Overview
BeL2's architecture is designed to connect Bitcoin with other blockchain networks while maintaining Bitcoin's fundamental principles of security and decentralization. This overview provides a comprehensive understanding of how BeL2 achieves this integration and enables new possibilities for Bitcoin in the world of decentralized finance.
The architecture consists of several key components that work together to bridge Bitcoin with EVM-compatible chains. The following diagram illustrates this:
This diagram shows the connections between the Bitcoin network and EVM-compatible chains in the BeL2 system. Let's break down these components and their roles:
zkBTC Full Nodes are specialized nodes that can run on ordinary hardware, even mobile phones. They provide full Bitcoin node functionality with the added benefit of zero-knowledge proofs. These nodes monitor the Bitcoin network and generate proofs of transactions.
The Cairo Circuit is used to generate and verify Bitcoin transaction proofs. It's essential for creating zero-knowledge proofs that can be verified on other chains, ensuring privacy and scalability in transaction verification.
The Arbitrator Network, including Arbitrator Nodes, is central to the architecture. They facilitate the transmission of data and proofs between the Bitcoin network and other blockchains. Think of it as the control center managing the flow of information across different blockchain ecosystems.
The EVM ZKP Contract bridges Bitcoin transactions with EVM-compatible chains. It receives, processes, and verifies zero-knowledge proofs of Bitcoin transactions, enabling the integration of Bitcoin's value and security into the world of smart contracts and decentralized finance.
The Transaction Verifier Contract is a smart contract deployed on EVM-compatible chains. It receives and processes requests to verify Bitcoin transactions, storing a list of verified transactions. This allows other contracts to know when a Bitcoin transaction has been confirmed without needing to understand the intricacies of the Bitcoin network.
The BeL2 SDK serves as a toolbox for developers, allowing them to build applications that leverage the power of BeL2's architecture. It simplifies the process of creating DApps that can interact with both Bitcoin and EVM-compatible chains.
How It All Works Together
The zkBTC Full Nodes monitor the Bitcoin network and create proofs of transactions using the Cairo Circuit. The Arbitrator Network then takes these proofs and relays them to the EVM-compatible chains. On the EVM side, the EVM ZKP Contract and the Transaction Verifier Contract work together to verify Bitcoin transactions without needing to understand the complexities of the Bitcoin network. The EVM ZKP Contract specifically handles the zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring efficient and privacy-preserving verification of Bitcoin transactions on EVM chains.
Developers can use the BeL2 SDK to create DApps that leverage this bridge, opening up a world of possibilities for Bitcoin in the realm of smart contracts and decentralized finance.
These features combine to create a robust ecosystem where Bitcoin can interact with smart contract platforms, enabling a wide range of applications while maintaining the highest levels of security and decentralization.
Imagine using your Bitcoin as collateral for a loan on an Ethereum DApp, or participating in yield farming with your BTC without ever leaving the security of the Bitcoin network. That's the kind of innovation BeL2's architecture enables.
By understanding these architectural components and their interactions, you can appreciate how BeL2 is expanding the possibilities for Bitcoin, opening up new horizons for decentralized finance and blockchain interoperability.