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zkEVM

The key role of zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine.

What's zkEVM?

zkEVM (Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) harnesses ZK-SNARK technology to generate cryptographic proofs of execution for Ethereum-like transactions. These proofs serve multiple purposes, such as reducing the computational load required to validate transactions on Ethereum, and facilitating the creation of highly efficient and scalable ZK-rollups.

The zkEVM protocol comprises three key components:

  • Trusted Sequencer: This entity receives, orders, and batches Layer 2 transactions before submitting them to the Consensus Contract on Layer 1. Additionally, it broadcasts these batches to Layer 2 nodes for swift finality.

  • Trusted Aggregator: Responsible for computing the Layer 2 State based on the batches received from the Trusted Sequencer. It generates Zero-Knowledge proofs to ensure computational integrity and verifies these proofs before committing the Layer 2 State roots.

  • Consensus Contract (PolygonZkEVM.sol): This contract facilitates interactions between Layer 1 and Layer 2. The Trusted Sequencer stores batches in this contract, while the contract verifies proofs submitted by the Aggregator, thereby ensuring security and compatibility with Layer 1.

In the realm of Layer 2 solutions aimed at enhancing Ethereum's scalability, particularly in terms of transaction speed, gas fee reduction, and preservation of decentralization and security, Polygon zkEVM emerges as a prominent Rollup solution. It accomplishes this by integrating data availability and execution verification directly into Layer 1 of the Ethereum blockchain, thereby guaranteeing the security and reliability of Layer 2 state transitions.

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