Tangle Network Overview
The Tangle Network is a specialized platform engineered to support and govern cross-chain Zero-Knowledge (ZK) applications. Leveraging the robust Substrate blockchain framework, the Tangle Network forms the core infrastructure to facilitate a new generation of privacy-enhancing and governance-decentralized applications.
The Tangle Network's unique offering centers around the intersection of cross-chain functionality, familiar EVM tooling and compatibility, advanced governance systems, and the world of ZK applications. Our network seamlessly merges these distinct elements, creating an ecosystem that amplifies the strengths of each component.
Key Features
Cross-Chain Functionality and EVM Compatibility
The Tangle Network breaks traditional chain boundaries, allowing seamless interaction, data exchange, and operation of ZK applications across different blockchain networks. Leveraging the power of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) on Substrate, developers can utilize familiar EVM tooling and compatibility to build decentralized applications (DApps), create Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and utilize ERC20 tokens across multiple networks.
Advanced Governance
The Tangle Network implements an innovative governance model based on Distributed Key Generation (DKG) protocol. The DKG protocol serves as a security instrument for the Tangle Network's cross-chain Anchor zkApps, ensuring the validity of bridge updates with crypto-economically secured threshold-signatures.
Distributed Key Generation (DKG)
DKG stands for Distributed Key Generation, which is a cryptographic multi-party protocol where multiple parties contribute to the creation of a shared public and private key. In the Tangle Network's ecosystem, DKG is primarily used for generating threshold signatures, providing enhanced security for the network.
The DKG consists of two protocols that each network participant runs independently: Threshold Key Generation and Threshold Signature Schemes.
Benefits and Use of DKG
The DKG protocol plays a crucial role in the governance of distributed applications, specifically the Anchor System within the Tangle Network. By utilizing DKG, the network ensures the integrity and security of signed messages. The DKG's threshold signatures provide robustness against attacks and enhance the trustworthiness of the Tangle Network.
Additionally, various pre-processing protocols are utilized to improve the security of end-user applications that rely on DKG. These protocols help prevent malicious proposals from being signed by the DKG. For example, a majority voting protocol may be implemented to require a majority of parties to signal the validity of a message before it is processed by the DKG.
The trust placed in the DKG through its secure and reliable threshold signatures allows for a more robust and secure governance model within the Tangle Network, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of operations.
Privacy-Enhancing ZK Applications
Privacy is a paramount concern in the Tangle Network. By providing an infrastructure for Zero-Knowledge (ZK) applications, we enable users to experience a new generation of privacy-enhancing functionalities. ZK applications empower users to transact, communicate, and interact privately while maintaining the security and immutability of blockchain technology.
Built on Substrate
The Tangle Network is built on Substrate, an advanced blockchain framework renowned for its flexibility, scalability, and cutting-edge features. This strategic choice ensures that our platform remains at the forefront of speed, security, and scalability, serving as a reliable backbone for the Tangle Network. Leveraging Substrate's modular architecture, we enable seamless interaction and interoperability with other blockchain networks.
Test Networks
Currently, the alpha release of Tangle Network is available for testing and experimental use.
Roadmap
The following is subject to change as DAO governance supports different initiatives.
Phase 1
- Test Runtime Upgrade
- Finalize Tangle Token Distribution
- Launch Incentivized testnet
Phase 2
- Update Tangle Genesis for Launch
- Distribute TNT Tokens
- Launch Democracy Governance
- Launch OFAC VAnchor Bridges
Phase 3
- Launch Cross-chain Transfers
- Validator Staking Upgrades
- Launch Semaphore VAnchor bridges
Phase 4
- Remove Sudo
- Improve Relayer & Proposer Security
Participate
Interested in what we are building at Webb? Clone the below repositories, and start contributing to a private cross-chain future!
Run a Relayer
Running a relayer helps keep our bridges up to date by relaying the necessary data between both applications and the Tangle Network.
Participate in Governance
Through governance, you can create proposals for updating cross-chain applications.
Develop new applications and research
Reach out and build new applications on Webb!