flow of information and value. This interoperability unlocks access to previously siloed liquidity pools across the broader blockchain ecosystem, creating a more connected and efficient multi-chain landscape.

Wormhole is vital to Solana's ecosystem as it significantly extends Solana's reach, enhances cross-chain liquidity flows, and improves overall accessibility by creating secure bridges to diverse blockchain networks. By enabling seamless interoperability, Wormhole amplifies Solana's inherent advantages of high throughput and low transaction costs while unlocking new use cases that transcend the limitations of a single blockchain environment.

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