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In all industries, generalization is eventually surpassed by specialization. Specialization is the key to success as systems become more complex. This is a trend that has been followed by technology for ages. Chip design has been divided into CPUs GPUs TPUs. Cloud computing was split up into three distinct categories: storage, computation, and databases. Blockchain is no exception.
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- When blockchain ecosystems mature and become more sophisticated, it is becoming clear that networks built with specific goals (data access, stablecoins, tokenized assets) will outperform chains designed for general purposes. The next important domain identified by experts as proof-verification, however, is just around the corner.
- Due to the high volume of verifications from zkVMs rollups and zkML, Ethereum’s gas L1 system is overloaded, resulting in a costly, unreliable and inefficient process for applications that require large scales.
- The use of special layers can reduce costs and delays, enable new proof types and support them. “verify once, use everywhere” Unlock modular efficiency and scalability across zkVMs and identity protocols.
The blockchain ecosystem, over the years, has fragmented into dedicated networks to provide data, stablecoins for tokenized assets and settlement layers that are optimized for security and speed. This path is followed by proof verification, which will follow the same trajectory. The layer is long overdue to have its own special layer.
Verification is key
Cryptographic applications and zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM) systems are producing more proofs now than ever. The production of rollups, privacy preserving apps and zkML is a major development. Each system generates a large volume of proofs which need to be verified. Although the demand for proofs is growing, infrastructure has not kept up.
EthereumETHOne proof check consumes between 200,000 and 300,000. This can cost up to $10 per check in times of high network traffic. The economics of these applications do not scale, especially for those that have to verify thousands or millions. Instead, the economics become unpredictible, since a unit’s profitability can fluctuate depending on volatile gas prices.
Developers will often try and work around EVM restrictions by converting proofs from STARKs (or SNARKs) to SNARKs. This can be useful but it also introduces complexity and inefficiency. There’s also some nuance here — newer proof types can’t always be verified on Ethereum. Our current infrastructure can’t handle the demand for proofs.
Simply add an additional layer for verification
How can I find the answer? Specialization. The use of a dedicated layer of verification that is capable of verifying the proofs with orders of magnitude greater volume will lower costs and reduce latency. It can also protect applications from volatile markets for L1 gases. This approach goes beyond simple efficiency. This framework embodies web3’s core values by emphasizing composability.
Specialization also means dedicated support for newer versions of existing verifiers — these are updated very frequently. Projects can adapt to market changes or remain ahead of the curve by supporting new proof types.
Imagine that an application could use a special verification layer, such as the zkVM protocol, gaming platforms, identity protocols, etc., to solve their problems. Verification becomes an ecosystem-wide primitive, rather than a project that solves the same bottleneck individually.
Who is the beneficiary?
Benefits of a dedicated verification layer are widespread across the ecosystem.
ZkVMs
Systems such as RISC zero or SP1 do not have to convert their STARK-based proofs into SNARK to meet EVM requirements. They can operate natively with a verification layer, thereby improving performance and decreasing costs.
Identification and authentication protocols
Apps which require frequent authentication proofs can do so predictably, and for a much lower price. The verification layers are able to support systems at global scales where millions of microproofs otherwise would be prohibitively costly.
Games and Entertainment
Online gaming relies heavily on fairness and randomness. Fast, low-cost verification allows games to embed fairness in mechanics, without disrupting gameplay. All of these, including leaderboards and economics in games, benefit from the elimination of trust.
AI systems and zkML
Machine learning and blockchain often cross paths as AI is becoming a more prominent feature of the technology landscape. It is possible to verify and batch-prove model integrity, or correctness of inferences. It opens the way for machine-driven AI and analytics decisions to be more distrustless. Because there is no trust, agents can better communicate and collaborate.
Applicable to cross-chain
In the multi-chain environment, redundancy has become a major issue. A verification layer enables a “verify once, attest everywhere” A framework that allows proofs generated in one system to be checked centrally, and referred to across chains.
Proof verification is a key enabler anywhere trust and efficiency meet.
A new generation of chains with a purpose
We’ve seen the benefits of specialization as multichain ecosystems grow.
Celestia, and EigenDA provide two examples. They have saved applications the trouble of having to reinvent themselves. Arc and Tempo, two chains that started with stablecoins as their primary currency, have tailored their infrastructure to be specifically designed for exchange and payments.
It’s about time that verification layers became the new area of innovation. These layers can be stacked with oracles DA network and settlement layer. They address a major bottleneck in the industry by handling proof verification exclusively. It can integrate any proof types and deliver proofs starting at $0.003, removing the requirement for STARK to SNARK conversion or aggregation.
Specialization is the next frontier. If blockchains for general use broke new ground, then specialization is what will lead us into the future. Dedicated verification layers can improve efficiency while opening up new possibilities for designers and users.
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Source: crypto.news
