Last week, Polygon introduced a new technology called the “type 1 prover” that helps EVM-compatible blockchains use zero-knowledge proofs. This tool is set to launch later this year and will be added to Polygon’s software toolkit. Unlike Polygon’s previous proving method, the type 1 prover works with any EVM chain without needing any significant changes, according to Brendan Farmer, a co-founder of Polygon.
Polygon Labs plans to use this prover to turn various blockchains, like side chains and optimistic roll-ups, into valiums. Validiums are a type of Layer 2 network that uses zero-knowledge proofs to work more efficiently and cut transaction costs. They store evidence of transactions on the Ethereum mainnet but keep the actual transaction data off-chain, which is different from ZK-Rollups that also post transaction data on the mainnet.
Farmer mentioned that projects could also opt to become ZK-rollups using the type 1 prover, depending on what the team decides is best.
Switching to a ZK-based network, such as valium or ZK-rollups, could benefit Layer 2 projects by removing the seven-day waiting period for withdrawals with optimistic roll-up solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum. Farmer highlighted that this delay adds extra costs for users who use third-party bridges for transactions.
He pointed out that users currently pay millions to these bridges, a cost that could be significantly reduced with a move to a ZK-based network.
With the shift to ZK technology, chains can be linked using Polygon’s AggLayer interoperability protocol, aiming for secure and seamless connections between blockchains. The first version of AggLayer is expected in February, allowing developers to integrate different blockchains.
This approach aims to maintain consistent security across various chains, playing a vital role in the upcoming Polygon 2.0 network, which will consolidate zero-knowledge proofs from all connected chains for enhanced interoperability.
