Polygon Plans 'AggLayer,' in Bid to Synthesize Modular, Monolithic Blockchains

Polygon Labs, a developer of blockchain projects designed to help scale Ethereum, disclosed plans for a new “aggregation layer,” under a plan to create a "web" of networks that "feels like a single chain."

The new "AggLayer," set for launch next month, relies on zero-knowledge proofs, a type of cryptography that Polygon Labs is betting on as a core underpinning of future blockchain architecture.

According to a blog post on Wednesday, "aggregation synthesizes the benefits of both integrated (monolithic) and modular architectures using ZK technology."

So-called "monolithic" blockchains, including Ethereum, are vertically integrated, with functionality for transaction execution, security and data storage all included. But developers are increasingly turning to "modular" designs, where networks can strap together different components and providers to serve the various functions.

The goal of the new Polygon Labs project is to blend it all together.

"Devs can connect any layer-1 or layer-2 chain to the AggLayer, building a Web3 network that feels like a single chain with unified liquidity and practically unlimited scalability," the post reads.

The idea stems from the shortcomings of modular and monolithic blockchains, Polygon Labs said. On the AggLayer, users can buy non-fungible tokens on a different chain without having to bridge those funds by making use of ZK proofs, or send assets to participate in activities on other chains.

“Aggregation offers the sovereignty and scale of modular architectures, as well as the unified liquidity and UX of a monolithic system, synthesizing these two approaches into something novel,” Polygon Labs wrote. "UX" is short for "user experience."

Read more: Polygon 2.0 Roadmap Calls for ‘Unified Liquidity,’ Restaking, New Chains on Demand