Currently, Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) has become an important tool to improve the privacy and security of transactions. However, the verification of ZKPs on blockchain networks, especially Ethereum, still faces many difficulties, with high costs and low processing speeds. Therefore, Aligned Layer was born as an optimized solution to reduce the cost of ZK verification, optimize performance, and increase the security of the Ethereum network. So what is the special feature of Aligned Layer? Let's explore the blockchain that supports verification for Rollups through the article below!
What is Aligned Layer? Explore the blockchain that enhances verification for Rollups
What is Aligned Layer?
Aligned is a project aimed at accelerating the development roadmap of Ethereum by making the verification of Zero-Knowledge Proofs faster and cheaper, reducing costs to only 10%.
Aligned Layer project homepage
The project focuses on integrating various ZKP verification systems into Ethereum, without favoring any specific SNARK type. Aligned Layer has been and is developing according to a clear roadmap, with the support of many investors and partners in the industry. The ultimate goal is to build the infrastructure for trustless applications in the future based on verifiable and secure computations of Ethereum.
Distinctive features of Aligned Layer
The distinctive feature of the project is the cost support for projects through a verification model based on Zero-Knowledge technology and compatibility with EigenLayer. Specifically, Aligned Layer reduces the cost of verification by transferring the verification of ZKPs from the Ethereum network to an off-chain system of decentralized verification operators (Operators). Instead of relying on Ethereum with high gas costs and limited speed, Operators use specialized hardware to process faster and more efficiently.
At the same time, Aligned Layer applies a batching mechanism, bundling multiple proofs into a batch to share the verification cost among them, optimizing resource utilization.
The system also provides 2 operating modes: Fast Mode for applications that require high speed with low cost, and Aggregation Mode using recursive techniques to compress multiple proofs into one, reducing the verification cost when posting to Ethereum. By integrating with EigenLayer, Aligned Layer leverages the security of Ethereum without competing for blockspace, while supporting multiple verification systems, allowing developers to flexibly choose the appropriate technology.
These improvements not only significantly reduce costs but also increase throughput and overall efficiency for blockchain applications.
Components in Aligned Layer
Operating model of the Aligned Layer project
- Users: Create and submit ZK proofs that need to be verified, through CLI or SDK.
- Batcher: Aggregates proofs from users into batches, optimizing based on priority fees. The Batcher also manages payments through the Payment service contract and uploads data to the Data service.
- Payment Service Contract: Manages the payment for proof verification, ensuring fair transactions between users and the system.
- Data Service: Stores proof data and temporarily publishes it to serve the verification process.
- Service Manager Contract: A smart contract on Ethereum, managing the state of proof batches, emitting events, and verifying responses from the system.
- Operator: EigenLayer validators responsible for off-chain verification using optimized hardware instead of gas.
- Aggregator: Collects and aggregates BLS signatures from Operators, ensuring the required number before sending back to the Service Manager.
- Explorer: Provides visual information about batch status, proof counts, and system activities.
- Light Client: Randomly samples verifications to ensure the system's accuracy. If fraud is detected, it triggers the slashing process.
- Proof Service: Activates re-verification of proofs on Ethereum if there is a disagreement from the Light client.
- Proof Aggregator: Performs recursive verification to compress multiple proofs into one, helping to reduce the cost when posting to Ethereum.
Basic information about the ALIGN token
Key details of the ALIGN token
Token name | Aligned Layer |
Ticker | ALIGN |
Blockchain | Ethereum |
Token type | ERC-20 |
Contract | 0x50614cc8e44f7814549c223aa31db9296e58057c |
Total supply | 100,000,000,000 ALIGN |
ALIGN token allocation
ALIGN token allocation
Ecosystem and community: 44%
Foundation: 10%
Team: 23.5%
Investors: 22.5%
Utility of the ALIGN token
- Payment: Pay for proof verification through 2 models: Pay on demand and Subscription model.
- Security: Stake ALIGN tokens to protect the network and receive rewards from transaction fees.
- Governance: Allow token holders to participate in decisions about the network's architecture and technology.
- Ecosystem support: Fund application development, encourage the community, and maintain sustainable operations.
- Rewards and incentives: Distribute tokens to developers, contributing community members, and stakeholders related to the Ethereum ecosystem.
Project Development Roadmap
Project Development Roadmap
Q1 2024
Aligned MVP
Private testnet and Tendermint public testnet
Public White paper
Q2 2024
Private EigenLayer testnet
Public EigenLayer testnet
Q3 2024
Alpha Mainnet (Fast Mode)
Q4 2024
ZKRust Prototype
Aggregation Mode
Aligned Layer Project Development Team
Project Development Team
- Roberto José (RJ) Catalán: Founder.
- Federico Carrone: Founder.
- Diego Kingston: Founder and Head of Research.
- Mauro Toscano: Founder and Head of Engineering
Aligned Layer Investors
Investors in Aligned Layer Project
Aligned Layer has attracted the attention of many reputable institutional and angel investors in the blockchain space. The Series A funding round of $20 million was led by Hack VC, with participation from leading funds such as Lemniscap, Lambda Class, DAO5, L2Iterative, Nomad Capital, Symbolic Capital, and others like GM Ventures and ProtagonistXYZ.
Additionally, the project has received support from renowned angel investors such as Sreeram Kannan, Daniel Lubarov, and Ajit Tripathi, who have made significant contributions in the blockchain and Zero-Knowledge Proof fields.
Conclusion
Through this overview of the Aligned Layer project, Coin68 hopes that readers will have a basic understanding of this project to make their own investment decisions. Wishing you successful investments!
Note: The information in this article is not to be considered investment advice, and Coin68 is not responsible for any decisions you make.
