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Version: Endpoint V2 Docs

Omnichain Mesh Network

LayerZero overcomes the limitations of existing cross-chain networks that have sparse connectivity and inconsistent communication interfaces by providing a uniform and densely connected mesh network across all supported blockchains.

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An Omnichain Mesh Network refers to a densely connected web where any chain can communicate with any other chain directly using a predictable and stable interface, making data and value transfer across blockchains seamless.

The LayerZero protocol is designed to maintain a consistent level of security and reliability across all these connections despite the different security semantics and design logic each individual blockchain might have.

Omnichain Features​

  • Universal Network Semantics: The network ensures uniform standards for packet delivery regardless of the blockchain pairs connected. This means that data packets are reliably transferred across chains without censorship and are delivered exactly once to their intended destinations.

  • Modular Security Model: Unlike other cross-chain services that use a one-size-fits-all security approach, LayerZero protocol offers a combination of configurable and non-configurable security guarantees.

    • Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs) verify messages, can be configured by the application, and allow developers to determine which security and cost-efficiency models best fit their application's needs.

    • Configurable Block Confirmations enables the OApp owner to protect their OApp from block reorganizations on the source chain by configuring an amount of blocks for DVNs to wait for before verifying a message.

    • Fundamental security features like protection against censorship, replay attacks, and unauthorized code changes are built into the core immutable interfaces of the network (LayerZero Endpoint).

  • Pathway Security: While the network maintains universal standards, it also recognizes that each pathway might need a different security configuration. Each pathway is defined by a source blockchain, source application, destination blockchain, and destination application; pathways can be individually configured to ensure that security and cost are tailored to the specific needs of each connection.

  • Chain Agnostic Applications: Thanks to these universal semantics, developers can create Omnichain Applications (OApps) that work seamlessly across all different blockchains.