Research Summary
The report delves into the technical aspects of cross-L2 reading for wallets and other use cases, focusing on the importance of L1 + cross-L2 support, wallet security, and privacy. It explores the challenges with counterfactual addresses, implementation of asset/keystore separation architecture, and various proof schemes including Merkle proofs, ZK-SNARKs, and special-purpose KZG proofs. The report also discusses cost considerations, Verkle trees, and the potential for aggregating proofs to save gas.
Key Takeaways
Deeper Dive on Cross-L2 Reading for Wallets and Other Use Cases
- Importance of Cross-L2 Support: The report emphasizes the value of thinking about L1 + cross-L2 support, wallet security, and privacy as necessary features of the ecosystem stack.
- Technical Aspects of Cross-L2 Reading: Focuses on the technical aspects of reading L1 from L2, L2 from L1, or an L2 from another L2. This is crucial for implementing asset/keystore separation architecture.
- Challenges with Counterfactual Addresses: Discusses the need to handle counterfactual addresses that have not yet been registered on-chain but need to securely hold funds.
Implementation of Asset / Keystore Separation Architecture
- Two Ways to Implement: The report outlines two methods to implement asset/keystore separation architecture, highlighting the upsides and downsides of each.
- Complexity of Cross-Chain Proof: Explains the complexity of cross-chain proof, including the most difficult case where the keystore is on one L2, and the wallet is on a different L2.
- Proof Schemes: Explores five major options for proof schemes, including Merkle proofs, general-purpose ZK-SNARKs, special-purpose proofs, Verkle proofs, and direct state reading.
Cost and Efficiency Considerations
- Cost of Merkle Proofs: Analyzes the cost of Merkle proofs, highlighting that they are long and expensive, especially when compared to L2 gas costs.
- Use of ZK-SNARK Proofs: Discusses the use of ZK-SNARK proofs, which are more efficient than Merkle proofs but still relatively expensive.
- Special-Purpose KZG Proofs: Delves into the mathematical details of special-purpose KZG proofs, which perform well on L2 and are shorter than ZK-SNARKs.
Verkle Trees and Aggregation
- Verkle Trees: Explains how Verkle trees work, including their structure and proof length. Highlights the possibility of harmonizing data structures.
- Aggregation of Proofs: Discusses the potential for aggregating proofs to save gas, outlining different scenarios and costs associated with aggregation.
Actionable Insights
- Emphasize Cross-L2 Support: Focus on developing L1 + cross-L2 support, wallet security, and privacy as core features of the ecosystem.
- Explore Efficient Proof Schemes: Investigate various proof schemes, including ZK-SNARKs and special-purpose KZG proofs, to find the most cost-effective and efficient solution.
- Consider Verkle Trees: Evaluate the use of Verkle trees for harmonizing data structures and potentially reducing proof length and complexity.
- Implement Aggregation: Consider implementing aggregation of proofs to save gas and improve efficiency in cross-chain transactions.
