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The landscape of the Polygon proof-of-stake (PoS) network, a prominent Ethereum scaling solution, could be on the verge of substantial evolution. Co-founder Mihailo Bjelic unveiled an ambitious plan in a recent discussion forum, proposing the migration of the existing network to a 'zkEVM validium' version.
This upgrade, if accepted, would enhance security by harnessing zero-knowledge proofs, cryptographic techniques renowned for their robust security traits. Since its debut in 2019, the Polygon PoS network has made significant strides, with more than $900 million in total value encapsulated within its contracts and exceeding two million transactions daily.
Moreover, the Polygon team unveiled a second network, the Polygon zkEVM, in March, employing zero-knowledge proof rollups for Ethereum scaling. Bjelic's new proposal aspires to bring these advanced security measures to the original PoS network, morphing it into a zkEVM (Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) variant.
This upgraded network, however, will divert from the rollup approach, as per Bjelic. Instead of condensing transaction data onto Ethereum, it will follow a 'validium' model, storing validation proofs on a layer-1 protocol and maintaining transaction data on a different chain.
This divergence is predicted to reduce transaction fees for Polygon PoS users compared to their zkEVM counterparts. By adopting Ethereum's security measures, this proposition aims to fortify Polygon PoS's security, paving the way for an enticing alternative for high-volume transactions like social media and gaming applications.
Bjelic foresees the Polygon zkEVM will be primarily used for transactions where security takes precedence, while the enhanced PoS network would cater to the needs of gaming and social media enthusiasts due to its scalability and low fees.
The timeline for this transformation, as per Bjelic, would see the proposal formalized by November, with the upgrade's implementation on the mainnet between February and March 2024.
The Polygon team's vision of a "Supernet" — a unified platform integrating several application-specific chains under "Polygon 2.0" — would further materialize with the successful launch of Polygon zkEVM and the proposed upgrade of the Polygon PoS network.
