An independent examiner has revealed shocking details surrounding the inner workings of Celsius – a crypto lender that filed for bankruptcy in July 2022. The examiner claimed that Celsius did not operate by the business model that it presented to customers. He likened it to a Ponzi scheme, much like FTX – a company that happened to have used the same accounting software: QuickBooks. The Truth About CEL Token Per a filing from examiner Shoba Pillay on Tuesday, Celsius had…
What Is a Relay Chain?
A relay chain is a type of blockchain that acts as a central hub or “relay” for multiple other blockchains to connect to and interact with. The relay chain enables cross-chain communication and transactions by allowing different blockchains to share a common set of validators, or “relayers,” responsible for verifying and propagating transactions across the network.
A practical example of a relay chain could be a network of blockchains for different supply chains participants, such as manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Each participant would have their private blockchain, but they would connect to a common relay chain. This would allow for the secure sharing of information and the execution of transactions across the different supply chains networks, such as the transfer of goods and the tracking of inventory levels.
It could also be used for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications where multiple chains can connect to a single relay and exchange assets. This is also known as interoperability in the blockchain.
Relay Chain Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits of relay chains in blockchain include:
- Interoperability: Connecting multiple blockchains to a common relay chain enables cross-chain communication and transactions, allowing for a more seamless flow of information and value between different networks.
- Increased security: Using a common set of validators, or “relayers,” across multiple network’s overall security blockchains can help increase t by distributing the responsibility for verifying and propagating transactions.
- Improved scalability: Connecting multiple blockchains to a common relay chain allows for more efficient use of resources, which can help improve the network’s overall scalability.
- Reduced complexity: Connecting multiple blockchains to a common relay chain can reduce the complexity of managing and maintaining separate networks, making it easier for organizations to adopt and utilize blockchain technology.
Drawbacks of relay chains in blockchain include:
- Centralization: A central hub, or “relay,” can create a point of centralization, making the network more vulnerable to attack or manipulation.
- Limited autonomy: Connecting multiple blockchains to a common relay chain can limit individual networks’ autonomy, making it harder for them to adapt to changing conditions or pursue different goals.
- Lack of standardization: Relay chains are a relatively new concept in blockchain, and they currently need more standardization regarding how they are implemented and managed.
- Complexity: Setting up and maintaining a relay chain can be challenging, especially for organizations new to blockchain technology.