Key Highlights

  • Sonic is an EVM-compatible L1 blockchain, whose consensus mechanism ensures high throughput and security.

  • According to reports, the network can handle up to 400,000 transactions per second with confirmations in fractions of a second, making it suitable for decentralized finance (DeFi) and other demanding tasks.

  • Sonic introduces a fee monetization system that allows developers to earn 90% of the network fees generated by their applications.

  • The S token is the native cryptocurrency of Sonic, used for transaction fees, staking, validator operations, and governance participation.

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What is Sonic

Sonic is an EVM-compatible blockchain L1 that employs a unique consensus mechanism designed to support high throughput, security, and scalability. According to reports, the network can handle up to 400,000 transactions per second (TPS) with confirmations in fractions of a second, making it suitable for applications such as decentralized finance (DeFi).

Sonic was launched in December 2024 as a successor to the Fantom Opera network, introducing improvements in both technical design and branding. As part of the migration, Fantom users could exchange their FTM tokens for the native S token at a one-to-one ratio. The S token is used to pay transaction fees, stake, operate validators, and participate in governance.

How Sonic Works

Consensus Mechanism

Sonic employs a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism in conjunction with asynchronous byzantine fault tolerance (ABFT) and a directed acyclic graph structure (DAG).

Proof of Stake (PoS)

Sonic validators secure the network by staking tokens and can incur penalties for misconduct. They are responsible for collecting transactions, bundling them into batches, and disseminating them across the network.

Asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerance (ABFT)

Validators can reach consensus on transactions without a strict sequence of confirmations. Once a majority of validators reach consensus, transactions are confirmed, ordered, and added to the main Sonic blockchain as a permanent record.

Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG)

Instead of processing transactions one block at a time, validators can process and disseminate multiple groups of transactions in parallel. This nonlinear approach increases throughput, allowing Sonic to confirm transactions in about 2 seconds.

Database Storage

To manage storage, Sonic utilizes two types of databases: LiveDB, which holds only the current state of the blockchain, and ArchiveDB, which retains the complete history of records. Validators work with LiveDB, ensuring low storage requirements, while archive nodes maintain the full history for applications or users that need it.

A process called live pruning automatically removes outdated data from validators as the blockchain grows, helping to reduce storage requirements without sacrificing accuracy. This ensures the network operates efficiently while maintaining full access to transaction history when needed.

Compatibility with EVM

Sonic is fully compatible with the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM), allowing applications built for Ethereum to run on Sonic. The network supports smart contracts Solidity and Vyper, simplifying the creation and migration of projects for developers and opening access to the benefits of Sonic's speed and scalability.

Key Features

Sonic Gateway

Sonic Gateway is a native bridge for Sonic that connects directly to Ethereum and provides developers and users with access to liquidity from both networks. The system is designed with both speed and security in mind, featuring a unique fault-tolerance mechanism that protects user assets.

The asset transfer through the gateway involves three stages:

  • Input: users deposit tokens into the bridge. Confirmation takes about 15 minutes on the Ethereum network and only 1 second on Sonic.

  • Heartbeat: transfers are processed in batches with "heartbeat" intervals called Heartbeat. They occur every 10 minutes from Ethereum to Sonic and every hour in the reverse direction. The Fast Lane option allows for a fee to be paid for instant Heartbeat initiation.

  • Receiving: after the transfer is complete, users receive their transferred assets in the target networks and can utilize them within the Sonic ecosystem.

The bridge is designed with robust protections to ensure asset security. If the gateway is down for 14 days, users can still retrieve their funds directly to Ethereum. This 14-day period is fixed and cannot be altered by Sonic Labs or any third party — this guarantees that users retain full control over their assets.

Fee Monetization (FeeM)

Sonic introduces a fee monetization system that allows developers to earn 90% of network fees. This directly rewards developers for the activity they provide and offers a stable revenue source without the need to issue additional tokens or separate blockchains.

When a user makes a transaction, the gas fee is paid in S tokens. Validators receive 10% of this fee for securing the network, while the remaining 90% goes to the FeeM smart contract. Off-chain oracles track gas usage in applications, verify data on the network, and issue rewards after data verification. This ensures fair and transparent fee distribution, linking developer revenues directly to the actual activity of applications on Sonic.

Sonic Token

S is the native token of the Somnia network. It is used within the Sonic infrastructure and ecosystem for various purposes, including:

  • Gas Fee: S is used to pay transaction fees when interacting with applications or smart contracts on Sonic.

  • Staking: holders can stake S to secure the network. They can either delegate assets to validators or manage validator nodes themselves.

  • Validator Operations: To operate as a validator, it is necessary to lock up 500,000 S. Validators receive rewards for confirming transactions but can be penalized for misconduct or improper configuration of their systems.

  • Governance: S tokens grant holders the right to participate in decision-making, allowing them to influence updates and the future direction of the protocol.

  • Incentives for the Ecosystem: Sonic distributes S through multi-stage airdrops, rewarding users who provide liquidity and engage with DeFi applications and games.

In Conclusion

Sonic is an EVM-compatible layer 1 blockchain that delivers speed and scalability through a unique consensus mechanism. Features like Sonic Gateway and fee monetization support compatibility and incentives for developers, while full EVM support guarantees seamless migration of applications. The ecosystem operates on the S token: it is used for transaction fees, staking, validator operations, and governance, linking network activity to its overall growth.

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