Introduction:

ZetaChain, a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain, has positioned itself as a unique player in the blockchain space, drawing parallels with architectures like THORChain and Axelar. This article explores the high-level architecture and key features of ZetaChain, shedding light on its distinctive qualities, such as omnichain smart contracts.

Architecture Overview:

At its core, ZetaChain leverages the Cosmos SDK and CometBFT consensus. The native ZETA token serves a dual purpose, acting as both the gas payment within the ZetaChain and the staking asset. Much like THORChain, ZETA is employed as a routing token for cross-chain messaging, though not as extensively dependent on ZETA liquidity providers as THORChain. The architecture comprises two main components: ZetaCore and ZetaClient.

1. ZetaCore:

- Responsible for producing blocks and managing the L1 layer.

- Operates as the primary client in the PoS blockchain system.

2. ZetaClient:

- Facilitates cross-chain actions, including observation and signing of events.

- Nodes running ZetaClient perform three essential functions: validation, observation, and threshold signing.

Roles of Zeta Nodes:

Zeta nodes execute three distinct roles, each crucial to the platform's functionality:

- Validators:

- Standard CometBFT validators that stake ZETA and participate in block voting.

- Observers:

- Divided into sequencers and verifiers.

- Sequencers forward events from external chains to verifiers who collectively reach consensus.

- Observers must run full nodes of external chains, making Zeta node operation resource-intensive.

- Signers:

- ECDSA/EdDSA keys shared among nodes.

- Require a supermajority (2/3) consensus to sign transactions on external chains.

- Essential for asset custody and message signing on external chains.

Key Features:

The ZetaChain architecture enables two primary features:

1. Cross-Chain Message Passing (CCMP):

- Utilizes Zeta and zEVM (Zeta Ethereum Virtual Machine) as relayers for messages and the ZETA token.

- While essential, CCMP is not the main focus of ZetaChain's unique value proposition.

2. Omnichain Smart Contracts:

- Operates on zEVM, allowing for the execution of smart contracts across multiple chains.

- Zeta's competitive advantage lies in its support for omnichain EVM contracts, making it a comprehensive platform rather than a mere intermediary for cross-chain transactions.

Conclusion:

ZetaChain's architecture, driven by Cosmos SDK and CometBFT consensus, positions it uniquely in the blockchain landscape. While it supports cross-chain message passing, its true strength lies in the implementation of omnichain smart contracts through the zEVM. ZetaChain aims to be more than a transitional tool, aspiring to be the primary platform where users engage with omnichain smart contracts, setting it apart from other architectures in the space.